Mary McDonnell was reknowned for her stage work on the East Coast, working with the Long Wharf Theatre Co., amongst others. It wasn't until 20 years after working on the theatre stage that she had her break through role in Costner's "Dances With Wolves." She has since received two academy award nominations.



Has taught acting classes with her husband, even after being nominated for an Academy Award... Two children: Olivia Mell and Michael Mell. Was a cast member of the medical situation comedy "E/R" (1984) and also has a recurring role on the hit 90s medical drama of nearly the same name, "ER" (1994). Though born in Pennsylvania, she was raised in Ithaca, New York. She has appeared in four films with Alfre Woodard: Grand Canyon (1991), Passion Fish (1992), Blue Chips (1994), and Mumford (1999).