Mia Farrow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mia Farrow
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Farrow in 2018
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Maria de Lourdes Villiers Farrow
February 9, 1945 Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1959–present |
| Political party | Independent |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Partner(s) | Woody Allen (1980–1992) |
| Children | 14, including Soon-Yi, Moses and Ronan |
| Parent(s) | |
| Relatives |
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| Awards | Full list |
Maria de Lourdes Villiers "Mia" Farrow (born February 9, 1945) is an American actress and activist. She first became well-known for her role as Allison MacKenzie in the TV show Peyton Place. She gained more fame for her marriage to singer Frank Sinatra.
Mia Farrow's early film roles include Rosemary in Rosemary's Baby (1968), for which she was nominated for important awards. Throughout the 1970s, she appeared in films like The Great Gatsby (1974) and Death on the Nile (1978). She also received many awards for her roles in films directed by Woody Allen, such as The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985) and Alice (1990).
Since the 2000s, Farrow has appeared in TV shows like Third Watch (2001–2003) and films such as The Omen (2006). She also appeared in the Netflix series The Watcher (2022). Mia Farrow is also famous for her important work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. She helps with humanitarian efforts in places like Darfur and the Central African Republic. In 2008, Time magazine named her one of the most influential people in the world.
Contents
Early Life and Family Background
Maria de Lourdes Villiers Farrow was born on February 9, 1945, in Los Angeles, California. She was the third child and oldest daughter of Australian film director John Farrow and Irish actress Maureen O'Sullivan. She is one of seven children.
Mia Farrow grew up in Beverly Hills, California, in a strict Catholic home. Her family described her as a creative child. When she was two, she appeared in a short film called Unusual Occupations: Film Tot Holiday (1947).
At nine years old, she got polio during an outbreak in Los Angeles County. She was in isolation for three weeks. She later said this experience "marked the end of [her] childhood."
In 1958, her family moved to Spain for a short time. Her father was filming John Paul Jones (1959). Mia Farrow, then 13, had a small, uncredited role in the movie. Later that year, she and her sister Prudence went to a boarding school in England.
In October 1958, Mia Farrow's oldest brother, Michael, died in a plane crash. After his funeral, she returned to boarding school.
When Farrow was 16, she returned to the United States. She continued her education at an all-girls Catholic school in Los Angeles. She later studied at Bard College.
During this time, her parents faced financial difficulties. Her mother moved to New York City to act in Broadway shows. Her father stayed in California and died the next year from a heart attack when Mia was 17.
After her father's death, the family had little money. Mia Farrow started working to help support herself and her siblings. She first worked as a fashion model. She then began acting in theater, as a replacement in a New York play called The Importance of Being Earnest.
Acting Career
Early Roles and Big Break (1963–1969)
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Mia Farrow tried out for the role of Liesl von Trapp in The Sound of Music (1965), but she did not get the part. She began her acting career in movies with supporting roles in the 1960s. Her first credited appearance was in Guns at Batasi (1964).
In the same year, she became a star on the popular TV show Peyton Place. She played Allison MacKenzie. Farrow left the show in 1966 after marrying Frank Sinatra. She was 21 and he was 50. She then appeared in her first main role in the British spy film A Dandy in Aspic (1968).
Mia Farrow's first leading film role was in the horror movie Rosemary's Baby (1968). The movie was very successful and is considered a classic horror film. She won several awards, including the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actress. This made her a well-known leading actress. Critics praised her performance, with one calling it "electrifying."
After Rosemary's Baby, Farrow was set to play Mattie in True Grit. However, she decided to leave the role because the director had a reputation for being difficult with actresses. The role then went to another actress.
Farrow's other films from the late 1960s include Secret Ceremony (1968) and John and Mary (1969). For John and Mary, she received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical.
Theater and Mainstream Success (1970–1979)
In the early 1970s, Mia Farrow performed in many classic plays in London. She joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1971. She played Joan of Arc in a production at the Royal Albert Hall. She was the first American actress to join this famous company.
In 1971, she also appeared in the British horror film See No Evil. Farrow starred in the TV film Goodbye, Raggedy Ann (1971). In 1972, she appeared in the French film Dr. Popaul and in Carol Reed's Follow Me!. On stage, she played the lead in Mary Rose (1972) and Irina in The Three Sisters (1973).
Farrow played Daisy Buchanan in the 1974 film The Great Gatsby. The movie was a big success, earning over $25 million in the United States. She continued her stage work, appearing in The Marrying of Ann Leete (1975) and Ivanov (1976). She also played Peter Pan in the TV musical film Peter Pan (1976).
In 1978, Farrow had a supporting role in the comedy A Wedding. She also starred in the disaster film Avalanche and the British mystery Death on the Nile. In 1979, Farrow appeared on Broadway in the play Romantic Comedy.
Working with Woody Allen (1980–1992)
Starting in the 1980s, Mia Farrow worked with director Woody Allen on many of his films.
For Broadway Danny Rose (1984), Farrow changed her look and used an Italian-American accent. She received good reviews for this role and was nominated for a Golden Globe Award. Farrow also voiced the main character in the animated film The Last Unicorn (1982). She had a supporting role in the superhero film Supergirl (1984).
Farrow worked with Allen again for The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985). In this film, a movie character comes to life and falls in love with a waitress played by Farrow. She earned a BAFTA nomination and a Golden Globe nomination for her role. Allen then cast Farrow as the lead in his drama Hannah and Her Sisters (1986). This film was a box-office hit and was praised by critics. Farrow earned her third BAFTA nomination for this role.
In 1987, Farrow appeared in two more Allen films: the comedy Radio Days and the drama September. In 1989, Farrow starred in a part of Allen's film New York Stories. She also had a supporting role in his film Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989).
Her next role for Allen was in his fantasy film Alice (1990). This was their 11th film together. In Alice, Farrow plays a woman who tries herbal medicine to deal with her problems. Critics highly praised her performance, and she won a National Board of Review award for Best Actress. The next year, Farrow appeared in Allen's comedy Shadows and Fog.
Farrow had a main role in Allen's drama Husbands and Wives (1992). This was Mia Farrow's last film with Woody Allen.
Later Film, TV, and Stage Work (1993–Present)
Mia Farrow worked less often in the 1990s to focus on raising her children. However, she still appeared in several films. These included the Irish film Widows' Peak (1994) and the comedy Miami Rhapsody (1995).
In 1995, Farrow also had a main role in the film Reckless.
In 1997, Farrow published her autobiography, What Falls Away. She had a small appearance as herself in the comedy Private Parts. She appeared on television in Miracle at Midnight (1998), a story about the Rescue of the Danish Jews during the Holocaust. Critics praised her performance. Farrow was then cast as a woman with Alzheimer's disease in the TV film Forget Me Never. Her portrayal earned her a Golden Globe nomination. In 1999, Farrow appeared in the comedy Coming Soon.
In November 1999, Farrow returned to Broadway in a staged reading of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?.
In the 2000s, Farrow appeared on television. She had a recurring role on the series Third Watch from 2000 to 2003. Farrow also appeared in the TV film A Girl Thing (2001) and the Lifetime film The Secret Life of Zoey (2002). She also performed in a touring play called The Exonerated. She had a supporting role in the children's TV film Samantha: An American Girl Holiday (2004).
In 2006, Farrow played Mrs. Baylock in the horror film The Omen. Her performance was widely praised. One review said she was "chillingly believable as a sweet-talking nanny from hell."
Farrow then appeared as a mother in the romantic comedy The Ex (2007). She also voiced Daisy Suchot in the animated film Arthur and the Invisibles (2007).
The next year, Farrow appeared in Be Kind Rewind (2008). She also narrated the documentary film As We Forgive (2008), which tells stories of Rwandan genocide survivors. In 2009 and 2010, Farrow reprised her voice role as Daisy Suchot in the Arthur sequels. She was also cast in the comedy-drama Dark Horse.
In September 2014, Farrow returned to Broadway in the play Love Letters. Her performance was highly praised. In 2016, Farrow appeared in an episode of the TV series Documentary Now!. In 2022, Farrow appeared in the Netflix series The Watcher. It was announced that Farrow would return to Broadway in the play The Roommate in August 2024.
Film and TV Roles
Here are some of Mia Farrow's selected film and TV roles:
- Guns at Batasi (1964) (first credited role)
- Rosemary's Baby (1968)
- Secret Ceremony (1968)
- A Dandy in Aspic (1968)
- John and Mary (1969)
- See No Evil (1971)
- The Great Gatsby (1974)
- Peter Pan (1976)
- Avalanche (1978)
- A Wedding (1978)
- Death on the Nile (1978)
- The Last Unicorn (1982)
- Sarah (1982)
- Zelig (1983)
- Supergirl (1984)
- Broadway Danny Rose (1984)
- The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985)
- Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
- Radio Days (1987)
- September (1987)
- Another Woman (1988)
- Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989)
- Alice (1990)
- Shadows and Fog (1991)
- Husbands and Wives (1992)
- The Omen (2006)
- Be Kind Rewind (2006)
- Arthur and the Invisibles (2007)
- Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard (2009)
- Arthur 3: The War of the Two Worlds (2010)
Humanitarian Work
Mia Farrow became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2000. She is a strong supporter of human rights in Africa, especially for children. She works to raise money and awareness for children in areas affected by conflict. She also helps draw attention to the effort to eradicate polio.
Farrow has received several awards for her humanitarian work. These include the Leon Sullivan International Service award and the Lyndon Baines Johnson Moral Courage Award. In 2006, Farrow and her son Ronan visited Berlin for a charity auction. In 2008, Time magazine named her one of the most influential people in the world.
She has traveled to Darfur many times to help with humanitarian efforts, starting in 2004. Her third trip was in 2007, with a film crew making the documentary Darfur: On Our Watch. That same year, she helped start the Olympic Dream for Darfur campaign. This campaign aimed to highlight China's support for the government of Sudan. The campaign hoped to change China's policy before the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
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In March 2007, China said it would encourage Sudan to work with the international community. The campaign convinced director Steven Spielberg to step down as an artistic adviser for the Olympics opening ceremony. During the Olympics, Farrow broadcast from a Sudanese refugee camp online to show China's involvement in the region.
Later in 2007, Farrow offered to "trade her freedom" for a humanitarian worker's freedom in Sudan. She wanted to be taken captive if it meant he could leave the country. Farrow is also on the board of the Darfur Women Action Group (DWAG).
In 2009, Farrow narrated a documentary called As We Forgive. It tells the stories of survivors of the Rwandan genocide who tried to forgive those who harmed their families. To show support for the people of Darfur, Farrow began a water-only fast on April 27, 2009. She aimed to fast for three weeks but stopped after twelve days on her doctor's advice. In August 2010, she gave testimony in the trial against former Liberian President Charles Taylor.
Farrow helped create The Darfur Archives. These archives document the cultural traditions of the tribes in Darfur. She has filmed many hours of songs, dances, and stories from refugee camps. Since 2011, the Archives have been kept at the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center at the University of Connecticut.
In 2013, Farrow spoke out about the lack of attention to the Sudanese genocide at the United Nations General Assembly. In February 2015, Farrow appeared in an episode of A Path Appears, a PBS documentary series. In the episode, Farrow visited Kibera, Kenya's largest slum, to share stories about organizations helping girls get an education.
Farrow has also been involved in environmental activism. In 2014, she protested against Chevron, accusing the oil company of causing environmental damage in the South American rainforest.
Personal Life
Beliefs and Politics
Mia Farrow was raised Catholic. In a 2013 interview, she said she had not "lost her faith in God." In 1968, when she was 23, Farrow spent time at the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in Rishikesh, India. She studied Transcendental Meditation there. Her visit gained worldwide attention because all four members of The Beatles were also there. The behavior of her sister Prudence during this trip inspired John Lennon to write the song "Dear Prudence".
Farrow has said she is a registered Independent. However, she has often voted for Democratic candidates. In the 2016 Democratic presidential election, Farrow supported Bernie Sanders. Later, she said she would vote for Hillary Clinton. Farrow also supported Joe Biden during the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries.
Marriages and Relationships
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Frank Sinatra
On July 19, 1966, Mia Farrow married singer Frank Sinatra in Las Vegas. Farrow was 21 years old, and Sinatra was 50. Sinatra wanted Farrow to stop acting, and she initially agreed. She joined him while he filmed movies. However, she soon wanted to act again and signed on for Rosemary's Baby.
Filming for Rosemary's Baby took longer than planned. This angered Sinatra, who had cast Farrow in his film The Detective (1968). When Farrow did not show up for filming, Sinatra replaced her with another actress.
In November 1967, while Farrow was filming Rosemary's Baby, Sinatra's lawyer gave her divorce papers. Their divorce was finalized in August 1968.
Farrow later said their age difference caused the marriage to end. She called herself an "impossibly immature teenager" when she married Sinatra. They remained friends until Sinatra's death.
André Previn
On September 10, 1970, Mia Farrow married conductor and composer André Previn in London. She was 25, and he was 41.
Farrow began a relationship with Previn while he was still married to his second wife, Dory Previn. When Farrow became pregnant, Previn left Dory and filed for divorce. Farrow gave birth to twin sons in February 1970. Previn's divorce from Dory was finalized in July 1970.
Previn and Farrow divorced in 1979.
Woody Allen
In 1980, Farrow began a relationship with film director Woody Allen.
Several of her family members appeared in Allen's films, including her mother, Maureen O'Sullivan.
Their relationship ended in 1992.
Children
| Farrow's children |
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 Matthew Previn (born February 26, 1970) |
| Sascha Previn (born February 26, 1970) |
| Lark Previn (adopted 1973; born February 15, 1973; died December 25, 2008) |
| Fletcher Previn (born March 14, 1974) |
| Summer "Daisy" Previn (adopted 1976; born October 6, 1974) |
| Soon-Yi Previn (adopted 1977; born c. October 8, 1970) |
| Moses Farrow (adopted 1980; born January 27, 1978) |
| Dylan Farrow (adopted 1985; born July 11, 1985) |
| Ronan Farrow (born December 19, 1987) |
| Tam Farrow (adopted 1992; born 1979; died 2000) |
| Isaiah Farrow (adopted 1992; born February 3, 1992) |
| Thaddeus Farrow (adopted 1994; born December 16, 1988; died September 21, 2016) |
| Kaeli-Shea "Quincy" Farrow (adopted 1994; born January 19, 1994) |
| Frankie-Minh Farrow (adopted 1995; born February 4, 1989) |
| indicates biological child |
Mia Farrow has fourteen children: four biological and ten adopted. She and her former husband André Previn have three biological sons: twins Matthew and Sascha (born February 26, 1970), and Fletcher (born March 14, 1974). Sascha graduated from Fordham University, and Fletcher, a graduate of Connecticut College, became a top executive at IBM. Farrow and Previn adopted Lark Song Previn and Summer "Daisy" Song Previn from Vietnam in 1973 and 1976. They also adopted Soon-Yi from Korea in 1977.
In 1980, after her divorce from Previn, Farrow adopted Moses Farrow, a two-year-old Korean orphan with cerebral palsy. In 1985, Farrow adopted Dylan Farrow (born July 1985). In December 1991, a New York City court allowed Woody Allen to co-adopt Dylan and Moses.
With Allen, Farrow gave birth to her fourth biological child, son Satchel Ronan O'Sullivan Farrow (later known as Ronan Farrow), on December 19, 1987. In a 2013 interview, Farrow suggested Ronan could "possibly" be the biological child of Frank Sinatra. However, Sinatra's daughter Nancy later dismissed this idea as "nonsense."
Between 1992 and 1995, Farrow adopted five more children: Tam Farrow; Kaeli-Shea Farrow (later known as Quincy Maureen Farrow); Frankie-Minh; Isaiah Justus; and Gabriel Wilk Farrow (later known as Thaddeus Wilk Farrow).
Tam Farrow died in 2000 at age 21 from cardiac arrest. On December 25, 2008, Lark Previn died at age 35 from complications of HIV/AIDS. On September 21, 2016, Thaddeus Farrow was found dead in his car in Connecticut at age 27.
Farrow has six biological granddaughters from her and Previn's sons. She also has nine grandchildren from her adopted children.
See Also
In Spanish: Mia Farrow para niños
