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 who gained prominence for her roles in both comedic and dramatic films. A graduate of York University with a BFA in theatre, she later expanded her career to include television and theater. Her work has been recognized with nominations for prestigious awards such as an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and a Tony Award, highlighting her versatility and impact across different acting mediums.

Sections (4)

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

1975: "Landslide" release by Fleetwood Mac

In 2005, Rachel McAdams listened repeatedly to Fleetwood Mac's 1975 song "Landslide" to prepare for emotional scenes in Wedding Crashers.

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November 17, 1978: Rachel McAdams' Birth

On November 17, 1978, Rachel Anne McAdams was born. She is 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.

2004: Starred in "The Notebook"

In 2004, Rachel McAdams starred in "The Notebook", playing Allie Hamilton. She learned a Southern accent and took ballet and etiquette classes to prepare for the role.

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The Notebook

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2005: Romantic Involvement with Ryan Gosling

In 2005, Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling became romantically involved, despite having a combative relationship while filming "The Notebook".

2005: Volunteering after Hurricane Katrina

In the fall of 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 and left the set, later parting ways with her publicist.

2006: Participation in "Day Without Immigrants" demonstration

In 2006, Rachel McAdams took part 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: GreenIsSexy.org and TreeHugger/Live Earth judging panel

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

2007: Career Break

Rachel McAdams took a break from her film career from 2006 to 2007 to regain her own voice amidst many influences.

2008: No Regrets about Photo Shoot Incident

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

2010: Canada for Haiti telethon appeal

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

2011: Attendance at Occupy Toronto demonstration

In 2011, Rachel McAdams attended the Occupy Toronto demonstration.

2011: Favorite Character

In 2011, Rachel McAdams stated that Colee Dunn from "The Lucky Ones" was one of her favorite characters she's ever played.

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2011: Support for Foodstock and Matter of Trust's "hair boom" efforts

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

2011: Reflection on "The Notebook" impact

In 2011, Rachel McAdams told Elle that she was grateful to have been in "The Notebook" because people respond to it so well.

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The Notebook

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2012: Commercial success

As of 2012, Rachel McAdams film "The Lucky Ones" remains the least commercially successful film of her career.

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2013: Reasons for Career Break

In 2013, Rachel McAdams explained that she took a break from her film career to hear her own voice and that she never wanted to be a big movie star.

2013: Promotional videos for Food & Water First Movement

In 2013, Rachel McAdams filmed two promotional videos for the Food & Water First Movement, aiming to preserve prime farmland and source water in Ontario, Canada.

2013: Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity

In 2013, Rachel McAdams volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in her hometown of St. Thomas.

2014: Narration of 'Take Me To The River'

In 2014, Rachel McAdams narrated the feature documentary 'Take Me To The River', which investigates what is being done to try to save iconic rivers.

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2016: Started dating Jamie Linden

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

2018: Birth of son

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

2020: Birth of daughter

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

2021: Participation 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.