Danica McKellar: From Winnie Cooper to Christmas Movie Queen and Finding Faith
Danica McKellar, forever etched in the minds of television viewers as the quintessential girl next door, Winnie Cooper, from the beloved coming-of-age series "The Wonder Years," has navigated a fascinating and multifaceted career beyond the nostalgic glow of her early fame. While her portrayal of Winnie resonated deeply with audiences, McKellar possessed an ambition and a thirst for knowledge that propelled her down unexpected paths.
Following the conclusion of "The Wonder Years," McKellar made a conscious decision to step away from the allure of Hollywood and immerse herself in the world of academia. At the age of 50, she reflected on this pivotal period in an interview with Closer Weekly, revealing that she enrolled at UCLA to pursue a degree in mathematics.
"When I finished ‘The Wonder Years,’ I went to UCLA to get a degree in mathematics," McKellar explained. "I stopped acting for four years. I just needed to find out who else I was. For me, the way I could find out was just to do something else and really exercise my brain and let go of all the glamour and superficiality of Hollywood. That was really empowering to me."
This deliberate departure from the spotlight was not merely a break; it was an exploration of self-discovery. McKellar sought to define herself beyond the confines of her childhood fame, embracing the intellectual challenges and personal growth that a rigorous academic environment offered. She actively distanced herself from the superficial aspects of the entertainment industry, choosing instead to cultivate her mind and broaden her horizons.
After successfully completing her mathematics degree, McKellar returned to her acting roots, eager to explore new opportunities and demonstrate her versatility. She appeared in various television shows, including "Love Boat: The Next Wave," "Even Stevens," and "Working," which reunited her with her former "The Wonder Years" co-star, Fred Savage.
However, McKellar’s return to Hollywood was not without its challenges. She acknowledged feeling like she was "trying to catch up" after her extended hiatus. "I was doing all these independent films that weren’t very good," she admitted.
Despite these initial setbacks, McKellar persevered, gradually gaining momentum and securing more prominent roles. She landed a recurring role on the acclaimed political drama "The West Wing," marking a significant step forward in her career.
Reflecting on her decision to take a break from acting during college, McKellar confessed to harboring anxieties about her future in the industry. "I was still worried about it. What if I can’t go back to acting? What if I don’t pass the math test?" she questioned.
Despite her doubts, McKellar’s determination and talent ultimately prevailed. In addition to "The West Wing," she secured guest appearances on popular television shows such as "NCIS," "NYPD Blue," "How I Met Your Mother," and "The Big Bang Theory," showcasing her range and comedic timing.
In recent years, McKellar has carved out a niche for herself as a beloved star of Christmas movies, endearing herself to audiences with her warm and charming performances in heartwarming holiday films.
Last fall, McKellar expressed her excitement about her latest holiday movie with Great American Family, "A Cinderella Christmas Ball," highlighting the unique opportunity she had to contribute to the writing process.
"This is a wonderful experience for me. It’s been amazing, because I got to write the script with someone else, but it’s the first time my name is on the script for one of these movies, and it’s really gratifying," she said. "Plus, I get to waltz in it! I love ballroom dance, as I think everybody knows who follows me on social media."
McKellar has been a fixture in the Christmas movie landscape since 2012, starring in numerous films, including "Love at the Christmas Table," "Crown for Christmas," "My Christmas Dream," "Coming Home for Christmas," and "Christmas at Dollywood."
She believes that the enduring popularity of Christmas movies stems from their ability to provide comfort and escapism in a world that often feels overwhelming. "People need comfort and a way to escape from this crazy world," McKellar explained. "More than an escape, it provides a reminder of what human nature can be. We need that. We need that reminder. We need, yes, the feeling of comfort, but also ideas for how to move forward in a wholesome, earnest kind of way."
Beyond her acting and writing endeavors, McKellar has also embraced her faith, which she describes as a transformative experience that has provided her with a new perspective on life.
"It just hit me like all at once," she told Closer. "I had a lot of biases against Christianity for most of my life because of looking at the wars – the Spanish Inquisition."
McKellar acknowledged that she had previously viewed Christianity as a negative force, admitting that it was "really interesting and strange for me to suddenly be talking about Jesus."
However, she has since come to understand that faith is not about rigid adherence to religious doctrines but rather about cultivating a personal relationship with God. "Having a relationship with God," she said, is about "letting go and trusting and not thinking that I have to be in charge of everything all the time."
Danica McKellar’s journey from child star to mathematician, actress, writer, and woman of faith is a testament to her intellectual curiosity, resilience, and unwavering pursuit of personal growth. She has defied expectations, challenged stereotypes, and carved out a unique and fulfilling career path, inspiring others to embrace their own multifaceted potential.
