McKenna Grace isn’t just another rising star joining the Capitol’s games—she’s the blueprint. Recently cast in the role of Maysilee Donner in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, Grace has a résumé that would make actors twice her age blush.
Maysilee is an icon of defiance and heartbreaking determination, and arguably, no one else can provide that profundity of emotion like Grace. But before Suzanne Collins’ world even called, McKenna Grace had already conquered horror, drama, sci-fi, and even superhero flicks, becoming one of the most versatile performers of her generation.
Named “one of the most prolific child actors of her generation” by Yahoo! Entertainment in 2022, Grace has racked up over 70 credits across film and TV, and she’s just getting started.
Whether she’s hunting ghosts, stealing scenes from Oscar winners, or breaking hearts as a child prodigy in emotional dramas, McKenna Grace proves—time and again—that the spotlight doesn’t just follow her. It belongs to her.
McKenna Grace movies and TV shows you need to watch
1) Gifted (2017)
Before she disturbed dystopian realities, McKenna Grace touched hearts in Gifted as Mary Adler, a math prodigy child caught in a custody battle. The act earned her a Critics’ Choice nomination for Best Young Performer and catapulted her into the mainstream.
Where to watch: Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play
2) I, Tonya (2017)
Despite Margot Robbie and Allison Janney taking center stage in I, Tonya, Grace’s performance as young Tonya Harding was unforgettable. She brought out the intensity, hurt, and drive of the figure skater during her younger years. It’s no surprise then that the film earned three Academy Award nominations, and Grace’s scenes set the tone for the rest of the movie.
Where to watch: Tubi TV, Fandango At Home, Hulu
3) The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
As a young Theo Crain, McKenna Grace helped anchor Netflix’s gothic hit. Though she was only in flashback scenes, her portrayal of the psychic middle child in The Haunting of Hill House left viewers shaken and reminded everyone she could do horror just as brilliantly as drama.
Where to watch: Netflix
4) The Handmaid’s Tale (2021–2022)
Grace shocked audiences with her work as Esther Keyes, a child bride and abuse survivor turned resistance warrior. For the role, she received a Primetime Emmy nomination, confirming her place as not only a former child actress but also an actress of genuine dramatic substance.
Where to watch: Hulu
5) Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
As Phoebe Spengler, Grace took over Egon’s legacy and added a new, modern spin to the Ghostbusters mythology. Witty, intelligent, gangly, and courageous, Phoebe was not only a memorable character—she was the heart of the film.
McKenna Grace played the role again in 2024’s Frozen Empire, showing that rescuing the world suits her just fine.
Where to watch: Apple TV, Amazon, and Google Play
6) A Friend of the Family (2022)
McKenna Grace gave a raw, susceptible performance playing Jan Broberg in Peacock’s unsettling miniseries based on fact. She was equally commended for depicting the psychological punches of trauma and grooming.
Where to watch: Apple TV
With several projects coming for Grace, and her role as Maysilee Donner, it’s obvious McKenna Grace isn’t merely prepared for Panem—she was born ready.
MORE: First Still From Slanted Starring McKenna Grace & Maitreyi Ramakrishnan
I liked her in Young Sheldon. Thought she played that part really well
So did I! She had that child prodigy to burnt out rebel pipeline nailed.