Patricia Rooney Mara (born April 17, 1985 in Bedford, New York) is an American actress.
The younger sister of fellow actress Kate Mara, she is named after the last names of her paternal and maternal families; her great-grandfathers, Art Rooney Sr. and Tim Mara, founded the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Football Giants, respectively. (Kate has the same surnames, but Rooney made sure to not even use her given one, saying she never felt like a "Tricia" and "Rooney" is more memorable.)
She began her career acting in television and independent movies. Her first major starring role was as Nancy in A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010), and she gained notable recognition for her role as Erica Albright, Mark Zuckerberg's ex-girlfriend, in David Fincher's The Social Network. She had only two scenes in that movie, but apparently Fincher was impressed enough to cast her in the lead role of Lisbeth Salander in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011), which was his next film. Her career has continued from there with prominent roles in works of a variety of genres.
Mara also oversees a charity called Faces of Kibera that helps orphans from the Kibera slum in Kenya.
She is engaged to Joaquin Phoenix, and gave birth to their son in September 2020. He was named River for Joaquin's late brother. In February 2024 they reportedly were expecting a second child.
Her Films:
- Tanner Hall (2009) as Fernanda
- Youth in Revolt (2009) as Taggarty
- A Nightmare On Elm Street (2010) as Nancy Holbrook
- The Social Network (2010) as Erica Albright
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) (2011) as Lisbeth Salander
- Aint Them Bodies Saints (2013) as Ruth Guthrie
- Side Effects (2013) as Emily
- her (2013) as Catherine
- Trash (2014) as Olivia
- Pan (2015) as Tiger Lily
- Carol (2015) as Therese Belivet
- Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) as The Sisters
- Una (2016) as Una
- Lion (2016) as Lucy
- The Secret Scripture (2016) as Rose
- Song to Song (2017) as Faye
- A Ghost Story (2017) as M
- Don't Worry He Won't Get Far On Foot (2018) as Annu
- Mary Magdalene (2018) as Mary Magdalene
- Nightmare Alley (2021) as Molly Cahill
- Women Talking (2022) as Ona
This actress's work provides examples of:
- Deadpan Snarker: A few of her characters qualify, frequently making sarcastic remarks.
- Eerie Pale-Skinned Brunette: At times, most notably as Lisbeth Salander, her hair is darkened to black, which with her pale skin makes them look rather creepy.
- Emotionless Girl: A lot of her characters show little emotion usually.
- Huge Guy, Tiny Girl: She is quite petite at only 5'3 and she is often dwarfed by her co-stars, both male and female, as a result.
- Ms. Fanservice: A curious case as she makes a point of bringing up discussions with directors but is willing to be naked if the character would be.
- Production Posse: Arguably in David Fincher's, having been in two films and an ad campaign directed by him, and being attached at least one other production which never came to light.
- Raven Hair, Ivory Skin: Most notably as Lisbeth Salander, with darker hair to go with her pale skin and her beauty is played up.
- Shrinking Violet: A few of her characters fit this trope, being shy and very reserved.
- Those Two Actors: Has made 3 films with Joaquin Phoenix, appearing in her, Don't Worry He Won't Get Far On Foot, and Mary Magdalene.
