Madeline Zima was born on September 16, 1985, in New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. She is of Polish, Italian, German, and English descent. Zima began her acting career at a young age, appearing in commercials before transitioning to television and film roles.
Zima’s career began with commercial work, but she gained significant recognition for her role as Grace Sheffield in the CBS sitcom *The Nanny*, which aired from 1993 to 1999. Following *The Nanny*, she continued to work in television and film, taking on diverse roles that showcased her acting range.
Zima has appeared in numerous television series, including recurring roles in *Heroes*, *Californication*, and *Betas*. She is known for her portrayal of Mia Lewis in *Californication*, a role that allowed her to explore more mature and complex characters. Her film credits include roles in movies such as *The Hand That Rocks the Cradle* (1992), *A Cinderella Story* (2004), and *Stuck* (2007). Zima has also worked in independent films and stage productions.