Maggie Gyllenhaal, born Margalit Ruth Gyllenhaal on November 16, 1977, in the iconic city of New York, is the daughter of renowned producer and screenwriter Naomi Foner and acclaimed director Stephen Gyllenhaal. This talented actress is the older sister of notable actor Jake Gyllenhaal, and her diverse heritage is a testament to her parents' diverse backgrounds, with her mother being of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and her father having Swedish, English, and German roots.
Maggie began her acting journey at a young age, making her film debut in Waterland (1992). Throughout her teenage years, she appeared in sporadic roles, but she took a brief hiatus to attend Columbia University, where she graduated with honors in literature in 1999. Additionally, she briefly studied at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, which greatly assisted her transition back into the acting world.
Following her graduation, Maggie landed supporting roles in Cecil B. Demented (2000) and Donnie Darko (2001). Her breakthrough performance came in 2002 with the title role in Secretary, earning her a Golden Globe nomination. This was followed by supporting roles in 40 Days and 40 Nights (2002),Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002),Adaptation. (2002),and Mona Lisa Smile (2003),among other notable films. Maggie received her second Golden Globe nomination for her portrayal of a recent prison parolee in Sherrybaby (2006).
Maggie continued to impress audiences with her performances in World Trade Center (2006),Stranger Than Fiction (2006),and The Dark Knight (2008). In 2009, she received widespread acclaim for her role in Crazy Heart, earning her first Oscar nomination. Since then, she has appeared in Nanny McPhee Returns (2010),Hysteria (2011),and Won't Back Down (2012).
