Mia Wasikowska was born on October 25, 1989, in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. Her mother, Marzena Wasikowska, is a photographer, and her father, John Reid, is a teacher. She has an older sister, Jess, and a younger brother, Kai. Wasikowska demonstrated an early interest in ballet, dedicating significant time to training before transitioning to acting.
Wasikowska’s acting career began in Australian television, with appearances in the medical drama All Saints (2004–2005) and the children’s television series Snobs (2003). She made her feature film debut in Suburban Mayhem (2006).
Wasikowska gained international recognition for her role as Sophie in the HBO drama series In Treatment (2008). Her breakthrough performance came in 2010 when she played the title role in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. This role significantly elevated her profile and led to numerous subsequent opportunities in both independent and mainstream cinema.
She has received critical acclaim for her performances in independent films, often portraying complex and introspective characters. Her work has garnered her several awards and nominations, including the Australian Film Institute Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for That Evening Sun (2009).