Rooney Mara Phoenix was born on April 17, 1985 in Bedford, New York.
Mara came from a family of extraordinary wealth, with her father’s side of the family founding the New York Giants, and her mother’s side founding the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Mara’s granduncle, Dan Rooney, previously served as chairman of the Steelers.
Mara went to George Washington University for her freshman year of college, ultimately deciding to transfer to New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study for the remainder of her schooling.
Rooney’s sister, Kate Mara, has found great success in Hollywood. Rooney has previously revealed that Kate’s success was an inspiration to her early in her career.
Rooney’s first television role came in a 2006 episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Mara would later get a lead role in “Tanner Hall,” which was a career breakthrough.
In 2010, Mara gave an exceptional performance in David Fincher’s “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” leading to worldwide praise and a Golden Globe nomination.
Mara later founded Faces of Kibera, a philanthropic effort which provides essential needs and care for Kenyan orphans located in Nairobi.
Mara is currently engaged to “Gladiator” star Joaquin Phoenix.
