**Maggie Gyllenhaal** (New York, November 16, 1977) is an American actress and director, known for her versatility and her penchant for complex and often unconventional roles. She has successfully balanced independent productions with major commercial successes.

She gained early recognition with *Donnie Darko* (2001), alongside her brother Jake. Her breakthrough role came with *Secretary* (2002), where she portrayed a bold and vulnerable character, earning critical acclaim. She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in *Crazy Heart* (2009).

Other notable films include *The Dark Knight* (2008), *Sherrybaby* (2006) – for which she earned a Golden Globe nomination – and the TV series *The Deuce*. Her acting style is distinguished by its authenticity and her ability to bring emotional depth to female characters who are often resilient yet flawed. More recently, she has embarked on a directorial career, debuting with the critically acclaimed *The Lost Daughter* (2021).