Madeline Zima

Madeline Zima (born 1985) is an American actress who began her career as a child performer and successfully transitioned to adult roles across television and film. Born in Fulton County, New York, she rose to prominence as a child star playing Grace Sheffield on the popular ABC sitcom 'The Nanny' (1993-1999), appearing alongside Fran Drescher. Her early success established her as a recognizable television presence, and she continued acting throughout her teenage years and into adulthood. As an adult actress, Zima has demonstrated significant range, earning critical acclaim for her role as Mia Cross in the darkly comedic HBO series 'Californication' (2007-2014), where she portrayed a morally complex character that challenged typical Hollywood portrayals. Beyond Californication, she has appeared in numerous television series and films, including 'The Collector' (2009) and guest appearances in various acclaimed shows. Zima's ability to transition from child actor to serious adult performer—a notoriously difficult career path—demonstrates her talent and professional resilience. Her work in Californication particularly showcased her mature acting abilities and willingness to take on complex, unconventional roles, contributing to her respect within the industry.