Acclaimed American actress and filmmaker Maggie Gyllenhaal’s pursuit of dramatic excellence led her to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, where she undertook a summer programme that proved to be transformative, writes Paul Dargan
At RADA – known for its stringent training in classical theatre and performing arts – a young Maggie immersed herself in an environment that nurtured a very special talent. She delved into various disciplines, including voice, movement and. particularly, Shakespeare drama. 
This experience at RADA, which has a fiercely competitive application process (commonly accepting fewer than 30 new full-time students each year) was not just about skill acquisition but also personal and artistic growth. Even the short period she spent there instilled in the future star a deep appreciation for theatrical tradition, and refined an approach to acting which, at 46, continues on today. Maggie Gyllenhaal Movies and TV Shows
After graduating from Colombia University at the age of 22, Maggie – older sister to Jake – shaped a career that swayed from cult classic Donnie Darko in 2001 to Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, through to Nanny McPhee Returns to the billion dollar-earning box-office hit The Dark Knight. And in 2014, her portrayal of Nessa Stein in BBC political-thriller mini-series The Honourable Woman earned the actress a Golden Globe for Best Actress.
Maggie Gyllenhall with brother Jake Gyllenhaal at the 72nd Ann...