Mara Wilson
Discover the journey of Mara Wilson — from child actor in Matilda to acclaimed writer, storyteller, and advocate. Explore her biography, creative work, challenges, and memorable insights.
Introduction
Mara Elizabeth Wilson (born July 24, 1987) is an American writer, playwright, voice actress, and formerly a child actor known especially for films like Mrs. Doubtfire, Miracle on 34th Street, and Matilda.
Her evolution from childhood stardom to a mature creative voice has involved candid reflections on identity, mental health, and the pressures of fame. Her memoirs, essays, and spoken performances have earned her a dedicated following beyond her early acting roles.
Early Life and Family
Mara Wilson was born in Burbank, California, to parents Suzie (née) and Mike Wilson (a broadcast engineer). She has multiple siblings.
Her mother was Jewish and her father is of Irish Catholic descent, giving her a mixed cultural background.
A formative event in her youth was her mother’s battle with breast cancer: her mother was diagnosed in 1995 and passed away in 1996, when Mara was only 8 years old. Mara has said this loss deeply affected her perspective on life, loss, and her place in Hollywood.
As a child, she was also later diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and, as reported, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
She attended John Burroughs High School and later Idyllwild Arts Academy. After high school, she went to New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, graduating around 2009.
Acting Career & Transition to Writing
Childhood Acting Breakthroughs
Mara’s interest in acting began early: when she was about 5, after watching her older brother act, she decided to try it herself.
Her first major screen role was in Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), playing Natalie Hillard, the daughter of Robin Williams’ character. She then appeared in Miracle on 34th Street (1994), in which she played Susan Walker.
Her most iconic role came in 1996, when she starred as Matilda Wormwood in the film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Matilda.
In 1997 she appeared in A Simple Wish, and in 2000 she acted in Thomas and the Magic Railroad, which became her last major film role.
Stepping Back & Embracing Writing
After Thomas and the Magic Railroad, she largely stepped away from film acting. She has said that the repetitive nature of film sets and lack of creative freedom contributed to her decision.
She took a hiatus of more than a decade before doing selective acting work, mainly in web series and voice roles.
During that period, she began writing more publicly, launching a blog (originally “Mara Wilson Writes Stuff”) and publishing essays, fiction, and later full-length books.
In 2013, she had a play produced, Sheeple, at the New York International Fringe Festival.
Her first book, Where Am I Now? True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame, was published in 2016.
In recent years, she has focused on writing, voice acting (audiobooks, podcasts), and live storytelling performances, such as her show What Are You Afraid Of?
Themes, Perspectives & Advocacy
Mara Wilson often explores in her writing topics such as:
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Identity & fame in childhood — how being known as “Matilda” affected her self-image and later life.
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Mental health & neurodiversity — openness about her experiences with OCD, anxiety, and ADHD.
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Body image, aging, and female perception — how the entertainment industry views “cute girl” roles and the shift as one grows older.
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Sexuality & self-identification — in 2016, she publicly came out as bisexual/queer, reflecting on both privacy and community responsibility.
She has also advocated for mental health awareness and spoken about the pressures child actors face in their transitions into adult life.
Notable Quotes
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On why she loved writing before acting:
“Even at 9, I was writing … I always knew I wanted to be an author.”
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On leaving acting:
“Film acting is not very fun … Doing the same thing over and over again until the director says, ‘get it right,’ doesn’t allow much creative freedom.”
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On coming out:
“I came out as bisexual/queer… I’d rather it were me — who can afford therapy and this platform — getting harassed for being who I am than a young LGBTQ kid.”
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On her mother’s death and impact:
“Matilda was dedicated to my mom … I don’t think I could have acted through that grief if I had no support.” (Implied in interviews)
Legacy & Influence
Mara Wilson’s journey resonates with many for several reasons:
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A voice beyond child stardom: Many child actors fade; Wilson reinvented herself as a writer and storyteller whose work is valued on its own terms.
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Honesty & relatability: Her candidness about mental health, identity, and fame helps others feel less alone in similar struggles.
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Advocacy by example: By using her platform for causes like mental health, LGBTQ+ visibility, and the well-being of former child actors, she leverages her story for change.
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Cultural nostalgia & reinterpretation: Her early films remain beloved; her reflections help audiences reconsider the impact of those works on children and popular culture.
Though still relatively young, she has already shaped a narrative of growth, introspection, and creative autonomy.
Conclusion
Mara Wilson is much more than a former child star; she is a multi-faceted writer, performer, and advocate who continues to evolve. Her ability to pivot from iconic roles in Matilda and Mrs. Doubtfire to a mature, authentic voice is a testament to resilience and self-discovery.