Maggie Gyllenhaal was born in Los Angeles, California, the youngest of five children. She grew up in foster homes. Her parents divorced when she was three, and her younger sister, Anna-Louise, was left with foster parents for several years. Maggie Gyllenhaal was raised by her grandparents, after her biological mother died when she was nine. The family had several members: her parents, their two other sisters, and their son, Frank.
Maggie Gyllenhaal studied acting at the University of Southern California, for four years. After graduation, she worked first as a secretary and then assistant director in the television department of Universal Studios, but she always longed to be a full-time actress. In 1986, at age twenty-two, Maggie Gyllenhaal landed a small role in a relatively unknown TV drama, “E.T.” which went on to become one of the year’s biggest hits. Following the success of “E.T,” Maggie Gyllenhaal became one of Hollywood’s most in demand leading ladies, appearing in such movies as “A Few Good Men,” “Singles,” “A Few Good Men Comes Home,” and “A Time To Kill.”
Maggie Gyllenhaal’s breakout role was in the crime thriller “The Mask.” She played the attractive, yet pitiful character of Stephanie, who was a personal friend of FBI agent John McKedrick. She also appeared in the following movies “Sidious,” “A Nightmare On Elm Street,” and “Point Break.” Maggie Gyllenhaal did not have a leading acting role in any of these films, but her popularity did not wane. Instead, Maggie Gyllenhaal began to receive positive notices for her roles in both independent films and studio films.
Maggie Gyllenhaal Measurements
| Figure Measurements | 34-24-34 in |
| Body Size | 34 inches |
| Bra Size | 32B |
| Waist Size | 24 inches (61 cm) |
| Hips Size | 34 inches (87 cm) |
| Shoe Size | 6.5 (US) |
| Height | 5′ 6″/1.68 m |
| Weight | 54 kg/119 lbs |
In 1990, Maggie Gyllenhaal was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in the acclaimed documentary “Waterfront.” The film was directed by Steven Soderbergh and chronicled the rise of a band from New York to stardom in Europe. The film featured Maggie Gyllenhaal’s first credited role, playing the pivotal role of Linusie Driver. The film was not successful but was critically praised by critics. Following the critically acclaimed “Waterfront” movie, many other actresses were able to receive an Oscar nomination for their roles in “Waterfront.”
Maggie Gyllenhaal went on to star in a number of other well-known films including “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” as well as “A Place in the Sun,” and “A Musical-Drama Crazy Heart.” She later starred in “Singles in Love,” and “The Pursuit of Happyness.” Maggie Gyllenhaal later became known as one of the co-creators of the television sitcom, “That 70s Show.” She also went on to star in a number of well-received movies including the romantic comedy “Wild Things.”
Maggie Gyllenhaal has become an accomplished and well-respected actress with various honors to her credit. She is most recognized for her role as Linusie Driver in the film “Waterfront,” and she has also received an Academy Award for her work in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Maggie Gyllenhaal lives in Los Angeles and currently divides her time between working on the set of “Waterfront” and taking care of her acting career. She is best known for her role as Linusie Driver in the film “Waterfront.” She will next be seen in the movie “Windtalkers,” which is due in June of 2009.
