<span class="SFPTagline"> From SCIFIPEDIA </span>

Maggie Ruth Gyllenhaal (b. November 16, 1977, New York City, NY) is a Golden Globe-nominated American actor born to director Stephen Gyllenhaal and screenwriter Naomi Foner. She has a younger brother, Jake Gyllenhaal, also a well-known actor. Gyllenhaal made her debut in her father's movie, Waterland and gained critical attention for her breakout performance in the film Secretary opposite James Spader.

Gyllenhall attended Columbia University where she earned her BA in English. She participated in college theatre and briefly studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Gyllenhaal is not a regular genre film contributor and is best known for her roles in films like Adaptation, Mona Lisa Smile, and Confessions of a Dangerous Mind. Her first genre role was an appearance in the film Donnie Darko which starred her brother, Jake. Other notable roles include a voice role in Monster House, and Stranger than Fiction with Will Ferrell.

In 2008, Gyllenhall took over the role of Rachel Dawes in The Dark Knight, previously portrayed by Katie Holmes in Batman Begins.