Danielle Macdonald

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23 Feb 2024

Danielle Macdonald

Danielle Louise Macdonald, born on May 19, 1991, is an Australian actress who has garnered recognition for her compelling lead roles in various films and television series. She first gained prominence for her portrayal of Patricia "Patti" Dombrowski in the drama film "Patti Cake$" (2017), where her performance received critical acclaim.

Macdonald continued to showcase her talent in the 2018 film "Dumplin'," in which she played the role of Willowdean Dickson. Her portrayal of the confident and charismatic character earned her further praise from audiences and critics alike.
In addition to her lead roles, Macdonald has delivered notable performances in various other projects. She appeared in the post-apocalyptic thriller film "Bird Box" as Olympia, showcasing her versatility as an actress. She also starred in the film "Skin" (2018) as Julie, further demonstrating her ability to portray diverse characters with depth and authenticity.

On the small screen, Macdonald has made appearances in the Netflix series "Unbelievable" as Amber, showcasing her range as an actress across different platforms. She also starred in the BBC One/Stan/HBO Max thriller series "The Tourist" as Helen, captivating audiences with her compelling performance.
With her talent and versatility, Danielle Macdonald continues to establish herself as a rising star in the entertainment industry, earning accolades for her memorable performances in a variety of roles.

Danielle Macdonald, born in Sydney in 1991, hails from a heritage that includes Italian and Scottish roots. She attended the Australian Institute for Performing Arts in Artarmon, New South Wales, where she honed her skills in acting and performance.
Macdonald's journey into the world of acting began with performing arts classes in grade 8. As her passion for the craft grew, she delved deeper into improv and screen classes during her grade 10 years. It was during this time that she discovered her love for acting.

At the age of 17, Macdonald decided to take her passion to the next level by attending acting classes in Los Angeles. Encouraged by her experiences and the feedback she received, she made the bold decision to move to Hollywood at the age of 18, fully committed to pursuing a career in acting. This marked the beginning of her journey into the world of film and television.

At the age of 18, Macdonald made a pivotal decision to move to Los Angeles, embarking on a journey to pursue her passion for acting. Although she initially secured a role in the ABC drama series Huge as Becca Huffstatter, her plans faced a setback when her visa did not arrive in time, preventing her from fulfilling the role.

Her breakthrough in the film industry came with her appearance in the 2013 Sundance Film Festival premiere of The East, marking her debut in feature films. Macdonald quickly made her mark with her starring role as Alice Manning in the 2014 crime film Every Secret Thing, alongside prominent actors such as Dakota Fanning, Diane Lane, and Elizabeth Banks. Her portrayal of the complex character earned her critical acclaim, with reviewers highlighting her performance as a standout element of the film.

In addition to her work in Every Secret Thing, Macdonald also showcased her talent in the drama film Patti Cake$ (2017), where she starred as the titular character, an aspiring rapper from New Jersey. The film garnered widespread praise, further solidifying Macdonald's reputation as a versatile and skilled actress. Following the success of Patti Cake$, Macdonald signed with her first Hollywood agent, marking a significant milestone in her career trajectory.
Macdonald's versatility as an actress was further demonstrated in her appearance in the season finale of American Horror Story: Roanoke (2016) as Bristol Windows. She continued to expand her repertoire with roles in various projects, including the Netflix comedy series Easy (2017), where she portrayed a rebellious teenager navigating familial conflicts.
With each new role, Macdonald continues to captivate audiences with her compelling performances and has established herself as a rising star in the entertainment industry.

In 2018, Macdonald's career continued to flourish as she appeared in two notable Netflix films. In the adaptation of the young adult novel Dumplin', she starred opposite Jennifer Aniston, portraying a character navigating the complexities of adolescence and body image. Additionally, she showcased her versatility in Bird Box, where she portrayed Olympia, a pregnant woman entangled in a fight for survival against otherworldly threats that induce suicidal impulses upon sight.

The same year, Macdonald delivered a poignant performance as Christa in the Academy Award-winning short drama film Skin, further demonstrating her ability to inhabit diverse roles with depth and authenticity.
In 2019, Macdonald's talent shone brightly as she portrayed Lillian Roxon in I Am Woman, a biopic celebrating the life of singer Helen Reddy. Embodying the spirit of resilience and determination, Macdonald captured the essence of Roxon's journey as an Australian woman pursuing her dreams in the United States, reflecting on her own experiences as an artist navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry.

Continuing her streak of compelling performances, Macdonald starred alongside Michelle Pfeiffer in French Exit (2021), showcasing her range as an actress in a captivating tale of eccentricity and familial bonds. Additionally, she impressed audiences with her role in the Ben Lewin-directed film Falling for Figaro, portraying a woman embarking on a quest to fulfill her dreams of becoming an opera singer, a character journey infused with humor and heart.
In 2022, Macdonald ventured into the world of television with her role in the series The Tourist, where she starred alongside Jamie Dornan and Alex Dimitriades. Playing the character of Helen Chambers, a dedicated police officer thrust into a mysterious investigation, Macdonald once again demonstrated her ability to command the screen with her compelling presence and nuanced portrayal of complex characters.

Danielle Macdonald's Italian heritage on her mother's side has been a significant part of her identity and upbringing, contributing to her diverse cultural background.
The catastrophic bushfires that ravaged Australia over the summer of 2019-2020 had a profound impact on Macdonald, as her cousin's house was among those destroyed. Her personal experience during this time, including the harrowing journey to safety amidst the fires, underscored the devastating effects of the natural disaster and highlighted the importance of community support and resilience in the face of adversity.

Currently residing in Los Angeles as of September 2020, Macdonald shares her home with roommates and a collection of rescue pets. Her commitment to animal welfare is evident in her lifestyle choices, as she transitioned to veganism at the beginning of 2020 after five years as a pescatarian. This decision reflects her values and dedication to living in alignment with her ethical beliefs.