Madeline Rose Zima is an American actress born on September 16, 1985 in New Haven, Connecticut. She began working professionally as a child and established a long-running career in both film and television, moving from youthful parts to more complex adult characters over time.

Early life and family

Zima grew up in a family involved with performance; her sisters also pursued acting. Early exposure to auditions and small screen work led to steady employment in the 1990s. Her background and early credits positioned her for recurring work on network series and feature films during adolescence.

Career

She is widely recognized for portraying Grace Sheffield on the sitcom The Nanny, a role that introduced her to broad television audiences and ran across multiple seasons. As a child she also appeared in the thriller film The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, a high-profile early credit that reinforced her dramatic abilities. In adulthood she took on recurring and guest roles, including a notable turn on the cable series Californication, where she played a more mature, provocative character.

Notable roles and range

  • The Nanny — family sitcom role that brought public recognition.
  • The Hand That Rocks the Cradle — early film appearance with dramatic material.
  • Californication — adult cable drama showcasing a different side of her work.
  • Various guest and recurring appearances on network and cable series that display versatility across comedy and drama.

Zima has been noted for an ability to move between light-hearted and darker parts, making her a flexible performer for casting directors seeking actors who can depict both innocence and complexity. Her career demonstrates a transition common to performers who begin as children and continue to work into adulthood, choosing roles that expand rather than repeat earlier screen types.

Public image and later work

Maintaining a profile through steady television and film work, she has collaborated with a variety of creative teams and taken roles that emphasize interior emotional life or a slightly offbeat presence. Her continued presence in episodic projects and select feature films keeps her active in an industry that values experience and adaptability.