Rooney Mara at a Glance
- Categories: Celebrities > Actors, Celebrities
- Net Worth: $20 Million
- Birthdate: Apr 17, 1985 (39 years old)
- Birthplace: Bedford
- Gender: Female
- Profession: Actor
- Nationality: United States of America
- Height: 5 ft 2 in (1.6 m)
Rooney Mara’s Net Worth: A Deep Dive into Her Career, Family Fortune, and Ventures
Introduction: Rooney Mara’s Multifaceted Success
Rooney Mara is an accomplished American actress whose talent and dedication have earned her critical acclaim and a substantial net worth. Born into a family with deep roots in American professional football, Mara has carved her own path in Hollywood, establishing herself as a versatile and respected performer. This article delves into Rooney Mara’s net worth, exploring her career highlights, family background, personal life, and entrepreneurial endeavors.
Early Life and Education: Laying the Foundation
Patricia Rooney Mara was born on April 17, 1985, in Bedford, New York. She grew up in a family of five children. She attended Fox Lane High School, graduating in 2003. After high school, Mara took part in a learning program and traveled across Central and South America for several months. This experience broadened her perspectives and fostered a global outlook. She began her higher education at George Washington University before transferring to New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study. At NYU, she pursued studies in psychology, international social policy, and nonprofit organizations, eventually graduating in 2010.
During her formative years, Mara developed a passion for acting, inspired by classic movies and musical theater. She was also influenced by her older sister, Kate Mara, who had already embarked on a successful acting career. Rooney initially avoided pursuing acting professionally, but she appeared in several student films while at NYU, and began auditioning for major roles at the age of 19.
Acting Career: From Independent Films to Hollywood Stardom
Mara’s journey in the film industry began with small roles, including extra work. She steadily gained experience and moved on to more prominent roles. Her professional acting debut came in 2006, with an episode of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” She followed this with guest appearances in “Women’s Murder Club” and “The Cleaner.” Her first film role was in “Dream Boy.”
After a guest role in “ER,” Mara secured her first starring role in “Tanner Hall.” This was followed by roles in films such as “Youth in Revolt,” “Dare,” “The Winning Season,” and the remake of “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” These early roles helped hone her skills and build a solid foundation for her future success.
“The Social Network” and Beyond: Key Roles and Critical Acclaim
Mara’s breakthrough role came in 2010 with David Fincher’s “The Social Network.” She played Erica Albright, one of Mark Zuckerberg’s early girlfriends. This role gave her significant exposure and led to more high-profile opportunities. She gained further recognition with roles in “Millennium” and “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” The latter, based on Stieg Larsson’s novel, earned over $232 million on a $90 million budget. Mara received high praise for her performance in the film and was nominated for a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for Best Actress.
In 2013, Mara starred in the critically acclaimed film “Her,” alongside Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, and Scarlett Johansson. She continued to choose diverse roles in films such as “Side Effects,” “Ain’t Them Bodies Saints,” and “The One I Love.” In 2015, Mara played Tiger Lily in “Pan,” a role that sparked controversy due to its original Native American origins.
That same year, she shared the Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival for her performance in “Carol.” She also showcased her voice acting abilities in the stop-motion animated film “Kubo and the Two Strings” in 2016. Mara’s career continued with roles in “Una,” “Lion,” and “The Secret Scripture.” In 2017, she appeared in “The Discovery,” “A Ghost Story,” and “Song to Song,” demonstrating her versatility and dedication to her craft.
In 2018, Mara starred with Joaquin Phoenix in “Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot.” She collaborated with Phoenix on “Mary Magdalene” and the animal rights documentary “Dominion.” Her commitment to animal rights reflects her personal values, as Mara, like Phoenix, is a vegan.

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Relationships and Personal Life: A Bond with Joaquin Phoenix
In 2016, Rooney Mara began a relationship with actor Joaquin Phoenix. The couple co-starred in “Her” and other projects, forming a strong personal and professional bond. In 2017, they moved in together in the Hollywood Hills. They got engaged in 2019 and welcomed their first child in 2020, solidifying their family life.
Real Estate Ventures: Buying and Selling in Los Feliz
In 2017, Rooney Mara listed her Los Feliz home for sale, with an asking price of $3.8 million. She had purchased the property in 2015 for $2.9 million and completed considerable renovations. Despite the efforts, she was unable to find a buyer initially and lowered the asking price after several months. The house, with 2,340 square feet of living space and built in 1963, was eventually purchased by Kelly Osbourne for $3.575 million in 2018.
Family Wealth and Legacy: NFL Dynasties and Billion-Dollar Fortunes
Rooney and her sister Kate come from a wealthy family with a long history of entrepreneurial ventures. Their extended family is known as the “Rooney and Mara business family.” Rooney’s great-grandfathers founded and owned the New York Giants and the Pittsburgh Steelers, respectively. The extended family’s ownership stakes in these two NFL teams have led to a collective net worth of billions of dollars. The Mara and Rooney families’ involvement in professional football has left a lasting impact on American sports.
Their father, Timothy Rooney, serves as the vice president of player personnel for the New York Giants. Their maternal grandfather, Timothy Rooney, has been running the Yonkers Raceway & Empire Casino since 1972. Many family members work in these organizations. Notable cousins include U.S. Representative Tom Rooney and Florida State Representative Patrick Rooney Jr.
Hiraeth Collective: Rooney Mara’s Vegan Clothing Line
Beyond her acting career and charity work, Rooney Mara is an entrepreneur. She founded the Hiraeth Collective, a vegan clothing line launched in 2018. The brand, which includes shoes, accessories, and clothing, is designed by Mara, Sara Schloat, and Chrys Wong. Hiraeth Collective reflects Mara’s values and provides another avenue for her creative expression and business acumen.
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Conclusion: A Star with Substance
Rooney Mara’s net worth reflects her success in the film industry, her family’s wealth, and her entrepreneurial spirit. From her early roles to her acclaimed performances in films like “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” and “Carol,” Mara has established herself as a leading actress. Her commitment to her craft, her family’s legacy, and her personal values have all shaped her career and her net worth. Rooney Mara is a star with substance, continuously making an impact both on and off the screen.