Maria de Lourdes Villiers Farrow, known professionally as Mia Farrow, is an American actress and singer celebrated for her compelling performances and significant contributions to film and humanitarian efforts. Born on February 9, 1945, in Los Angeles, California, she is the daughter of director John Farrow and actress Maureen O'Sullivan. Farrow first gained prominence for her role as Allison MacKenzie in the groundbreaking prime-time soap opera Peyton Place, which aired from 1964 to 1966, marking her as a notable figure in American television.
Farrow's film career began to flourish with her iconic performance as Rosemary Woodhouse in Roman Polanski's psychological horror film Rosemary's Baby (1968). This role not only solidified her status as a leading actress but also earned her nominations for a BAFTA Award and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. Throughout the 1970s, she continued to establish her cinematic legacy with notable performances in films such as Follow Me! (1972), The Great Gatsby (1974), and Death on the Nile (1978). Her personal life also attracted media attention, especially her brief marriage to legendary singer Frank Sinatra from 1966 to 1968.
In the 1980s, Farrow entered a significant relationship with filmmaker Woody Allen, with whom she collaborated on thirteen films, beginning with A Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy (1982). Her performances in films such as Broadway Danny Rose (1984), The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985), and Alice (1990) garnered her additional Golden Globe nominations. She also appeared in critically acclaimed films like Hannah and Her Sisters (1986), Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989), and Husbands and Wives (1992). However, her relationship with Allen became controversial when she publicly accused him of sexually abusing their adopted daughter, Dylan Farrow, in 1992, a claim that Allen has consistently denied.
In the years following her high-profile relationships, Farrow transitioned into various projects, appearing in television series like Third Watch from 2001 to 2003. She has also taken on supporting roles in films such as The Omen (2006), Be Kind Rewind (2008), and Dark Horse (2011), showcasing her enduring talent in the industry. More recently, she appeared in the Netflix series The Watcher (2022) and returned to the stage in the Jen Silverman play The Roommate (2025), for which she received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Play.
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Farrow is deeply committed to humanitarian work, serving as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Her advocacy for children's rights and international humanitarian issues has garnered her recognition, including being named one of Time magazine's most influential people in the world in 2008. Throughout her multifaceted career, Mia Farrow has not only left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry but has also dedicated herself to making a positive impact on the world.