Mia Farrow, American actress, activist, and former fashion model

Maria de Lourdes Villiers "Mia" Farrow, born on February 9, 1945, is a distinguished American actress, dedicated activist, and former fashion model. With a career spanning over five decades, she has graced the screen in more than 50 films, earning widespread acclaim and numerous accolades, including a prestigious Golden Globe Award. Her talent has also been recognized with three nominations for the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs).

Beyond her celebrated acting career, Farrow is globally recognized for her profound humanitarian commitment as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Her extensive work in this role has seen her undertake critical humanitarian missions, notably in conflict-affected regions such as Darfur, Chad, and the Central African Republic, advocating tirelessly for children's rights and welfare. Her significant global impact was acknowledged in 2008 when Time magazine named her one of the world's most influential people.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

The eldest daughter of the acclaimed Australian film director John Farrow and the revered Irish actress Maureen O'Sullivan, Mia Farrow grew up in Beverly Hills, California, under a strict Catholic upbringing. Her innate elegance led her to a successful career as a fashion model during her teenage years. Farrow first captured public attention with her breakout role as Allison MacKenzie in the popular television soap opera Peyton Place, which aired from 1964 to 1966. This role quickly established her as a rising star in American television.

Her official feature film debut in Guns at Batasi (1964) further cemented her burgeoning career, earning her a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Female, a testament to her immediate impact in cinema. At the age of 21, Farrow's life gained significant media attention when she married the legendary singer and actor Frank Sinatra. Their two-year marriage was a prominent subject in the celebrity news of the time.

Breakthrough and Acclaim in Film and Theatre

Mia Farrow's career trajectory soared with her iconic portrayal of Rosemary Woodhouse in Roman Polanski's groundbreaking psychological horror film Rosemary's Baby (1968). Her compelling and vulnerable performance in this cinematic masterpiece earned her significant critical praise, including nominations for both a BAFTA Award and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. This role solidified her status as a serious and versatile performer. Following this success, she received a third Golden Globe nomination for her performance in the romantic comedy John and Mary (1969).

In a historic move in 1971, Farrow became the first American actress ever to join the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company, showcasing her formidable stage talent as Joan of Arc in a production of Jeanne d'Arc au bûcher. Her distinguished theatrical career continued with notable performances in productions such as Mary Rose (1972), Anton Chekhov's Three Sisters (1973), and another Chekhov play, Ivanov (1976), further demonstrating her range and commitment to the stage. Throughout the 1970s, Farrow also continued to star in several prominent films, including the opulent 1974 film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel The Great Gatsby and Robert Altman's ensemble comedy A Wedding (1978).

Collaborations with Woody Allen and Later Career

A significant period in Mia Farrow's artistic life began in 1979 when she commenced a relationship with acclaimed filmmaker Woody Allen. This partnership evolved into a prolific creative collaboration spanning over a decade, during which she starred in 13 of his films. Their first collaboration was A Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy (1982). Farrow received numerous critical accolades for her nuanced performances in many of Allen's most celebrated films. These included Golden Globe Award nominations for her roles in Broadway Danny Rose (1984), The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985), where she played a memorable character who steps out of a film, and Alice (1990). She also garnered a BAFTA nomination for her work in the critically lauded film Hannah and Her Sisters (1986).

After separating from Allen in 1992, Farrow made public allegations that he had sexually assaulted their seven-year-old adopted daughter, Dylan. While she retained custody of Dylan, Woody Allen was never charged with a crime and has consistently and vigorously denied the allegation. These claims received significant renewed public attention and discussion after Dylan recounted the alleged assault in a widely publicized 2013 interview.

Since the 2000s, Mia Farrow has continued to make occasional appearances in film and television, including a recurring role on the police drama series Third Watch (2001–2003). Her film work during this period includes supporting parts in the horror remake The Omen (2006), the comedy Be Kind Rewind (2008), and the independent drama Dark Horse (2011). In 2014, she returned to Broadway in a revival of A.R. Gurney's play Love Letters. Throughout her later life, Farrow has dedicated substantial periods to raising her numerous adopted and biological children, alongside her continued fervent involvement in humanitarian efforts abroad, particularly focusing on human rights issues in various African countries.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mia Farrow

What is Mia Farrow primarily known for?
Mia Farrow is widely known for her extensive acting career, particularly her roles in films like Rosemary's Baby and numerous collaborations with Woody Allen. She is equally famous for her passionate activism and humanitarian work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, especially her efforts in African nations.
What awards has Mia Farrow won or been nominated for?
Mia Farrow has won a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year for Guns at Batasi. She has also received multiple Golden Globe nominations, including for Best Actress in Rosemary's Baby, John and Mary, Broadway Danny Rose, The Purple Rose of Cairo, and Alice. Additionally, she has been nominated for three BAFTA Awards, notably for her performance in Rosemary's Baby and Hannah and Her Sisters.
What significant humanitarian work has Mia Farrow engaged in?
As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Mia Farrow has dedicated considerable effort to humanitarian causes, particularly focusing on human rights and child welfare in Africa. Her work includes significant advocacy and visits to conflict-affected regions like Darfur, Chad, and the Central African Republic, bringing global attention to crises and advocating for vulnerable populations.
When did Mia Farrow join the Royal Shakespeare Company?
Mia Farrow made history in 1971 by becoming the first American actress to join the Royal Shakespeare Company, where she performed as Joan of Arc in Jeanne d'Arc au bûcher, marking a significant milestone in her theatrical career.