Mara Wilson, who played Matilda Wormwood in the 1996 film, is one of those names that pops up in conversations about childhood fame. Her story isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about a deliberate shift from acting to writing, and an honest conversation about mental health.
Born: July 24, 1987 ·
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California ·
Notable Films: Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), Miracle on 34th Street (1994), Matilda (1996) ·
Known As: Child actress turned writer and narrator ·
Current Role: Writer, playwright, audiobook narrator
Quick snapshot
- Continues audiobook narration and writing (People)
- Active on social media and public speaking (People)
Six key facts about Mara Wilson show the arc of a career that moved from screen to page.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mara Elizabeth Wilson |
| Birthdate | July 24, 1987 |
| Occupation | Writer, actress, audiobook narrator |
| Notable Films | Mrs. Doubtfire, Miracle on 34th Street, Matilda |
| Years Active | 1993–2000 (acting), 2016–present (writing/narration) |
| Current Projects | Audiobook narration, writing, public speaking |
What ever happened to Mara Wilson?
Early life and sudden stardom
Mara Elizabeth Wilson was born on July 24, 1987 in Los Angeles, according to Wikipedia. She began acting at age five. Her first major role was Natalie Hillard in Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), followed by Susan Walker in Miracle on 34th Street (1994) and the title role in Matilda (1996). Film database Fandango notes these three films are her most recognized child-acting credits.
Turning away from Hollywood
After her final child-acting film, Thomas and the Magic Railroad (2000), Wilson took a hiatus from acting. People reported that she stepped away from Hollywood to focus on education and writing. She graduated from Idyllwild School of Music & Arts in June 2005 and attended New York University, per IMDb.
Transition to writing and narration
Wilson returned to public life in the 2010s, focusing on voiceover work, web series, and podcasts. In 2016 she published her essay collection Where Am I Now?: True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame and narrated the audiobook edition, which runs 7 hours and 22 minutes, according to Amazon. She now describes herself as a writer, actor, and storyteller in audiobook marketplace listings (Audiobooks.com).
Wilson’s career shift is not a cautionary tale but a deliberate choice: she traded on-screen fame for control over her own narrative. The consequence for her audience is a richer, more authentic body of work.
What does Mara Wilson do today?
Writing career and published works
Wilson writes essays, short stories, and plays. Her memoir Where Am I Now? was published on September 13, 2016, and she narrated the audiobook herself (Amazon). She continues to contribute to online publications and has a growing portfolio of stage work.
Audiobook narration
Wilson has become a sought-after narrator. People quoted her saying that storytelling was her first love. She lists her audiobook credits on platforms like Audiobooks.com, where she is described as a “playwright, actor, and storyteller.”
Public appearances and social media
Wilson is active on social media, including Instagram and Twitter. Her Instagram bio reads: “Writer/Actor/Audiobook Narrator. Sounds like ‘Mars’ with an A.” She occasionally participates in interviews and events, but largely keeps a low profile.
The pattern: Wilson has replaced the constant visibility of a movie star with the selective presence of a writer and narrator. She controls her own schedule and chooses projects that align with her interests.
What is Mara Wilson’s illness?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) diagnosis
Wilson has spoken openly about being diagnosed with OCD, depression, and panic disorder at age 12. The Independent reported that she began experiencing panic attacks after filming Matilda wrapped. The International OCD Foundation confirms she was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder at an early age and has written extensively about the experience.
Anxiety and mental health advocacy
Wilson has lent her voice to Project UROK and Okay to Say, two initiatives that encourage young people to talk about mental health, according to the IOCDF. She openly discusses her anxiety in interviews and her writing, aiming to reduce stigma.
How she manages her condition
Wilson has said therapy and medication help her manage OCD and anxiety. In her essay collection and public talks, she emphasizes that mental health challenges are manageable and that speaking about them is a form of strength.
Wilson’s openness about her mental health is rare among former child stars. The trade-off: she is often reduced to her illness in headlines, but she gains a platform to help others.
How did Mara Wilson react to Robin Williams’ death?
Robin Williams as a co-star and mentor
Mara Wilson played Robin Williams’s on-screen daughter in Mrs. Doubtfire (1993). She has described him as kind, funny, and supportive on set. According to Wikipedia, she wrote a moving tribute after his death in August 2014.
Written tribute and public statements
Wilson published a heartfelt essay reflecting on Williams’s impact on her life. She called his death “like losing a family member” and praised his generosity. The tribute was widely shared and cited in media coverage of Williams’s passing.
Impact on her life and career
Williams’s death deepened Wilson’s commitment to mental health advocacy. She has said that losing someone to suicide reinforces the importance of talking openly about depression and anxiety.
The implication: Williams’s death was not just a personal loss for Wilson—it became a catalyst for her public advocacy. She uses her platform to normalize conversations about mental health, a cause Williams himself supported.
Are Danny DeVito and Mara Wilson still friends?
Connection from ‘Matilda’ set
Danny DeVito directed and co-starred with Wilson in Matilda (1996). Wilson has spoken fondly of DeVito in interviews, calling him a positive influence. People noted that DeVito remains a supportive figure in her life.
Occasional public interactions
Wilson and DeVito have not been photographed together frequently in recent years, but they have exchanged kind words in public. No evidence of estrangement exists.
Status of their relationship today
Wilson has not discussed the relationship in detail, but she has never suggested any fall-out. The two appear to maintain a cordial, if distant, connection.
Why this matters: The enduring goodwill between Wilson and DeVito stands in contrast to many child-star relationships with directors. It suggests a healthy on-set experience that Wilson carries into her adult life.
Timeline
- July 24, 1987 – Born in Los Angeles, California (Wikipedia)
- 1993 – Film debut in Mrs. Doubtfire (Wikipedia)
- 1994 – Starred in Miracle on 34th Street (Wikipedia)
- 1996 – Played Matilda Wormwood in Matilda (Fandango)
- 2000–2010 – Stepped away from acting; attended NYU; focused on writing (People)
- August 2014 – Reacted publicly to Robin Williams’ death (Wikipedia)
- September 13, 2016 – Published memoir Where Am I Now? (Amazon)
- 2026 – Continues work as audiobook narrator and writer (People)
Confirmed facts
- Mara Wilson was a child actress in 1990s films.
- She has OCD and anxiety (self-disclosed).
- She transitioned to writing and audiobook narration.
- She wrote a tribute to Robin Williams after his death.
- She maintains a social media presence.
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth is unknown (often speculated but not officially confirmed).
- Marital status: she has not publicly confirmed a husband or children.
- Whether she has any physical disability (no evidence).
- Specific details of her relationship with Danny DeVito beyond public statements.
Quotes
“I was never comfortable with the attention and the pressure. I wanted to write.”
— Mara Wilson, in a People (2026) interview
“He was kind, funny, and supportive. His death felt like losing a family member.”
— Mara Wilson, from her published tribute to Robin Williams, as cited by Wikipedia
“I have OCD and anxiety. I talk about it because it helps others.”
— Mara Wilson, as reported by The Independent
Mara Wilson’s story is not a Hollywood comeback—it’s a quiet redirection. For fans who grew up with her films, the takeaway is that leaving the spotlight can be a healthy choice. For anyone facing mental health challenges, her candor offers a model for speaking out. The question isn’t “what happened to her?” but “what did she choose to become?”
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Frequently asked questions
Is Mara Wilson still acting?
She has mostly stopped acting, focusing on writing and audiobook narration. She occasionally does voice work (People).
Why did Mara Wilson leave Hollywood?
She said she was never comfortable with the attention and pressure, and wanted to write (People).
What is Mara Wilson’s net worth?
Her exact net worth is not publicly confirmed. Estimates vary, but she has not officially disclosed it.
Does Mara Wilson have a Twitter or Instagram account?
Yes, she is active on Instagram and Twitter. Her Instagram bio reads “Writer/Actor/Audiobook Narrator.”
What are Mara Wilson’s most famous roles?
She is best known for Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), Miracle on 34th Street (1994), and Matilda (1996) (Fandango).
Did Mara Wilson go to college?
Yes, she attended New York University (Tisch School of the Arts) after graduating from Idyllwild School of Music & Arts (IMDb).
Does Mara Wilson have any siblings?
She has three brothers, but has not spoken extensively about them in public.
What is Mara Wilson’s height?
Her height is not officially listed in authoritative sources; it is not commonly reported.
James Mitchell is Editor-in-Chief at Australian Insight, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.