Victoria Mahoney

Biography

Victoria Mahoney is an American filmmaker, director, and actress renowned for her groundbreaking work in both independent cinema and major studio productions. She made history as the first woman to direct a Star Wars film, serving as the second unit director on The Rise of Skywalker (2019).

Early Life and Acting Career

Born and raised in New York, Mahoney began her artistic journey in theater before transitioning to film and television. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, she appeared in various roles, including a guest spot on Seinfeld as Gladys Mayo and a part in Legally Blonde (2001). She also starred as Antinea in the French film L'Atlantide (1992).

Directorial Debut and Independent Film

Mahoney's directorial debut came with the semi-autobiographical film Yelling to the Sky (2011), which she also wrote and produced. The film, starring Zoë Kravitz, explores the challenges of a young girl navigating a troubled home life and high school. Developed through the Sundance Institute Labs, the film premiered in competition at the 61st Berlin International Film Festival, making Mahoney the first American woman director/writer invited to the Golden Bear competition in over sixty years.

Television and Major Studio Work

Building on her success, Mahoney directed episodes for several acclaimed television series, including Queen Sugar, Power, American Crime, You, Seven Seconds, The Morning Show, and Lovecraft Country. Her work on this series showcased her versatility and ability to handle diverse narratives.

In 2019, Mahoney broke new ground by becoming the first woman to direct a Star Wars film, serving as the second unit director for The Rise of Skywalker. She was recommended for the role by Ava DuVernay and selected by J.J. Abrams, highlighting a shift towards more inclusive hiring practices in Hollywood.