Gyllenhaal, Maggie (1977– )

US actor. Known for her appealing vulnerability, offbeat beauty, and intelligence, she followed her critically acclaimed performance in the successful independent film Secretary (2002) with strong supporting roles in such films as Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002), Casa de los Babys (2003), and Mona Lisa Smile (2003).

Part of a family of film professionals, Gyllenhaal was born in New York City and grew up in Los Angeles, California. Her parents are screenwriter Naomi Foner and director Stephen Gyllenhaal. Her feature debut was in the drama Waterland (1992), directed by her father, and she also appeared in his films A Dangerous Woman (1993) and Homegrown (1998). She starred with her actor brother, Jake Gyllenhaal, in the cult indie film Donnie Darko (2001). Her role as the sadomasochistic secretary in Secretary, opposite US actor James Spader, earned her a Golden Globe nomination.

She received her BA in English and Eastern Religion from Columbia University, New York, in 1999, and studied briefly at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA), London, England. Other films include Cecil B Demented (2000), Riding in Cars with Boys (2001), 40 Days and 40 Nights (2002), and Adaptation (2002).