Mare Winningham built a long and respected career in Hollywood — and her passion for the arts clearly influenced her five children, including one son who followed her into acting.
Best known for roles in St. Elmo’s Fire and Philomena, Winningham has worked steadily since the mid-1970s while raising a large family. Her five children, born within a span of just seven years during her marriage to television technical advisor William Mapel, grew up alongside her thriving career.
Her eldest son, Riley Mapel, was born in 1981. He later pursued acting studies in Los Angeles but tragically died in 2005 at the age of 23.
Patrick Mapel, born in 1983, inherited his mother’s creative instincts and built a career in entertainment as an actor, writer, and director. His credits include appearances in projects such as The Social Network, The Artist, and a brief role in Mad Men. In recent years, however, he has stepped back from the public eye and keeps his personal life private.
Winningham’s third child, Jack Mapel, was born in 1985. Like several of his siblings, he has chosen to live away from the spotlight, and little is publicly known about his life.
Her only daughter, Calla Louise Mapel, arrived in 1987. She has also opted for a more private path rather than pursuing a career in entertainment, maintaining a low profile outside her mother’s fame.
The youngest, Happy Atticus Mapel, was born in 1988. Similar to his siblings, he has largely stayed out of the public eye and does not share much about his personal life.
In addition to her family life, Winningham’s personal journey has included multiple marriages. After a brief union with actor A. Martinez, she married William Mapel, with whom she had all five children. Years later, she wed artist Jason Trucco in 2008 before they separated in 2012. In 2021, she married actor Anthony Edwards, marking her most recent chapter.
Winningham has remained active professionally, with more than 100 acting credits to her name. Her recent work includes appearances in Dopesick, The Outsider, and the 2024 film Rob Peace. Over the years, she has earned multiple Emmy nominations and won twice, reinforcing her reputation as a versatile and enduring talent.
