Patricia Rooney Mara is an American actress and animal rights activist. Born into the Rooney and Mara sports business families, she graduated from the Gallatin School of Individualized Study in 2010. She began acting in television and independent films, such as the coming-of-age drama Tanner Hall, and first gained recognition for a supporting role in David Fincher's biographical drama The Social Network.Mara had a career breakthrough when she starred as Lisbeth Salander in Fincher's thriller The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, which earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her career progressed with leading roles in the thriller Side Effects, the science fiction romance Her, and the romantic drama Carol. For the latter, she won the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress and received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She has since appeared in the biographical drama Lion, the supernatural drama A Ghost Story, and portrayed Mary Magdalene in the biblical drama Mary Magdalene.Mara is known for her charity work and oversees the Uweza Foundation, which supports empowerment programs for children and families in the Kibera slum of Nairobi. She is also the founder of the vegan clothing line Hiraeth Collective.