Mary Elizabeth Winstead is a gifted American actress. Her initial appearance on screen transpired in the late 90s, in the television series "Touched by an Angel." Early recognition for the actress came from her roles in horror films, such as "Monster Island," "The Ring Two," and "Final Destination 3." Her true breakthrough role was Ramona Flowers in "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World."
Mary Elizabeth Winstead
Childhood
Born on November 28, 1984, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Mary Elizabeth Winstead moved with her family to Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of five. As a young child, she developed a passion for singing and, following her participation in the production of "The Nutcracker," began studying ballet.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead as a kid
At the age of 11, her mother enrolled her in the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City. It was there that the young girl developed a genuine love for dancing and started to express interest in the art of acting.
Mary during her childhood
Thanks to her charisma and determination, Winstead joined the principal cast of a Broadway theater. Her debut as a budding actress featured a pivotal role in the play "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." The production met with success, and by the age of 13, the young girl seriously contemplated a career in the film industry.
Acting Career
Mary Elizabeth Winstead's debut is marked by a fleeting role in the television series "Touched by an Angel." Though her appearance was brief, the sensation she experienced while watching the recorded footage captivated her, prompting her to continue her efforts. Soon after, she made appearances in the TV series "Promised Land" and "Passions."
Until 2003, the budding actress landed only minor roles, such as those in "The Long Road Home," "Checking Out," and "Then Came Jones."
Mary Elizabeth Winstead Shares Her First Love
In 2004, the adventure comedy "Monster Island" featuring Carmen Electra was released. Critics dismissed the film with its half-century outdated special effects, yet Mary's unparalleled performance and striking appearance garnered attention.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead in Monster Island
In 2005, she appeared in the horror film "The Ring Two," portraying a young Evelyn (Sissy Spacek's character). The following year, she starred as the lead actress in another horror film, "Final Destination 3." Her character, high school student Wendy Christensen, sensed the impending catastrophe that would befall her friends. Subsequently, she had a supporting role in the horror film "Black Christmas."
Mary Elizabeth Winstead in Final Destination 3
At the age of 23, the actress starred in Quentin Tarantino's "Death Proof," playing Lee Montgomery, an aspiring actress who, along with her best friends, devises a revenge plan against the deranged stuntman Mike (Kurt Russell), responsible for their friend's death. The audience was treated to a generous dose of dark humor and spectacular explosions.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead in Death Proof
In the summer of 2007, Mary appeared in the action thriller "Live Free or Die Hard" alongside Bruce Willis. Following the premiere, she was invited to pose for the glossy magazine "FHM."
Quentin Tarantino on Mary Elizabeth Winstead's acting and singing skills
In 2008, the actress played a pivotal role in the drama "Make It Happen," transforming into a dancer aspiring to attend a prestigious school.
In 2010, she starred in the comedy "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World," based on popular comics. Her portrayal of the eccentric Ramona Flowers with a mysterious past was, without exaggeration, a breakthrough.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Ramona Flowers
The 2011 horror film "The Thing" led to her being dubbed the "scream queen," a moniker for actresses pursued in horror films. The story unfolds in Antarctica, where scientists discover an extraterrestrial ship. The situation spirals out of control when a truly terrifying creature escapes.
A still from The Thing
In 2012, on the set of the film "Smashed," Mary met Aaron Paul. They were to play a passionate couple united by their love for music and alcohol.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Aaron Paul
This was followed by lead roles in two films: "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" and "The Beauty Inside." The year 2013 proved less intense, allowing the actress to appear in three films with only brief appearances: "A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III," "A.C.O.D.," and "A Good Day to Die Hard."
The actress also auditioned for the role of Wonder Woman in the film adaptation of "Justice League" but ultimately lost the part to Israeli model Gal Gadot.
In the spring of 2014, Winstead landed the lead role in the drama "Alex of Venice." This time, she was to transform into a lawyer trying to please everyone after divorcing her husband. Just a few months later, the actress starred alongside Jeremy Renner in the action thriller "Kill the Messenger." The film, based on real events, tells the story of Gary Webb, an unknown journalist who stumbles upon top-secret information that could implicate the government in cocaine trafficking.
A still from Kill the Messenger
The year 2016 proved fruitful for Mary Elizabeth Winstead, as she appeared in several interesting projects. She starred in the thriller "10 Cloverfield Lane." After an accident, her character, Michelle, wakes up in an unknown location. A mysterious stranger convinces her that the world has been invaded by aliens who have wiped out all life on the planet, and only here is she safe. Another "prisoner" (John Gallagher Jr.) lives in the basement with her, and together they soon begin to doubt the truthfulness of their captor.
10 Cloverfield Lane: Mary Elizabeth Winstead Official Movie Interview
In the summer, the actress began filming the series "BrainDead," a sci-fi saga about a young journalist who witnesses an alien insect attack on prominent American politicians, turning them into madmen after the incident.
In July 2016, the film "Swiss Army Man," starring Daniel Radcliffe and Paul Dano, was released. The unconventional and provocative film received mixed reviews and became one of the most memorable premieres of the season.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead in Swiss Army Man
Personal life of Mary Elizabeth Winstead
For a long time, Mary Elizabeth Winstead's partner was director and screenwriter Riley Stearns. The couple met during a cruise in 2002. They lived together for many years and finally legalized their relationship in November 2010. In 2014, the couple worked together on the film "Faults," in which Winstead played a key role, and Stearns directed the shooting.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Riley Stearns
In the spring of 2017, it became known that the couple had separated. "We have decided to end our marriage but remain best friends and colleagues for the rest of our lives," the actress commented on the divorce news. Soon after, she was spotted on a date with actor Ewan McGregor. They met on the set of the TV series "Fargo."
A few days after tabloids published photos of Mary and Ewan together, it was revealed that McGregor and his wife, Eve Mavrakis, were divorcing. An anonymous source close to the family clarified that they had separated in May of the same year. When McGregor received a Golden Globe Award for his role in "Fargo" in January 2018, he thanked his ex-wife and also noted that without Mary Elizabeth Winstead, his character Ray would not have existed. After receiving the award, he embraced his new love.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Ewan McGregor
While the actor's ex-wife remained silent, his daughter Clara did not hold back her emotions. Under one of Winstead's photos, she commented, "The most beautiful and talented woman on Earth? Oh god, you're all delusional. She's a piece of trash."
Ewan McGregor and Mary Winstead perform at the 2021 Go Gala
In February 2020, the film "Birds of Prey" was released, featuring both Ewan McGregor and Mary Elizabeth Winstead.
In 2021, the couple welcomed their son
On June 27, 2021, the couple welcomed their son Laurie. Clara, who initially had a negative reaction to her stepmother, posted a photo holding the baby and congratulated the new parents. In April 2022, it was revealed that Ewan and Mary had a secret wedding.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead Now
In 2021, the thriller "Kate" was released on Netflix, in which Mary Elizabeth Winstead played the main role – the assassin Kate, seeking revenge on her poisoners.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead in Kate
In addition, in 2023, the series "Ahsoka" set in the Star Wars universe was released, in which the actress portrayed Hera Syndulla.
