Star of the popular 90s TV show "The Wonder Years" and a math whiz who wrote a bestselling book on geometry. She's a rare combo of Hollywood glamour and geek cred.
Danica McKellar is most famously known for her iconic role as Winnie Cooper in the beloved television series The Wonder Years, but what many may not know is that this talented actress is also a mathematics writer, education advocate, and a strong advocate for girls' empowerment in STEM fields.
Born on January 3, 1975, in La Jolla, California, McKellar moved to Los Angeles with her family at the age of eight. Her mother, Mahaila McKellar, was a homemaker, and her father, Christopher McKellar, is a real estate developer. She has a younger sister, Crystal, who is a lawyer. McKellar's unique blend of Scottish, French, German, Spanish, and Dutch heritage, combined with her mother's Portuguese roots, likely influenced her eclectic interests and passions.
In addition to her breakout role in The Wonder Years, McKellar has appeared in various television films for the Hallmark Channel, including Crowded House and Coming Home for Christmas. She has also lent her voice to several animated series, such as Static Shock, Young Justice, and DC Super Hero Girls, bringing characters like Frieda Goren and Miss Martian to life.
McKellar's love for mathematics led her to author seven nonfiction books, all aimed at encouraging middle school and high school girls to develop confidence and succeed in mathematics. Her books, including Math Doesn't Suck, Kiss My Math, Hot X: Algebra Exposed, and Girls Get Curves: Geometry Takes Shape, have become staples in many schools and homes, inspiring a new generation of young mathematicians.
McKellar's academic prowess is undeniable. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics in 1998. During her undergraduate years, she co-authored a scientific paper with Professor Lincoln Chayes and fellow student Brandy Winn, titled "Percolation and Gibbs states multiplicity for ferromagnetic Ashkin-Teller models on Z^2." This groundbreaking research led to the development of the Chayes-McKellar-Winn theorem.
McKellar's work extends beyond entertainment and education. She is a strong advocate for empowering women and girls in STEM fields, believing that mathematics can be a powerful tool for social change. Her books and public speaking engagements aim to inspire confidence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in young women, ultimately promoting a more inclusive and diverse scientific community.
In addition to her many accomplishments, McKellar has also celebrated personal milestones, including her marriage to lawyer Scott Sveslosky in 2014. The couple has one son, Draco, born in 2010.
McKellar's influence extends beyond the realm of mathematics and education. Her iconic character, Winnie Cooper, remains a beloved figure in American pop culture, symbolizing the struggles and triumphs of adolescence. Her more recent work, including her Netflix original series Project Mc2, continues to inspire young minds and promote STEM education.
McKellar's contributions to education and mathematics have been recognized with several awards, including the Joint Policy Board for Mathematics (JPBM) Communication Award in 2011. She has also been featured in various media outlets, including Newsweek, Forbes, and USA Today, for her efforts to promote mathematics education and empower young women.
Danica McKellar's remarkable journey, from Winnie Cooper to mathematics maverick, serves as a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and hard work. Her commitment to empowering young minds and promoting mathematics education has left an indelible mark on our society, inspiring future generations of scientists, thinkers, and leaders.
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