Mara Wilson Biography American actress Mara Wilson won the hearts of movie-going audiences when she played the lovable and sweet Natalie in Mrs. Doubtfire. Since, she has garnered praise for her work in Miracle on 34th Street as well as Matilda. Mara Elizabeth Wilson was born July 24, 1987 in Los Angeles, California. She is one of five children (siblings Danny Wilson, John Wilson, Joel Wilson, and Anna Wilson). At nine years old, Wilson tragically lost her mother to breast cancer. Wilson obtained her education from Idyllwild Arts Academy, graduating in 2005. She also attended John Burroughs High School, but it was only for two years. In 2005, she pursued her secondary education at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. She is majoring in theater. Starting her career from the age of four, Wilson began appearing in various commercials for everything from Texaco to Oscar Mayer. Deciding to begin acting in earnest, she made her onscreen debut in 1993’s hit comedy Mrs. Doubtfire. Playing the lovable young child, she appeared beside Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan, Harvey Fierstein, and Matthew Lawrence.
Transitioning into television, Wilson was next spotted playing a five-episode stint on Melrose Place as Nikki Petrova. She shared the screen with series regulars Courtney Thorne Smith, Heather Locklear, and Laura Leighton. In 1994, she scored another role in A Time to Heal. The drama starred Nicollette Sheridan and Gary Cole. But it was later that year that really put Wilson on the acting map. Despite her young age, she was impressing audiences and critics, especially with her role in Miracle on 34th Street. Although Richard Attenborough, Elizabeth Perkins, and Dylan McDermott costarred, Wilson’s infectious smile and natural charm stole the show. And she put that charm to good use again in 1996 when she appeared in the Roald Dahl adaptation Matilda. Directed by Danny DeVito, Wilson played the title character beside co-leads Rhea Perlman and Embeth Davidtz. She followed with A Simple Wish in 1997 and Balloon Farm in 1999. Her most recent project was the 2000 family fantasy film Thomas and the Magic Railroad with Alec Baldwin, Cody McMains, Russell Means, and Peter Fonda.
Wilson is also noted for her appearance at the 67th Academy Awards wherein she sang “Make ‘Em Laugh” along with Kathy Najimy and Tim Curry. Beginning to explore her options as a stage actress, Wilson played the title character in a 2005 production of Cinderella. | 
