What is Bonnie Bedelia doing now? What happened to her? (2024)

Who is Bonnie Bedelia?

Bonnie is an American actress perhaps most famous for her role as Holly Gennero McClane, the wife of John McClane, in the action film series “Die Hard”, in addition to numerous other roles that she’s had in her career.

What is Bonnie Bedelia Doing Now?

Although in her mid-70s, Bonnie is still active as an actress. Recently, she portrayed Ellie Foster in the film “The Noel Diary” (2022) and is working on the film “The Hill”, which is now in post-production and scheduled for release later in 2023.

Bonnie Bedelia Wiki: Age, Childhood, and Education

Bonnie Bedelia Culkin was born on 25 March 1948, in New York City, USA. Bedelia’s early life was marked by financial hardships, as her father, Philip Harley Culkin, faced bankruptcy, and they resided in a modest “cold-water tenement flat.” Tragedy struck when her mother, Marian Ethel, passed away when Bonnie was just 14, followed shortly by her father’s demise due to his chronic ulcers. Bonnie has two brothers, including actor Kit Culkin and a sister named Candice Culkin. Notably, she is the aunt of renowned actors Macaulay, Kieran, and Rory Culkin.

During her youth, Bedelia honed her dancing skills at the School of American Ballet before receiving acting training at HB Studio.

Career Beginnings

In 1969, Bonnie Bedelia made her film debut in “The Gypsy Moths”, sharing the screen with Burt Lancaster, Deborah Kerr and Gene Hackman in this drama centered around skydiving. She garnered attention in the same year for her notable role as the pregnant marathon dancer in “They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?” This gripping drama depicts a grueling dance marathon during the Great Depression, in which Bedelia’s character, Susie, competes for a chance at a monetary prize and a desperate hope for a better future. The film featured an ensemble cast including Jane Fonda, Gig Young, Susannah York and Red Buttons.

In 1970, Bonnie starred in the comedy film “Lovers and Other Strangers”, alongside Richard S. Castellano, Bea Arthur and Cloris Leachman. The movie explored the humorous and often tumultuous relationships of several couples preparing for marriage, with Bedelia portraying the character of Joan Vecchio.

Two years later, Bonnie took on a dramatic role in “The Strange Vengeance of Rosalie”. She shared the screen with Ken Howard and Anthony Zerbe in this story of betrayal and revenge.

In 1973, Bedelia was featured in the drama film “Between Friends”, which delved into the complexities of friendship, and the challenges that arise when secrets are revealed; Bonnie portrayed the character of Deborah, who finds her friendship with Laura, played by Elizabeth Ashley, tested when a hidden truth comes to light.

The show also starred Kurt Russell, Todd Lookinland, and Belinda J. Montgomery, and depicted the struggles and triumphs of a Swedish immigrant family settling in the American Midwest during the mid-19th century.

In 1978, Bedelia appeared opposite Richard Dreyfuss in the comedy film “The Big Fix”, featuring a cast including John Lithgow, F. Murray Abraham and Fritz Weaver as it delved into a political conspiracy and private investigation.

Rise to Prominence

In 1983, Bonnie earned critical acclaim and received a Golden Globe nomination for her role in “Heart Like a Wheel”, portraying drag racer Shirley Muldowney alongside Beau Bridges, Leo Rossi and Hoyt Axton, and depicting Muldowney’s journey as she broke barriers in the male-dominated world of motorsports.

Bonnie Bedelia gained widespread recognition in 1988, as she played Holly Gennero McClane in the action film “Die Hard”, alongside Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman and Reginald VelJohnson, a role she reprised in the 1990 sequel, “Die Hard 2”, starring alongside Willis, William Sadler, and Franco Nero. Bedelia’s character served as the wife of John McClane, adding emotional depth to the action-packed thriller franchise.

The same year, Bonnie portrayed Barbara Sabich in the film “Presumed Innocent”, sharing the screen with Harrison Ford, Brian Dennehy and Raul Julia in this legal drama that delved into the complexities of a murder trial.

Whether unwillingness to pay, screenwriter miscalculation, male star ego, etc., let's just make clear: Die Hard is nothing without Bonnie Bedelia. 3 (barely) gets by b/c Willis makes a phone call at the end, but the other ones are worthless. WORTHLESS. pic.twitter.com/5K1yP3Zupg

— James Kenney (@jfkenney) June 21, 2023

In 1993, she featured in “Needful Things”, a film that explored the sinister happenings in a town after a mysterious shop owner, played by Max von Sydow, opened a store selling peculiar and dangerous items.

Bonnie enjoyed success throughout the decade, and in 1999, received an Emmy nomination for her performance in the TV movie “Locked in Silence”, sharing the screen with Lindsay Wagner, Chris Mulkey, and John Terry. The film told the heartbreaking story of a mother, played by Bedelia, fighting for her deaf son’s rights against a prejudiced system.

From 2001 to 2004, Bonnie starred as Capt. Kate McCafferty in the television drama series “The Division”, which revolved around a group of female police officers tackling crime and personal challenges in San Francisco. Bedelia’s character was a strong and compassionate leader within the department.

Continued Success

Her next notable role came in 2008, when Bonnie appeared in the sitcom “Sordid Lives: The Series”, sharing the screen with Rue McClanahan, Olivia Newton-John, and Leslie Jordan in this comedic series based on the popular play and film, which followed the humorous and eccentric lives of a dysfunctional Texas family.

From 2010 to 2015, Bonnie starred as Camille Braverman in the NBC drama series “Parenthood”, acting alongside Peter Krause, Lauren Graham, Dax Shepard and Mae Whitman as she portrayed the matriarch of the Braverman family, offering guidance and support as they navigated the challenges and joys of everyday life.

In 2017, Bonnie made an appearance in the second season of the TV series “Designated Survivor”, joining Kiefer Sutherland, Natascha McElhone and Maggie Q in this political drama. She also starred in two Hallmark movies, sharing the screen with actors such as Victor Webster, Erin Krakow, and Pascale Hutton.

Additionally, Bedelia guest-starred on the Netflix series “What/If” in 2019, joining a cast that included Renée Zellweger, Jane Levy and Blake Jenner. The anthology series explored the ripple effects of pivotal decisions and their consequences. Moreover, she starred in the short-lived TV series “Panic” (2021), and portrayed Aunt Hellen in the film “Violet” (2021).

Net Worth

According to authoritative sources, Bonnie Bedelia’s net worth is estimated at $4 million, as of mid-2023.

Personal Life, Dating, Married, Husband, Children

Bonnie Bedelia has had three marriages in her life – her first was to Ken Luber in 1969, but they divorced in 1980; while married to Luber, Bonnie gave birth to two sons, Uri and Jonah, in 1970 and 1976, respectively.

She then married Jay Telfer in 1975, but that ended in divorce the same year. Finally, in 1995, Bedelia married Michael MacRae, and they have been together since then.

Appearance and Body Measurements

Bonnie Bedelia has dark brown hair and brown eyes. She stands at a height of 5ft 4ins (1.63m), weighs approximately 125lbs (57 kgs), with vital statistics of 37-27-37.