Early Life and Education of Rachel McAdams: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Rachel McAdams, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Rachel McAdams is a Canadian actress known for her roles in both comedy and drama films, later expanding into television and theater. A graduate of York University's theater program, she has garnered significant recognition for her performances, receiving nominations for prestigious awards such as an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and a Tony Award, highlighting her versatility and talent in various acting mediums.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

November 17, 1978: Rachel McAdams' Birth

On November 17, 1978, Rachel Anne McAdams was born, marking the beginning of her life and future career as a Canadian actress.

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2001: Graduation from York University

In 2001, Rachel McAdams graduated from York University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatre, marking a key milestone in her education and preparation for her acting career.

2001: Television and Film Debut

In 2001, Rachel McAdams made her television debut in the MTV pilot 'Shotgun Love Dolls' and her Canadian film debut in 'My Name Is Tanino', marking significant early steps in her career.

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2002: Filming 'The Notebook' Commenced

Filming for 'The Notebook', starring Rachel McAdams, began in late 2002 and continued into early 2003.

2002: Hollywood Debut and 'Slings and Arrows'

In 2002, Rachel McAdams made her Hollywood debut in 'The Hot Chick' and starred in the Canadian comedy mini-series 'Slings and Arrows', marking an important year for her career.

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2002: Hollywood Film Debut in 'The Hot Chick'

In 2002, Rachel McAdams made her Hollywood film debut in the comedy 'The Hot Chick', marking a significant step in her career.

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2003: Filming 'The Notebook' Concluded

Filming for 'The Notebook', starring Rachel McAdams, concluded in early 2003 after commencing in late 2002.

2004: Breakthrough Roles in 'Mean Girls' and 'The Notebook'

In 2004, Rachel McAdams rose to fame with her roles in the comedy 'Mean Girls' and the romantic drama 'The Notebook', establishing her as a prominent actress.

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2005: Romantic Involvement with Ryan Gosling

In 2005, Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling, who starred together in 'The Notebook', became romantically involved, though they reportedly had a combative relationship during filming.

2005: Starring in 'Red Eye' and 'The Family Stone'

In 2005, Rachel McAdams starred in the psychological thriller 'Red Eye' and the comedy-drama 'The Family Stone', showcasing her versatility as an actress.

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2005: Starring in 'Wedding Crashers'

In 2005, Rachel McAdams starred in the romantic comedy 'Wedding Crashers' alongside Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn, and Bradley Cooper, where she played a daughter of an influential politician.

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2005: Starring Roles in Several Films

In 2005, Rachel McAdams starred in the romantic comedy 'Wedding Crashers', the psychological thriller 'Red Eye', and the comedy-drama 'The Family Stone', solidifying her status as a leading actress.

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2005: Volunteered in Biloxi, Mississippi, and Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina

In 2005, Rachel McAdams volunteered in Biloxi, Mississippi, and Louisiana, as part of the clean-up effort following Hurricane Katrina.

March 2006: Vanity Fair Photo Shoot Incident

In March 2006, Rachel McAdams declined to participate in a nude photo shoot for Vanity Fair's Hollywood issue, a decision for which she later expressed "no regrets".

2006: Participated in the 'Day Without Immigrants' demonstration

In 2006, Rachel McAdams participated in the "Day Without Immigrants" demonstration in Los Angeles, protesting the federal government's attempts to further criminalize immigrants living illegally in the United States.

2007: Ran GreenIsSexy.org and sat on TreeHugger/Live Earth judging panel

In 2007, Rachel McAdams ran the eco-friendly lifestyle website, GreenIsSexy.org, with friends and also sat on a TreeHugger/Live Earth judging panel.

2007: Break From Film Career

Rachel McAdams took a break from her film career from 2006 to 2007 to regain her voice amidst many external influences, a period she later reflected on in 2013.

2008: Reflecting on Vanity Fair Incident

In 2008, Rachel McAdams expressed that she had "no regrets" about declining the nude photo shoot for Vanity Fair in March 2006.

2008: Return to Film Career with 'Married Life'

In 2008, Rachel McAdams returned to her film career, starring in the film noir 'Married Life', where she played Kay Nesbitt, and studied old films of Kim Novak to prepare for the role.

2009: Starring in 'The Time Traveler's Wife' and 'Sherlock Holmes'

In 2009, Rachel McAdams starred in 'The Time Traveler's Wife' and 'Sherlock Holmes', marking her return to prominence after a brief hiatus.

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2010: Appealed for donations during Canada for Haiti telethon

In 2010, Rachel McAdams appealed for donations during the Canada for Haiti telethon.

2010: Starring in 'Morning Glory'

In 2010, Rachel McAdams starred in 'Morning Glory', further establishing her career after her return from a hiatus.

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2011: Attended the Occupy Toronto demonstration

In 2011, Rachel McAdams attended the Occupy Toronto demonstration.

2011: Reflecting on 'The Notebook'

In 2011, Rachel McAdams expressed gratitude for her role in 'The Notebook', acknowledging the positive response it received from audiences.

2011: Starring in 'Midnight in Paris'

In 2011, Rachel McAdams starred in 'Midnight in Paris', adding another notable film to her career.

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2011: Supported Foodstock and involved in Matter of Trust's 'hair boom' efforts

In 2011, Rachel McAdams supported Foodstock, a protest against a proposed limestone mega quarry in Melancthon, Ontario. She was also involved in Matter of Trust's "hair boom" efforts following the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

2012: Starring in 'The Vow'

In 2012, Rachel McAdams starred in 'The Vow', continuing her successful film career.

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2013: Filmed promotional videos for the Food & Water First Movement

In 2013, Rachel McAdams filmed two promotional videos for the Food & Water First Movement, aimed at preserving farmland and source water in Ontario, Canada.

2013: Reflection on Career Break

In 2013, Rachel McAdams reflected on her break from her film career, which took place from 2006 to 2007.

2013: Starring in 'About Time'

In 2013, Rachel McAdams starred in 'About Time', further cementing her status as a prominent actress.

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2013: Volunteered with Habitat for Humanity

In 2013, Rachel McAdams volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in her hometown of St. Thomas. She has also worked with charities including the Sunshine Foundation of Canada, the Alzheimer's Association, the READ Campaign, and United Way of Canada.

2016: Role in 'Doctor Strange'

In 2016, Rachel McAdams appeared in 'Doctor Strange', which is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe films, marking a new role in her career.

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2016: Started dating Jamie Linden

In 2016, Rachel McAdams started dating American screenwriter Jamie Linden.

2017: Starring in 'Disobedience'

In 2017, Rachel McAdams starred in the romantic drama 'Disobedience', adding a new role to her filmography.

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2018: Birth of her son

In 2018, Rachel McAdams and Jamie Linden had their first child, a son.

2018: Starring in 'Game Night'

In 2018, Rachel McAdams starred in the comedy 'Game Night', expanding her range of film roles.

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2020: Birth of her daughter

In 2020, Rachel McAdams and Jamie Linden had their second child, a daughter.

2021: Participated in Stand.earth video

In 2021, Rachel McAdams participated in a video produced by Stand.earth calling on the government of British Columbia, Canada, to stop logging the last old-growth rainforests across the province.