Age & Career Of Mia Farrow

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Age & Career Of Mia Farrow

Mia Farrow, born Maria de Lourdes Villiers Farrow on February 9, 1945, in Los Angeles, California, is an acclaimed actress, singer, and activist known for her extensive film, television, and stage career.

She rose to prominence in the 1960s with her role in the TV series “Peyton Place,” which earned her an Emmy nomination. Farrow‘s film career blossomed under the direction of Woody Allen, with whom she had a high-profile relationship and collaborated on films like “Hannah and Her Sisters” and “The Purple Rose of Cairo,” earning her critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination.

Beyond her acting, Mia Farrow is recognized for her humanitarian work, particularly her advocacy for UNICEF, where she served as a goodwill ambassador, focusing on issues like children’s rights and humanitarian aid.

Early Life & Education

Mia Farrow was born on February 9 in Los Angeles, California, into a family deeply connected to the entertainment industry, shaping her early life and career. With Irish, English, and French ancestry, Farrow was raised in a Catholic household, though her religious views have evolved into something more personal over the years.

Her father, John Farrow, was an Australian-American film director, producer, and author known for directing films like The Big Clock and winning an Academy Award for Best Screenplay for Around the World in Eighty Days in 1956. Her mother, Maureen O’Sullivan, was an Irish-American actress famous for portraying Jane in the Tarzan films of the 1930s and 1940s.

Mia was one of seven children, including actresses Prudence Farrow, who inspired The Beatles‘ song “Dear Prudence,” and Tisa Farrow, as well as brothers Patrick, Michael, and John. Her sister Stephanie passed away in infancy. She also has a sister named Felice Patricia Farrow.

Surrounded by the film industry from a young age, Mia was exposed to Hollywood’s elite, with her upbringing marked by frequent moves and an unconventional lifestyle. This environment influenced her decision to pursue acting, leading to her film debut at 19. Although her education was nontraditional, shaped by her family’s lifestyle, she quickly made her mark in entertainment, appearing as a panelist on What’s My Line? at the start of her career.

Career

Mia Farrow‘s illustrious career spans over six decades, distinguished by a wide array of roles in film, television, and theater, as well as her notable humanitarian efforts. She began her acting journey in the 1960s, gaining prominence with her portrayal of the innocent Allison MacKenzie on the television soap opera Peyton Place, which earned her an Emmy nomination in 1967 and made her a household name.

Farrow‘s film career took off in the late 1960s with her acclaimed role in Roman Polanski‘s Rosemary’s Baby (1968), a horror classic where her portrayal of the vulnerable Rosemary established her as a serious actress. Her fruitful collaboration with Woody Allen began in 1982 with A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy and continued through the 1980s and early 1990s. Notable films from this period include Zelig (1983), Broadway Danny Rose (1984), The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985), which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, and Hannah and Her Sisters (1986), which won Best Picture.

In addition to her film work, Farrow has made significant contributions to television and theater. She starred in the TV movie Goodbye, Raggedy Ann (1971), addressing drug addiction, and appeared in series like The Haunting of Hill House (2018), showcasing her enduring versatility. Her stage performances, including roles in plays like Mary Rose and The Importance of Being Earnest, have been well-received in both London and New York.

Farrow‘s career is also marked by her extensive humanitarian work. From 2000 to 2008, she was a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, championing children’s rights, particularly in conflict zones such as Darfur and Chad. Her activism has significantly influenced her public persona and career choices.

Farrow has acted less frequently in recent years, selecting roles that align with her interests or social causes. She remains active on social media and in interviews, using her platform to address global issues and maintain her dual role as both artist and activist.

Personal Life

Mia Farrow married Frank Sinatra in 1966 when she was 21, and he was 50. Despite their 29-year age difference and the marriage lasting just over two years, they remained friends until Sinatra‘s death in 1998. Farrow‘s second marriage was to composer André Previn in 1970, with whom she had three biological children—Matthew, Sascha, and Fletcher—and adopted three more, including Soon-Yi Previn. This marriage ended in divorce in 1979.

Farrow began a significant relationship with Woody Allen in 1980. Although they never married, they were together for over a decade and had one biological son, Ronan Farrow, and adopted two children, Moses and Dylan Farrow. Their relationship ended in 1992 amid controversy when it was revealed that Allen was involved with Soon-Yi Previn, Farrow‘s adopted daughter.

Mia Farrow has 14 children, combining both biological and adopted. From her marriage to André Previn, she has Matthew, Sascha, and Fletcher. They also adopted Lark, Summer “Daisy” Song, and Soon-Yi Previn. With Woody Allen, she had Ronan and adopted Moses and Dylan. Additionally, Farrow adopted Tam, Isaiah, Thaddeus, Quincy, and Frankie-Minh in the 1990s.

Standing at 6’1″, Farrow‘s height has been noted in various contexts, including her roles and personal life. Her relationship with Woody Allen was marked by their unconventional arrangement, involving both professional collaboration and family life, and ended in a highly publicized and emotional manner due to Allen‘s involvement with Soon-Yi Previn.

Throughout her life, Farrow has been linked romantically with several notable figures, including Sven Nykvist, John Phillips, Peter Sellers, Ryan O’Neal, Václav Havel, Philip Roth, Tom Stoppard, and Vidal Sassoon.

Net Worth

Mia Farrow‘s net worth has varied in reports over time, with figures ranging from $10 million to $60 million in earlier years. More recent estimates suggest her net worth is around $101 million. These variations could stem from different valuation methods or updates reflecting changes in her financial situation.

Farrow‘s wealth primarily comes from her extensive acting career, which spans over six decades and includes significant film, television, and theater roles. Her collaborations with Woody Allen in the 1980s and early 1990s notably boosted her earnings, though her compensation was lower than current standards for her fame.

Despite her considerable net worth, Farrow‘s lifestyle is relatively modest. Her home in Bridgewater, Connecticut, known as Frog Hollow, is a reflection of her preference for a simpler life amidst natural surroundings rather than luxury.

Farrow’s role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and dedication to humanitarian causes also shape perceptions of her wealth. Her focus on philanthropy might influence how her financial resources are reported or perceived.

Filmography

Movies

Rosemary’s Baby (1968) – Directed by Roman Polanski, this film is one of Farrow’s most iconic roles where she plays a young woman who believes she has been impregnated by the devil.

The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985) – Directed by Woody Allen, this film earned Farrow an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She plays a Depression-era moviegoer who falls in love with a character from a film who steps off the screen into her life.

Hannah and Her Sisters (1986) – Another Woody Allen film where Farrow stars as the title character, alongside her sister characters played by Barbara Hershey and Dianne Wiest.

Zelig (1983) – Directed by Woody Allen, Farrow plays the love interest of Leonard Zelig, a man who inexplicably transforms into anyone he’s around.

A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy (1982) – Her first film with Woody Allen, where she plays a character in a story set in the early 20th century, filled with sexual and romantic mix-ups.

Broadway Danny Rose (1984) – Again directed by Woody Allen, Farrow plays a lounge singer involved with the title character, a small-time talent agent.

The Omen (1976) – Though not as central, her role as the ill-fated Kathy in this horror classic is memorable.

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1978) – A musical fantasy film where she plays Strawberry Fields.

TV Shows

Peyton Place (1964-1966) – The TV series that first brought Farrow into the spotlight, where she played Allison MacKenzie, earning an Emmy nomination.

The Haunting of Hill House (2018) – While not a starring role, her appearance as the ghost of Poppy Hill adds to the eerie atmosphere of this Netflix series.