A Star Was Born (Reluctantly)
Mara Elizabeth Wilson was born in Burbank, California, in 1987 — the fourth of five kids in a middle-class family. Her mother, Suzie, was a homemaker and her father, Mike, an engineer. Acting wasn’t the plan; it was her idea.
When her older brother landed a commercial, five-year-old Mara wanted in.
Soon, she was auditioning for Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) — and booked it. Her performance as Natalie Hillard, the sweet daughter of Robin Williams’ character, was pure charm.
Critics loved her. Hollywood came calling.
Then came Miracle on 34th Street (1994), where she replaced the original classic’s wide-eyed innocence with sharp intelligence. By nine, she’d starred in three major studio films.
And then… came Matilda.