Last Updated on March 2, 2024
McKellar gained mainstream attention in 1988 when she began portraying Winnie Cooper in the television series ‘The Wonder Years.’ Since 2010, she has voiced Miss Martian in the superhero series ‘Young Justice.’
As an academician, Danica McKellar is best known for being an education advocate and mathematics writer. McKellar has authored at least six nonfiction books on mathematics.
Danica McKellar Quick Facts
| Full Name: | Danica Mae McKellar |
| Popular Name: | Danica McKellar |
| Nicknames: | N/A |
| Birth Date: | January 3, 1975 |
| Age: | 47 years |
| Parents: | Christopher McKellar and Mahaila McKellar Tello |
| Siblings: | 1 biological sibling – Crystal McKellar; and 2 half-siblings – Connor McKellar and Chris Junior |
| Birth Place: | La Jolla, California, United States |
| Nationality: | American |
| Ethnicity: | Mixed (Scottish, French, German, Spanish, Dutch, and Portuguese) |
| Religion: | Christianity |
| Education: | University of California, Los Angeles |
| Marital Status: | Married to Scott Sveslosky (since November 15, 2014); previously married to composer Michael “Mike” Verta (from March 22, 2009 until their divorce in March 2012) |
| Sexual Orientation: | Straight |
| Children: | Draco McKellar (with her ex-husband Michael Verta) |
| Net Worth: | USD 7 million |
| Source of Wealth: | Acting, Writing, and Other Ventures |
| Height: | 5′ 4″ (1.63 m) |
| Weight: | In kilograms: 56 kg; In pounds: 124 lbs. |
Early Life and Career Information
Early Life
Danica Mae McKellar was born on January 3, 1975, in La Jolla, California, United States, to Christopher McKellar and Mahaila McKellar Tello. Her father is a real estate developer, whereas her mother was a homemaker.
McKellar is a University of California, Los Angeles alumnus. She graduated from the institution with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics in 1998.
Acting Career
Danica McKellar began acting in her childhood. At the age of seven, McKellar joined Los Angeles’ Lee Strasberg Institute, where she took weekend acting classes. She rose to prominence as a teen actress in the television comedy-drama ‘The Wonder Years’ and starred in the series from 1998 until its production ceased in 1993.
McKellar appeared in several television shows around the same period. They include ‘The Twilight Zone,’ ‘The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!,’ and ‘Camp Cucamonga.’ She also lent her voice to the television show ‘Captain Planet and the Planeteers,’ in addition to making her film debut in the 1992 movie ‘Sidekicks.’
In 1994, Danica McKellar appeared in an episode of three television series. They include ‘Babylon 5,’ ‘Walker, Texas Ranger,’ and Sirens.’ She also had a role in the NBC television film ‘Moment of Truth: Cradle of Conspiracy.’
McKellar continued to land major television roles throughout the rest of the ’90s.’ She was cast in the 1996 television movie ‘Justice for Annie: A Moment of Truth Movie’ and the 1998 TV series ‘Love Boat: The Next Wave’ and ‘Working.’
In 2000, Danica McKellar began voicing Freida Goren in the television series ‘Static Shock’ and had recurring roles until 2004. The following year, she featured in the film ‘XCU: Extreme Close Up.’ She also had various roles in three television series in 2001, namely ‘The Division,’ Ellen Stevens,’ and ‘The Weakest Link.’
Below are other noteworthy films and television programs that Danica McKellar has featured in to date;
Films
• Jane White Is Sick & Twisted (2002)
• Raising Genius (2004)
• Quiet Kill (2004)
• Hack! (2007)
• 21 and a Wake-Up (2009)
• Scooby-Doo! Abracadabra-Doo (2010; as a voice actress)
• Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam (2010; as a voice actress)
• Where Hope Grows (2014)
Television Shows
• Justice League (2002; as a voice actress)
• The West Wing (2002-2003)
• King of the Hill (2004)
• Eve (2004)
• NCIS (2005)
• NYPD Blue (2005)
• Strong Medicine (2005)
• How I Met Your Mother (2005 and 2007)
• The Big Bang Theory (2010)
• Young Justice (2010-2013 and 2019-2022)
• Generator Rex (2010-2013; as a voice actress)
• Tasmanian Devils (2013)
• Dancing with the Stars (2014; as a contestant)
• Impractical Jokers (2015 and 2017-2018)
• Miss America 2016 (2015; as a judge)
• DC Super Hero Girls (2015-2018; as a voice actress)
• Shimmer and Shine (2016-2018)
• Home Economics (2021-2022)
• The Wonder Years (2022)
In addition to her regular television appearances, Danica McKellar has also been a common cast member in Hallmark Channel movies.
McKellar has starred in numerous Hallmark Channel films, including ‘Crown for Christmas,’ ‘Wedding Bells,’ ‘Christmas at Dollywood,’ Very, Very, Valentine,’ ‘My Christmas Dream,’ and ‘Campfire Kiss.’ Others include ‘Love and Sunshine’ and ‘Matchmaker Mysteries: The Art of the Kill.’
Writing Career
McKellar has authored several nonfiction books on mathematics. Noteworthy ones include;
• Math Doesn’t Suck: How to Survive Middle School Math without Losing Your Mind or Breaking a Nail (2008)
• Kiss My Math: Showing Pre-Algebra Who’s Boss (2009)
• Hot X: Algebra Exposed (2010)
• Girls Get Curves: Geometry Takes Shape (2012)
Danica McKellar’s Net Worth
Danica McKellar has earned herself a net worth of $7 million from her various professional engagements. McKellar attributes the majority of her wealth to her numerous film and television roles.
Besides acting, the ‘The Wonder Years’ star also earns from book royalties and other personal investments.
Lessons from Danica McKellar
1. It’s never too early to start chasing your dreams
Danica McKellar joins the long list of successful celebrities who began chasing their dreams at a fairly tender age. McKellar started acting in her preteen years.
2. Nothing worth having comes on a silver platter
McKellar has worked remarkably hard to become the accomplished actress she is today. She began taking acting lessons at the age of seven and has continually endeavored to hone her talents even after turning professional.
3. Have a finger in every pie
Danica McKellar believes that true success comes from diversifying one’s talents. That explains why she has pursued other ventures besides acting, including writing. She has also appeared in a few music videos by other artists.
Famous Quotes by Danica McKellar
• A lot of girls think they have to choose between being the smart geeky type or the beautiful bimbo.
• Let’s face it; by and large math is not easy, but that’s what makes it so rewarding when you conquer a problem, and reach new heights of understanding.
• Math is the only place where truth and beauty mean the same thing.
• Math proficiency is the gateway to a number of incredible careers that students may never have considered.
• There’s nothing unclassy about being naked, if it’s appropriate.
Final Word
Danica McKellar is an actress and academic who has starred in scores of films and television shows for over three decades. McKellar has earned a $7 million net worth from her numerous acting roles.
