Hayley McElhinney

Hayley McElhinney (born 12 September 1974) is an acclaimed Australian stage, film and television actress whose career spans over two decades. After completing her training at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts in 1999, she quickly became a fixture in the Australian theatre scene, working with prominent companies such as the Melbourne Theatre Company, Black Swan Theatre Company, Perth Theatre Company and the Sydney Theatre Company. Her performances have earned critical praise, culminating in a Helpmann Award nomination in 2007. As a core member of the Sydney Theatre Company's Actor's Company ensemble from 2006 to 2008, McElhinney honed a diverse repertoire, most notably portraying Sonya in Uncle Vanya, a production that toured from Sydney to Washington, D.C., and finally to Manhattan, receiving rave reviews for her nuanced interpretation. In 2014 she appeared in the stage play White Rabbit, Red Rabbit, and in 2023 she shared the stage with her sister Mandy in Dirty Birds for Black Swan Theatre, showcasing her versatility across contemporary and classic works.

Beyond theatre, McElhinney has made a significant impact on screen, most recognizably in the horror‑drama The Babadook (2014) and the long‑running television series Doctor Doctor (2016‑2021), where her character added depth to the ensemble. In March 2024 she was announced as a cast member of the Stan series Invisible Boys, and later that summer she joined the production of Proclivitas, further expanding her television credentials. She is the sister of fellow actress Mandy McElhinney, a fact that underscores a family deeply rooted in the performing arts. While she keeps her private life out of the spotlight, her professional achievements continue to solidify her reputation as one of Australia’s most dynamic and dedicated performers.