Rooney Mara and Kate Mara, both accomplished actresses in Hollywood, recently made headlines with their personal milestones. Rooney Mara, known for her roles in films like “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” and “Carol,” welcomed a baby with her partner, the acclaimed actor Joaquin Phoenix, in September 2020. The couple named their son River, in honor of Joaquin Phoenix’s late brother, who tragically passed away in 1993. Kate Mara, on the other hand, starred in the popular FX series “A Teacher” and became a mother in May 2019 when she welcomed a daughter with her husband, actor Jamie Bell. However, the Mara sisters have chosen to keep their children’s full names and other details private.
As the news of their respective motherhood journeys emerges, curiosity about their family background arises. The Mara sisters come from two prominent NFL families, with impressive fortunes passed down through generations.
Their parents, Kathleen McNulty Rooney and Timothy Christopher Mara, are heirs to the Rooney and Mara NFL fortunes, respectively. Kathleen McNulty Rooney’s family owns the Pittsburgh Steelers, while Timothy Christopher Mara’s family owns the New York Giants. Combined, the Mara family’s wealth is estimated to be over an astonishing $3 billion.
The Rooney family’s NFL legacy dates back to 1933 when Art Rooney, Sr., formed the Pittsburgh Pirates, later renamed the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team had its ups and downs in the beginning, but after leading the Steelers through numerous Super Bowls in the ’70s, Art Rooney passed on the business to his son, Dan Rooney. Dan Rooney became the chairman of the Steelers, with his four brothers serving on the Board of Directors. Today, Dan Rooney’s oldest son, Art Rooney II, holds the position of President, while Kathleen McNulty Rooney, the sisters’ mother, is his younger sister and works as a real estate agent.
On the other hand, the Mara family’s NFL roots trace back to 1925 when Tim Mara was chosen by the President of the NFL to form a New York professional football team, which eventually became the New York Giants. After Tim Mara’s death in 1959, the Giants remained in the family’s ownership. His sons Wellington and John “Jack” Mara continued the family legacy. Wellington Mara served as co-owner, President, and CEO until his passing in 2005, after which his son, John Mara, took on the roles of President, CEO, and co-owner.
Despite being born into extreme wealth and privilege, the Mara sisters have charted their own paths in the entertainment industry and worked to build successful careers independently of their family’s financial legacy. Both Kate and Rooney Mara have embraced their passion for acting, with their mother encouraging and inspiring them to pursue their dreams. Additionally, the sisters have been involved in philanthropic endeavors, particularly in animal rights activism.
While the Mara family’s wealth is substantial, the sisters have maintained a private and low-profile lifestyle, focusing on their careers and philanthropic pursuits rather than seeking attention through reality television shows or other high-profile means. They have managed to create their own identities in the entertainment world, building upon their talents and achievements, and continue to cherish their passion for acting and the arts.