Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Mary Elizabeth Winstead, born on November 28, 1984, is an acclaimed American actress and singer. Her major breakthrough came with the role of Jessica Bennett on the NBC soap opera Passions. She gained wider recognition in horror series and films like Wolf Lake, Final Destination 3, and notably the slasher film, Black Christmas, leading to her reputation as a scream queen. Her career took a turn for the better when she played John McClane's daughter in Live Free or Die Hard and Ramona Flowers in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. Her impressive performance as an alcoholic in the drama Smashed, accompanied by a string of roles in independent films solidified her standing in the industry. Aside from her acting career, Winstead has also carved a niche in the music industry, performing as part of the music duo Got a Girl with Dan the Automator. Her career spans TV roles in The Returned, BrainDead, Mercy Street, and Fargo, along with significant roles in films like Gemini Man and Birds of Prey.

Born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, to Betty Lou and James Ronald Winstead, she grew up as the youngest of five children. From an early age, she was interested in performing arts, studying dance and singing. However, due to her height, she had to quit ballet and instead focused on acting which required her to be homeschooled during her high school years. Her journey in acting began with a production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, moving on eventually to prominent roles in TV and film. Winstead's personal life includes her marriage with Riley Stearns, which ended in 2017, and subsequently a relationship with actor Ewan McGregor with whom she shares a son.