Madeline Zima

Madeline Zima is an American actress whose career spans more than three decades, beginning when she was just two years old appearing in a Downy fabric softener commercial. Born on September 16, 1985, in New Haven, Connecticut, she quickly progressed from early advertising work to a breakout television role as Grace Sheffield on the hit CBS sitcom The Nanny, a part she inhabited from 1993 until the series finale in 1999. Her performance on that show earned her multiple YoungStar and Young Artist Award nominations, cementing her reputation as a talented child performer capable of delivering both comedic timing and emotional depth. After transitioning from child roles, Zima continued to diversify her portfolio, starring as Mia Lewis in the critically acclaimed Showtime series Californication between 2007 and 2011, where she portrayed a complex, independent writer whose storyline intersected with David Duchovny’s character. In addition to her television success, she appeared in a variety of films, including The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, A Cinderella Story, and The Collector, showcasing her versatility across horror, romance, and thriller genres. Zima’s résumé further expanded with a recurring role as Gretchen Berg—a quirky, bisexual roommate—on NBC’s Heroes from 2009 to 2010, a part that highlighted her willingness to engage with groundbreaking and diverse character portrayals. Guest appearances on series such as Law & Order, JAG, Touched by an Angel, The Vampire Diaries, and the 2017 revival of Twin Peaks demonstrate her continued relevance and adaptability within the evolving landscape of television. In recent years, she has embraced new media formats, starring in the scripted podcast The Blondes alongside her sister Yvonne, and taking on roles in HBO’s Perry Mason, NCIS: Hawaiʻi, and the sci‑fi thriller Subservience slated for 2024. Throughout her enduring career, Zima has remained steadfastly dedicated to her craft, consistently delivering nuanced performances that resonate with both audiences and critics alike.