Mia Sara is an American film and television actress who is best known for playing Sloane Peterson in the 1986 comedy film ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.’ Mia was born and raised in Brooklyn Heights, where she struggled with stage anxiety as a child, but she persevered and matured into a confident actor. Mia began her acting career at a young age, with a role in ‘All My Children.’ Mia rose to fame while still in high school after her role as Princess Lili in the film ‘Legend.’ During the filming of the film, she began working with zeal and dedication and worked exceedingly hard for eight months. She had a great television career as well, having been in a number of popular mini-series. Unfortunately, many of her films were not commercially successful, but her performances in ‘Timecop’ and ‘A Stranger Among Us’ are noteworthy. In 2013, she was last seen on screen in the short film ‘Pretty Pretty.’ Reading and flying are two of Mia’s favorite pastimes. She’s also the mother of two kids.
Childhood and Adolescence
Mia Sara was born Mia Sarapochiello on June 19, 1967, in Brooklyn Heights, New York. Later, she changed her name to Mia Sara.
Jerome Sarapochiello, her father, was a skilled photographer, and Diana Sarapochiello, her mother, was a stylist. Cassie is Mia’s younger sister.
Cassie’s parents split shortly after she was born. Their mother was the one who reared the sisters.
Mia attended St. Ann’s School in Brooklyn for her elementary school career. She also finished her secondary school education there, graduating in 1985.
Mia demonstrated an interest in performing after high school, therefore she declined an offer from Barnard University and did not pursue matriculation.
Career of Mia Sara
Mia tried out for the roles of Helena in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and Juliet in ‘Romeo and Juliet’ in high school in order to overcome her shyness.
At the age of 14, she began her professional acting career with TV advertisements. She was able to supplement her income through the assignments.
In 1982, she was cast in a regular role on the soap opera ‘All My Children.’ Mia was offered the role of Princess Lili in the 1986 film ‘Legend,’ with Tom Cruise, even before she finished high school. Mia rose to prominence after landing the lead role in this fairy tale film.
She gradually began to appear in other leading parts, such as Ferris Bueller’s girlfriend, Sloane Peterson, in the 1986 comedy picture ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.’ The film was an instant smash, and Mia’s performance was so well received that she was cast in a number of horror and action pictures.
Mia Sara made her first appearance on television in 1986, in the miniseries biography ‘Queenie.’ It was based on the life of Merle Oberon, an actress. During the auditions, Mia had to compete with 75 other women for the part.
Mia’s following films, such as ‘Apprentice to Murder’ in 1988 and ‘By the Sword’ in 1991, were not as well received.
She also appeared in Judith Krantz’s ‘Till We Meet Again’ and ‘Big Time’ in 1989, ‘Daughter of Darkness’ in 1990, and Judith Krantz’s ‘Call of the Wild’ in 1993, where she played Loretta Young.
Mia’s most well-known performance was in Sidney Lumet’s film ‘A Stranger Among Us,’ in which she played Leah, a young Jewish woman.
Her 1994 picture ‘Timecop,’ starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, was a critical and commercial success, but it faded quickly.
In 1996, she appeared in three films: ‘The Pompatus of Love,’ ‘Midnight in Saint Petersburg,’ and ‘The Maddening,’ although none of them were successful.
Mia continued to work in television and film, starring in ‘Chicago Hope’ and ‘Undertow’ in 1996, and ‘Bullet to Beijing’ and ‘20,000 Leagues Under the Sea’ in 1997.
Mia returned to the spotlight as Dr. Harleen Quinzel/Harley Quinn in ‘Birds of Prey,’ a spin-off of Batman, after acting in a number of low-budget films, television episodes, and movies.
Her TV series included ‘Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King’ in 2006 and ‘The Witches of Oz’ in 2011, after which work prospects began to dwindle.
Major Projects of Mia Sara
Mia Sara rose to prominence after appearing in the 1986 film ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.’ Mia’s role, Sloane Peterson, from this popular comedy, is still remembered.
‘Timecop,’ directed by Peter Hyam and starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, is another important film from her career.
Personal History and Legacy
In March 1996, Sara married Jason Connery. In June 1997, she gave birth to a boy named Dashiell Quinn Connery. In 2002, the couple divorced.
Sara later married Jim Henson’s son, Brian Henson. In 2005, she gave birth to a daughter named Amelia Jane Henson.
Estimated Net Worth
Mia Sara is a $50 million dollar actress from the United States. That is her total net worth with her long-term partner, Brian Henson, a producer/director/puppeteer. Mia is most known for her role as Sloane Peterson in the 1986 film “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” It was her second time in front of the camera.
Trivia
Mia has two Wheaton terriers and enjoys flying. She has a pilot’s license after completing flying training.
Mia began pilot training after working in the action film ‘Timecop.’
Mia studied acting with Roy London, a well-known acting coach.
Mia felt anxious during the filming of ‘Quinnie,’ suffering from migraines and stomach issues as a result of the heavy effort. However, she always conducted herself professionally and never let her health interfere with her work.