Rachel Brosnahan: The Marvelous Star of the Small Screen
Rachel Brosnahan is an American actress who has risen to fame and acclaim with her role as Miriam “Midge” Maisel.
As an aspiring stand-up comedian in the 1950s, in the Amazon Prime Video series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
She has won several awards for her performance, including a Primetime Emmy Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Critics’ Choice Award.
Also, she has appeared in other notable TV shows and films, such as House of Cards, Manhattan, Beautiful Creatures, and I’m Your Woman.
She is also related to one of the biggest names in fashion, the late Kate Spade.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and career of Rachel Brosnahan, and how she became one of the most marvelous stars of the small screen.
Early Life and Education
Rachel Brosnahan was born on July 12, 1990, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Carol and Earl Brosnahan, who worked in children’s publishing.
Her mother is British, and her father is American, of mostly Irish descent.
She has a younger brother and sister.
She is the niece of the late fashion designer Kate Spade, who was married to Andy Spade, the brother of comedian David Spade.
Brosnahan moved to Highland Park, Illinois, when she was four years old and grew up there.
She attended Wayne Thomas Elementary School and Northwood Junior High School, where she performed in musical theater.
Also, she joined the wrestling team and became a snowboarding instructor at Highland Park High School.
She developed an interest in acting after watching a performance of To Kill a Mockingbird at the age of four.
She said, “I wanted to be a scout. I wanted to be on stage. I wanted to tell stories.”
When she was 16, she took a class with Carole Dibo, the director of Wilmette’s Actors Training Center, who became her manager.
She graduated from high school in 2008 and enrolled at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she studied drama.
She graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
Career Breakthrough
Brosnahan’s acting journey began in high school, with her first movie role in 2009’s The Unborn.
Early TV appearances followed in shows like Gossip Girl and Grey’s Anatomy.
Her Broadway debut happened in 2013, when she starred in The Big Knife revival.
Two short films by Ari Aster, Basically and Munchausen, showcased her talent in 2013 and 2014.
The turning point occurred in 2013, when Brosnahan landed the role of Rachel Posner in House of Cards.
Initially a two-episode role, her stellar performance expanded it significantly, earning her an Emmy nomination in 2015.
Reflecting on the experience, she expressed how House of Cards changed her life and provided a challenging platform for personal growth.
In the WGN America series Manhattan (2014–2015), Brosnahan portrayed Abby Isaacs, the wife of a scientist involved in the Manhattan Project.
Her versatility extended to the big screen, with supporting roles in films like Beautiful Creatures, Louder Than Bombs, The Finest Hours, and Patriots Day.
Success
In 2017, Brosnahan’s career soared with her lead role as Miriam “Midge” Maisel in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
The Amazon Prime Video series, created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, garnered widespread acclaim.
Brosnahan’s stellar portrayal earned her prestigious awards, including a Primetime Emmy and two Golden Globes for Best Actress in a Television Series Musical or Comedy.
Continuing her diverse projects, she lent her voice to the animated film Spies in Disguise, starred in The Courier, and produced and acted in I’m Your Woman.
Brosnahan’s theatrical talent shone in 2016’s Othello and the 2023 Broadway revival of The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window.
With a fifth season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on the horizon, Brosnahan’s multifaceted career remains on an upward trajectory.
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Personal Life and Philanthropy
Rachel Brosnahan is married to Jason Ralph, who is also an actor.
They met in 2015 while working on the play The Heidi Chronicles on Broadway, and they have been together ever since.
They tied the knot in 2016 but kept their marriage a secret until 2018.
Also, they have appeared together in several projects, such as The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, where Ralph played a rival comedian, and A Kid Like Jake, where they played a married couple.
They live together in New York City with their two dogs, Nikki and Winston.
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Brosnahan is also involved in various social and humanitarian causes, such as supporting women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, gun control, and environmental protection.
She has partnered with organizations such as Covenant House, Planned Parenthood, Everytown for Gun Safety, and Conservation International.
She has also donated part of her earnings and her memorabilia to various charities and foundations.
Conclusion
Rachel Brosnahan is one of the most marvelous stars of the small screen and a talented and versatile actress who has proven her skills in various genres and mediums.
She has won several awards and accolades for her role as Midge Maisel, and she has also appeared in other notable TV shows and films.
She is also related to one of the biggest names in fashion, the late Kate Spade.
Also, she is a generous and compassionate person who uses her fame and influence to support various causes and charities.
Indeed, she is Rachel Brosnahan, and she is a marvelous star.
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