Mary Elizabeth Winstead (born November 28, 1984) is an American actress and singer. Her first major role was that ofJessica Bennett on theNBC soap operaPassions (1999–2000). She came to wider attention for her roles in the horror seriesWolf Lake (2001–2002), the horror filmsFinal Destination 3 (2006) andDeath Proof (2007), and the slasher filmBlack Christmas (2006); by the end of the 2000s she had gained a reputation as ascream queen.
Winstead was born on November 28, 1984, inRocky Mount, North Carolina. Her parents are Betty Lou (née Knight) and James Ronald Winstead[1][2] She is the youngest of their five children.[3] Her grandfather, Ambler William Winstead, was a cousin of actressAva Gardner.[4] When she was five years old, her family moved toSandy, Utah, a suburb ofSalt Lake City.[2][5] In Sandy, she attended Peruvian Park Elementary and took advanced classes.[5] She studied dance in aJoffrey Ballet summer program inChicago[5] and sang in the International Children's Choir.[6] During her youth, she hoped to pursue a career as a ballerina and appeared in local ballet productions.[5] As she entered her teens, she was forced to quit ballet due to her height. She later said, "I realized pretty early on that I was already too tall by the time I was 13... You know, your body has to stay that way for your entire life, and it's pretty hard on your muscles and your bones."[2] Realizing a dance career was unlikely, she turned to acting.[2] As she was still a teenager at the time, this required her to behomeschooled through most of high school.[7][8]
Winstead appeared in a production ofJoseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat starringDonny Osmond.[9] After her brief performance in that show, Winstead began making appearances in various television series and earned guest roles inTouched by an Angel andPromised Land. She gained her first major role asJessica Bennett in theNBC soap operaPassions, from 1999 to 2000. She left to pursue other interests, later stating, "I really had one of the smallest roles onPassions, so I didn't get too involved... I was able to leave pretty easily".[10] Winstead's next significant television role was in the short-livedCBS drama seriesWolf Lake (2001–02), as the daughter ofTim Matheson's character.[11] The series was canceled after ten episodes. In 2004, Winstead played a supporting role inMTV'smade-for-television filmMonster Island. She was offered a role in the filmA Cinderella Story, but turned it down as she had just graduated from school and was going on a cruise with friends (where she met Riley Stearns, her future husband).[12]
Following a minor role in theindiecomedyChecking Out (2005), she took on a larger role as a school senior turned the main antagonist in theWalt Disney Pictures filmSky High, about an airborne school for teenage superheroes. Winstead said of her role, "I bounced around. I was either the hero of the sidekicks or the sidekick to the heroes."[13] The film was released on July 29, 2005, receiving favorable reviews, and budgeted at US$35 million, it grossed US$63.9 million domestically.[14]
Winstead then began working with filmmakersJames Wong andGlen Morgan, previously known for their contributions toThe X-Files. She starred in the 2006horror movieFinal Destination 3 (which Wong directed and Morgan produced) as lead characterWendy Christensen,[15] the "beleaguered heroine who experiences the premonition" that sets the story in motion.[16] The production was a commercial success, but received a mixed response from critics.[17] Winstead's performance fared positively with reviewers;[18]James Berardinelli stated she "does as competent a job as one could expect in these dire circumstances,"[19] while Felix Gonzalez, Jr found her "likeable" in her role.[20] Winstead would collaborate again with Morgan and Wong later that year, in the slasher filmBlack Christmas. The movie, a loose remake of the 1974film of the same name, follows a group of sorority sisters who are stalked and murdered by the house's former inhabitants during a winter storm. It received poor reviews, but earned her a nomination forScream Queen at the 2007Scream Awards.[21] Winstead got a chance to lampoon horror scream queens whenTonight Show hostJay Leno, unaware of who she was, knocked on her front door and included her in a comedy segment spoofing horror films.
Winstead at the premiere ofGrindhouse in Austin, Texas, March 2007
In 2007, Winstead appeared in a pair of high-profile event films.Quentin Tarantino cast her as a well-intentioned but vapid and naïve actress inDeath Proof, his high-speed segment of the double–featureexploitation horrorGrindhouse.[26] She appeared alongsideRosario Dawson,Tracie Thoms,Zoë Bell, andKurt Russell in the movie's second part, which followed apsychopathicstunt man, played by Russell, stalking and murdering young women. It is the second film to feature Winstead with Russell (afterSky High), although she only filmed scenes with Dawson, Thoms, and Bell. The production under-performed commercially but attracted significant media buzz and critical acclaim,[27][28]Variety magazine noted thatDeath Proof "proves its worth as a stand-alone feature" and found Winstead's "emergence" to be "one agreeable plus [to the movie]".[29][30] Her next film appearance of the year was oppositeBruce Willis inLive Free or Die Hard,[3] portrayingJohn McClane's estranged daughter,Lucy. The movie grossed US$383.5 million and was highly acclaimed.[31][32]
She starred in a lead role inMake It Happen, adance film. The film wentstraight to DVD in the United States, and fared poorly in its UK release.[33][34] Nevertheless, it proved a delight for Winstead, who once dreamed of being a dancer.[citation needed] Critics agreed that she was the film's best asset. Reviewer Mike Martin wrote, "Winstead infuses every moment with an amazing amount of charm".[35] Matthew Turner ofViewLondon wrote, "[Winstead] compensates for the generally poor direction."[36]
Winstead co-starred oppositeMichael Cera in the filmScott Pilgrim vs. the World, an adaptation of the comic-bookScott Pilgrim, under the direction ofEdgar Wright.[37] Her role wasRamona Flowers, a mysterious delivery girl and Scott's love interest. Winstead went through fight training for two months and performed most of her own stunts.[38] Filming occurred from March[39] to August 2009,[40] and the film was released in late 2010, to critical acclaim but poor box office returns. Winstead's performance was well received generally, and earned her aTeen Choice Awards nomination forChoice Actress Action.[41]
Winstead was cast as the lead female in the 2011prequel film to 1982'sThe Thing,[42][43] which followed a group of scientists who discover an alien buried deep in the ice of Antarctica, realizing too late that it is still alive. Winstead portrayed paleontologist Dr. Kate Lloyd, a character she based on her sister, a neurologist.[44][45] The production received a U.S. theatrical release on October 14, 2011, garnering a mixed critical reception and little commercial interest.[46][47] Critics singled out Winstead for praise in her performance,[48] withLas Vegas Weekly asserting that she "makes for an appealing protagonist, and Kate is portrayed as competent without being thrust into some unlikely action-hero role".[49]
Winstead appeared oppositeAaron Paul inSmashed, anindependent drama directed byJames Ponsoldt about a married alcoholic couple (Paul and Winstead) whose relationship is put to test when the wife decides to get sober.[50] She said that the film was shot in 19 days.[51] Screened during the2012 Sundance Film Festival,[52] Winstead's performance earned her rave reviews,[53] withJoBlo.com calling it: "the type of performance that could be Award-worthy if given the right kind of build-up by whichever studio picks it up".[54] The film was released theatrically on October 12, 2012,[55][56] and saw Winstead snagging theDallas International Film Festival Award for Best Actress. During a promotional interview for the movie with websiteCollider, she expressed pride in working on an independent project: "It's something I've been trying to do for years and years [...] It's almost likemy first movie in a weird way, cause it's my first movie in this world, which is a world I've been trying to break into. [I've wanted] to be around filmmakers that are trying new things and not part of the system, so to speak, and they're doing things on their own terms."[57]
Winstead played the role ofMary Todd Lincoln oppositeBenjamin Walker inAbraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.[58] The film, also released in 2012, received a mixed critical response while it flopped at the box office.[59][60] Nevertheless, critics praised Winstead's performance. TheSan Jose Mercury News called Winstead "a standout",[61] and theIllinois Times film critic wrote, "Winstead humanizes Mary [Todd Lincoln] by giving her a fiery wit and sense of resolve in the face of considerable adversity".[62] Winstead was commended for scenes opposite Benjamin Walker, withLittle White Lies writing that they shared: "a sweet chemistry that gives their handful of scenes an endearing warmth".[63]In 2012, Winstead andTopher Grace appeared inThe Beauty Inside, an "interactive social film". It was broken into six filmed episodes interspersed with interactive storytelling, all on Alex (the main character)'sFacebook timeline. He awakes each day with a different appearance; Winstead appeared as Leah, Alex's love interest. Theweb series served as an advertising campaign forIntel andToshiba; it ran from August 16 through September 20, 2012.[64][65]
Winstead at the Entertainment Weekly CapeTown Film Festival
Winstead was also cast inRoman Coppola'sA Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III (2013), as Kate, "the best friend of [Charlie Sheen's] girlfriend who just broke up with him. She is not so supportive of their relationship."[66] The film reunited her withJason Schwartzman andAubrey Plaza, her collaborators onScott Pilgrim vs. the World. Winstead next co-starred withAdam Scott,Richard Jenkins,Jane Lynch,Jessica Alba,Amy Poehler, andCatherine O'Hara inA.C.O.D. (2013), portraying Lauren Stinger, the "long-time girlfriend of Carter (Scott) and the rock in his increasingly chaotic life."[67] Although the film received mixed reviews,[68] Winstead's acting was singled out by theWashington Post: "Winstead brings surprising depth to a small role, in which she has little to do except wait for her boyfriend to grow up, or to at least let go of his cynicism about love."[69]Screen Rant critic Ben Kendrick wrote: "[Winstead] and [Alba] also deliver in their contributions – though both of their characters are mainly designed to be mirrors for Carter to examine his own life and choices."[70]A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III andA.C.O.D. both received a limited theatrical run in North America.[71]
Winstead collaborated again with James Ponsoldt inThe Spectacular Now (2013) as Holly, the sister ofMiles Teller's lead character.[72] She appeared withBrie Larson, her co-star inScott Pilgrim vs. the World, and withShailene Woodley,Kyle Chandler, andBob Odenkirk. The film garnered critical acclaim and was an arthouse success.[73][74][75][76] Next, Winstead briefly reprised her role in the filmA Good Day to Die Hard (also 2013), shooting her scenes in only one day.[51][77][78] Winstead stated in an interview withYahoo! that she was not expecting another sequel but "[had fun reprising] the father-daughter rapport."[79] Winstead's scene was only available in the theatrical version, and was cut from theunrated version.
In 2014, Winstead was given the title role inAlex of Venice, directed byChris Messina and penned byJessica Goldberg. She played "an environmental lawyer who is left to raise her 12-year-old son alone after her husband bolts."[80] Premiering at the 57thSan Francisco International Film Festival,[81] reviews for the film were mostly positive, with many critics praising Winstead's part in it;[82][83]Variety magazine called her performance "extraordinary", saying the film: "belongs to Winstead, whose minor-key thesping proves as compelling as her heavy lifting inSmashed. Alex's gradual metamorphosis into a richer, more fully realized young woman is accomplished in hundreds of tiny emotional brushstrokes, flitting across her girl-next-door wholesomeness in ever-shifting patterns".[84] WebsiteTwitch Film wrote:
[Winstead] has matured from her early roles in horror films, to more impressive fare such asSmashed. She has grace, courage, knows how to move the audience and the camera loves her. While her resume up 'til now is a mix of blockbusters (Final Destination 3,Live Free or Die Hard) and indie favorites (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World), this will change as she continues to grow into her profoundly blossoming career. This is an actress ready to do great things. As Alex, she always wears a look of determination, even when she's exhausted and losing the new battles thrown at her: learning how to be alone, taking care of her family and keeping the job she's worked her entire life for. Alex is a tender soul but does her damnedest to keep it together. It's an admirable trait not many can do, let alone be challenged with.[85]
By January 2015, Winstead had been already cast as a series regular onA&E'sU.S. remake of theFrench drama seriesThe Returned, withSandrine Holt andAgnes Bruckner. The adapted show followed residents in a small town whose lives are disrupted when people who have been dead for many years begin reappearing. It premiered on March 9, 2015, for a 10-episode run, to mostly critical acclaim.[91][92] The series was cancelled after its first season though, due to low ratings.[93] Also in 2015, she also made a guest-appearance on theAugust 6 episode ofIFC'sComedy Bang! Bang! ("Mary Elizabeth Winstead Wears an A-Line Skirt and Pointy Black Boots").[94]
Winstead next portrayed the leading role ofMary Phinney inPBS'historical dramaMercy Street. The six-part series, about two volunteer nurses on opposing sides of theCivil War, premiered on-demand on January 14, 2016, and made its broadcast debut three days later, on January 17.[95] It rated favorably with reviewers,[96] who also showed praise of Winstead's performance;Variety magazine described her as the "smart, capable center around whichMercy Street pivots" and therefore noted that she was "so good that it's hard not to wish the show had pared down the sheer number of storylines it attempts to service in its six installments".[97] The show was renewed for a second season,[98] which premiered on January 22, 2017,[99] and was cancelled after its finale aired.
Winstead headlined the psychological thriller10 Cloverfield Lane,[100] appearing as Michelle, a woman held in a shelter with two men, who claim the outside world is affected by a widespread chemical attack. The film, directed byDan Trachtenberg,[101] was released on March 11, 2016, to a widely positive reception from critics who, according to websiteRotten Tomatoes, agreed that the movie "makes the most of its confined setting and outstanding cast".[102]Daily Express found Winstead "sympathetic" and remarked that she "creates a character who is smart and resourceful",[103] while writer James Berardinelli called her a "good choice" to play the heroine as she is "strong yet feminine".[104]10 Cloverfield Lane had the highest debut at the box office for Winstead in a leading role, with over US$24 million grossed on its opening weekend;[105] it went on to gross US$72 million in North America and US$110.2 million worldwide.[106]
Winstead appeared inSwiss Army Man, an independent comedy-drama directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert. The film, co-starringDaniel Radcliffe andPaul Dano, follows a hopeless man stranded on an island who befriends an apparent dead body as he tries to get back home.[107] It premiered at the 2016Sundance Film Festival and was released in selected theaters on June 24, to a positive reception.[108] Winstead also had a role inJohn Krasinski's small-scale dramedyThe Hollars, opposite Richard Jenkins,Anna Kendrick,Mary Kay Place, andMargo Martindale.[109] She played the ex-girlfriend of Krasinski's struggling New York Citygraphic novelist, who returns to his hometown after learning his mother has fallen ill.[110] LikeSwiss Army Man, the production was screened at Sundance and received a limited U.S. theatrical release in August 2016.[111]
Winstead in 2017
Winstead appeared in CBS'political comic thrillerBrainDead, as leading character Laurel, "the daughter of a Democratic political dynasty who leftWashington, D.C. to become a documentary filmmaker, but is pulled back into the family business when her brother needs political help".[112] The series received mildly positive reviews by critics,[113][114] withNew York Magazine calling Winstead's casting the "smartest decision the makers made",[115] andThe A.V. Club said that she "makes an eminently watchable, formidable heroine".[116] Despite a largely positive critical response, the series debuted to lackluster ratings and after the airing of its 13-episode first season,[117][118] CBS announced its cancellation.[119]
Winstead starred oppositeEwan McGregor in thethird season ofFargo as Nikki Swango, "a crafty and alluring recent parolee with a passion for competitive bridge playing with a plan, focused on always being at least one move ahead of her opponents".[120][121][122] The season is set around December 2010 inMinnesota and follows the lives of McGregor and Winstead's criminal couple roles; it premiered on April 19, 2017,[123] to positive reviews.[124] In an interview withVariety, Winstead spoke of the character, "I'd never played a character like this. Once I was on set and doing it, it was so easy but it took all the elements coming together for me to feel confident and comfortable."[125]
In April 2019, Winstead joined the cast ofNetflix action filmKate as the titular lead character.[136] The film was released in September 2021[137] to lukewarm reviews, but Winstead was praised for her performance.[138]
Winstead has expressed her interest in singing, but initially did not plan on pursuing it as a career. "I wasn't ever really going to be a singer, but it's just something I've always loved."[141] For her part in 2007'sDeath Proof, Tarantino had Winstead sing ana cappella cover ofThe Shirelles' hit recording "Baby It's You".[142] She was asked without warning to perform the song and the cast were reportedly "gob-smacked" by her singing. Winstead andmusic producer Thai Long Ly eventually co-wrote a song, called "Warmth of Him".[143] Although first rumored to be apre-release single, Winstead confirmed that she was just exploring her interest and did not plan at the time on releasing anymusic albums.
In an interview withComplex magazine for the June/July 2012 issue, Winstead revealed she was working withDan the Automator and was indeed planning on releasing a music album. The duo formed the bandGot a Girl the following year, and released their demo "You & Me" on May 21, 2013.[144] The album, titledI Love You but I Must Drive Off This Cliff Now, was released on July 22, 2014, via Bulk Recordings.[145] The first single, "Did We Live Too Fast" premiered on June 3,[146] and its music video, directed byHope Larson, premiered online on June 16.[147] The album features heavy influences ofFrench pop music, with Winstead detailing that the inspiration behind the project came from "French '60s pop—Jane Birkin, and stuff like that. It's kind of married with Dan's sensibility, which is his beats and a little bit of that low-key hip-hop vibe. So it makes for something that's very unique; it's very lounge-y and light. It's got a little bit of a French quality."[148] All lyrics were written by Winstead while all music was composed by Dan the Automator.
Winstead was also featured on the songs "The Agony" and "Look Across The Sky" onDeltron 3030's second studio albumEvent 2,[149] released on September 30, 2013.[150]
In November 2016, Honus Honus fromexperimental bandMan Man released a song onSoundCloud, "Santa Monica," that features Winstead. In December 2016,Portugal. The Man released the single and video for "Noise Pollution (Version A, Vocal Up Mix 1.3)" from their albumWoodstock, featuring Winstead and Zoe Manville.[151]
In 2010, Winstead married filmmakerRiley Stearns,[152][153] whom she had met at age eighteen on an ocean cruise.[154] She starred in and produced Stearns's debut feature film,Faults, in 2014.[80] She announced their separation in May 2017[152] and their divorce was finalized later that year.[155]
It was reported in October 2017 that she was in a relationship with Scottish actorEwan McGregor, whom she had met on the set of the third season of theFargo television series.[156] Their son was born on June 27, 2021.[157][158] Winstead and McGregor married in April 2022.[159]
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