Rachel McAdams
Actress, producer
Born
November 17, 1978
Birthplace
London, Ontario, Canada
Nationality
Canadian
Net Worth
$30 million (2026 est.)
Known For
Mean Girls; The Notebook; Wedding Crashers; Spotlight; Doctor Strange
Rachel McAdams Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Rachel Anne McAdams |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 17, 1978 |
| Age | 47 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | London, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Profession | Actress |
| Years Active | 2001-present |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m) |
| Partner | In a relationship with screenwriter Jamie Linden |
| Children | 2 |
| Net Worth | ~$30 million |
| Known For | Seamlessly moving between comedy, romance, and drama |
Early Life & Background
McAdams was raised in St. Thomas, Ontario, where she excelled in competitive figure skating before shifting to theater. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from York University, graduating with honors in 2001 before landing roles in Canadian television and film.
Career Journey
Breakout Comedies and Romances
After a Hollywood debut in The Hot Chick (2002), McAdams exploded with back-to-back hits Mean Girls and The Notebook in 2004, followed by Wedding Crashers and The Family Stone. Her quick wit and grounded emotion made her a go-to lead in rom-coms.
Dramatic Range and Prestige
McAdams pivoted to thrillers (State of Play), period pieces (Sherlock Holmes), and auteur-driven work (Midnight in Paris). She earned widespread acclaim portraying Boston Globe journalist Sacha Pfeiffer in Spotlight (2015), which won Best Picture and garnered her first Oscar nomination.
Franchise and Streaming Ventures
She joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Dr. Christine Palmer in Doctor Strange (2016) and reprised the role in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022). McAdams continues to alternate between indie dramas and studio tentpoles, including Game Night and the 2023 adaptation of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.
Recent Work
McAdams starred in the 2025 limited series South of Superior for HBO and produces the eco-thriller North Star shooting in 2026. She is also recording narration for a CBC podcast focused on climate action in the Great Lakes region.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Mean Girls | Regina George | Cult teen comedy |
| 2004 | The Notebook | Allie Hamilton | Romantic drama |
| 2005 | Wedding Crashers | Claire Cleary | Comedy hit |
| 2009 | Sherlock Holmes | Irene Adler | Period action |
| 2011 | Midnight in Paris | Inez | Woody Allen film |
| 2015 | Spotlight | Sacha Pfeiffer | Academy Award winner |
| 2018 | Game Night | Annie Davis | Action comedy |
| 2022 | Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness | Dr. Christine Palmer | MCU sequel |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | BAFTA Awards | Rising Star | Career | Nominated |
| 2016 | Academy Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Spotlight | Nominated |
| 2016 | Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Cast | Spotlight | Won |
| 2024 | Canadian Screen Awards | Best Actress | Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret | Won |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$30 million (2026)
McAdams earns from film salaries, Marvel franchise bonuses, producing fees for her company Quiet Girl Productions, endorsements with sustainable fashion brands, and investments in Canadian renewable energy funds.
Personal Life
McAdams balances work between Toronto and Los Angeles, prioritizing privacy for her children. She enjoys gardening, biking, and volunteering at local farm co-ops. The actress is known for memorizing entire scripts before rehearsals to stay flexible on set.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
She co-founded Green Is Sexy, an eco-awareness site, and supports Habitat for Humanity, Environmental Defence Canada, and Time's Up. McAdams frequently participates in fundraising for indigenous-led conservation projects across Ontario.
Social Media Presence
McAdams does not maintain public personal social media accounts, opting to communicate through official campaign channels and interviews. Studios often share behind-the-scenes content with her input.
Lesser-Known Facts
- She worked at McDonald's for three summers and still cites its teamwork lessons.
- McAdams rides her bike to many Los Angeles meetings when possible.
- She practices kundalini yoga to manage stress during press tours.
- McAdams maintains dual citizenship in Canada and the United States.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
McAdams begins filming the climate thriller North Star in British Columbia while promoting HBO's South of Superior finale. She is also narrating the CBC series Guardians of the Lakes and collaborating with Margaret Atwood on an anthology benefitting Canadian literacy programs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Rachel McAdams?
Rachel McAdams is a Canadian actress known for Mean Girls, The Notebook, Spotlight, and Marvel's Doctor Strange films.
What is Rachel McAdams most famous for?
She is most famous for balancing comedic and dramatic work, from Regina George in Mean Girls to the Oscar-winning ensemble of Spotlight.
Is Rachel McAdams active on social media?
McAdams keeps a private life and does not run public social media, though she appears in official promotional content for her projects.