ELIZABETH SUSKI
Special to the Leader
Lights. Camera. Action!
Academy Award-nominated actress Mary McDonnell visited Fredonia over homecoming weekend. McDonnell attended Fredonia and graduated in 1974.
Born and raised in Ithaca, N.Y., McDonnell chose Fredonia because she needed to go to a state school, and she wanted to be closer to her family.
“I had a sister at Buffalo State at that time,” said McDonnell.
McDonnell loved the charm that Fredonia offered as well as the nature that surrounded it. To her, it felt like the right place to be.
While many students know that they want to go to school for theater, McDonnell did not. She didn’t enter college thinking that it was something that she wanted to do for the rest of her life. Yet, when she took an introduction course, she fell in love.
“I loved acting and the energy of it, especially when I realized I was good at it,” she said.
One of her favorite roles was the one she played in “Dances with Wolves” as the character Stands With A Fist, the native daughter of two American settlers.
“I got to study American history and learn about the culture of Native Americans. There was something really extraordinary about it,” said McDonnell.
After playing a Native American character, McDonnell became more thoughtful and more aware of the implications of a personality. She also learned that you should keep your personality to yourself and only share it with a few.
McDonnell inspires many students that go to school at Fredonia including sophomore acting major Cameron Forster.
“I think it’s so cool that she is coming back. I heard of her, and now I might actually get the chance to see her. I think it’s a little more special to me because she majored in what I am majoring in now,” said Forster.
McDonnell may be known for her role in “Major Crimes” where she played Commander Sharon Raydor, a police officer. During her time on the show, she created a podcast to address fans unanswered questions.
But now Mary is going to the other side of television and has decided to become a producer.
“I’m entering my third act, and now I want to work as a producer and look at the stories that matter,” said McDonnell. “A young actor should keep a part of themselves hidden from everyone else because if you don’t, then the mystery you carry will get lost.”
One great accomplishment that McDonnell achieved while acting is raising a family.
“Being able to raise a beautiful family while acting is hard, but it’s not a crazy thing to do,” said McDonnell.
Looking back, McDonnell wishes she had taken a few business courses to help her out.
“You have to know how to make money last. The actors who have lasted for a while are the ones that made sound choices. Also, the acting business is very cut-throat, and you are your own business.”
Although life has taken McDonnell unexpected places, she will never forget her roots in Fredonia.