Trivia

Was a competitive and synchronized swimmer as a child and still swims to keep in shape.

Went to the United Nations with Edward James Olmos. to raise profile of humanitarian concerns.

The role of Laura Roslin in Battlestar Galactica (2004) was written with her in mind. She was the first actor offered the role by creator Ronald D. Moore.

Plays the First Lady during a devastating attack by aliens in Independence Day (1996), and the President after a devastating attack by robots in Battlestar Galactica (2004).

After graduation, she moved to New York City. While looking for acting work, she supported herself by selling Fuller brushes door to door in Rockefeller Center. In the classic struggling-actress tradition, she also worked as a waitress.

Has taught acting classes with her husband, Randle Mell, even after being nominated for an Academy Award.

Twice played alongside a non-human named Boomer; a dog in Independence Day (1996) and a Cylon in Battlestar Galactica (2004).

Gave birth to her 1st child at age 35, a daughter Olivia Mell on October 4, 1987. Gave birth to her 2nd child at age 42, a son, Michael Elliott Mell, on August 26, 1994. She shares them with her husband Randle Mell.

Listed as one of twelve "Promising New Actors of 1990" in John Willis' Screen World, Vol. 42.

Was offered the part of May-Alice Culhane in Passion Fish (1992) before it was even written.

Has appeared in four films with Alfre Woodard: Grand Canyon (1991), Passion Fish (1992), Blue Chips (1994) and Mumford (1999).

Was a cast member of the medical drama E/R (1984) and also had a recurring role on the 1990s medical drama of nearly the same name, ER (1994).

Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, McDonnell and her family lived for a time just outside Philadelphia in Upper Merion Township, where she attended Port Kennedy Kindergarten, 1957-58. The family then moved to Ithaca, New York. McDonnell attended Attended Fredonia State University (SUNY-Fredonia).

Has been a huge fan of Vanessa Redgrave since the 1970s.