Mary Elizabeth Winstead in Death Proof: The Actress, The Role, and The Legacy

When it comes to versatile Hollywood actresses who blend grace, grit, and genuine talent, Mary Elizabeth Winstead easily stands out. Known for seamlessly slipping between horror flicks, action-packed blockbusters, and character-driven dramas, Winstead has carved her own space in the film industry. One of her most interesting — and perhaps underrated — performances came in Quentin Tarantino’s “Death Proof” (2007), a film that blends old-school car-chase thrills with Tarantino’s signature dialogue and retro aesthetic.

Let’s dig deep into who Mary Elizabeth Winstead is, her early beginnings, her pivotal role in Death Proof, the movie’s cast and legacy, and her life beyond the camera.

Early Life and Background

Born on November 28, 1984, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Mary Elizabeth Winstead grew up as the youngest of five siblings. Her parents — Betty Lou (née Knight) and James Ronald Winstead — raised her in a loving, faith-based home before relocating to Sandy, Utah, where she spent most of her childhood.

From an early age, Winstead showed promise in the performing arts. She studied ballet at a prestigious summer program in New York and sang in the International Children’s Choir. While she originally dreamed of becoming a ballerina, her height — standing at 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) — and the strict physical demands of dance led her to pivot toward acting. Thankfully for us, Hollywood gained one of its most talented actresses.

Early Career and Rise to Fame

Before landing film roles, Mary Elizabeth Winstead honed her craft in television. She appeared in series such as Passions (1999–2000) and Tru Calling (2004). These early roles were stepping stones, allowing her to build confidence and visibility in the industry.

Her film career took off in the early 2000s with a mix of teen horror and thrillers that showcased her emotional depth. Movies like “Final Destination 3” (2006), “Black Christmas” (2006), and “Bobby” (2006) gave her early recognition. But it was her inclusion in Quentin Tarantino’s Grindhouse double-feature film Death Proof that showed her range and potential as an actress.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead in Death Proof

In 2007, Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez collaborated on Grindhouse, a two-part homage to 1970s exploitation cinema. Tarantino’s segment, Death Proof, told the story of a psychopathic stuntman who uses his “death-proof” car to murder unsuspecting women — until he crosses the wrong group.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead plays Lee Montgomery, a young actress and model who becomes part of the film’s second ensemble of female leads. Her character stands out as sweet, naive, and a little too trusting — especially in contrast to the bolder, rougher women around her.

In one of the movie’s most memorable scenes, Lee gets left as “collateral” at a car dealership while her friends test drive a classic Dodge Challenger. It’s an uncomfortable and oddly funny moment that highlights both Tarantino’s dark humor and Winstead’s ability to portray vulnerability with authenticity.

Cast of Death Proof

One of Death Proof’s strongest features is its stellar ensemble cast. Alongside Mary Elizabeth Winstead, the film features:

Kurt Russell as Stuntman Mike, the sadistic driver

Rosario Dawson as Abernathy Ross

Zoë Bell as Herself, a real-life stuntwoman playing a stuntwoman

Tracie Thoms as Kim Mathis

Vanessa Ferlito as Arlene

Sydney Poitier as Jungle Julia

Each actress brings her own personality and energy to the screen, creating a believable group dynamic that makes Death Proof so memorable.

Mary’s Role as Lee Montgomery

Lee Montgomery isn’t the film’s heroine — but she’s vital to its tone and pacing. Winstead plays her as a genuine, slightly sheltered woman trying to find her place in a world of hard-edged friends. Her character also symbolizes innocence and serves as a narrative contrast to the film’s violent climax.

In interviews, Mary described Lee as “someone who just wants to fit in but ends up in the wrong situation.” That relatability is what makes her performance resonate with viewers even years later.

Tarantino once mentioned in behind-the-scenes interviews that Winstead brought “a sweetness and authenticity” to the role that helped ground the film’s over-the-top style.

Death Proof Review and Reception

Upon release, Death Proof received mixed to positive reviews. Critics praised its car chases, sharp writing, and practical stunt work — all signature Tarantino elements — but some found its pacing uneven.

Still, over time, the movie has gained cult status. Empire Magazine ranked it among Tarantino’s most underappreciated works, calling it “a love letter to vintage cinema wrapped in grindhouse grit.”

Winstead’s performance, though brief, earned praise from both critics and fans. Her chemistry with co-stars and her ability to blend into the film’s gritty, retro atmosphere proved that she could hold her own even among powerhouse performers.

Other Mary Elizabeth Winstead Movies

Outside of Death Proof, Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s career flourished with a diverse filmography. Some of her most notable films include:

Sky High (2005) – A superhero comedy where she played the witty and mysterious Gwen Grayson.

Live Free or Die Hard (2007) – As Lucy McClane, Bruce Willis’ rebellious daughter, she held her own in an action-heavy blockbuster.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010) – Her portrayal of the iconic Ramona Flowers turned her into a pop-culture favorite.

10 Cloverfield Lane (2016) – A psychological thriller that earned her critical acclaim for her performance as Michelle.

Birds of Prey (2020) – Playing The Huntress in DC’s anti-hero ensemble solidified her action-hero credentials.

Each of these roles further showcased her adaptability — she can be quirky, fearless, or emotionally intense depending on the story.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead TV Shows

Mary’s television journey has been equally impressive. Her most notable TV work includes:

Fargo (Season 3) – She played Nikki Swango, a cunning and ambitious woman whose sharp wit and complexity made her one of the show’s standout characters.

BrainDead (2016) – A political satire series where she portrayed a young government staffer navigating an alien conspiracy.

Ahsoka (2023) – Joining the Star Wars universe, she portrayed Hera Syndulla, winning over both longtime fans and newcomers.

Her success across different genres — from sci-fi to drama — proves that she’s one of the most versatile actresses of her generation.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead Age, Birthday, and Height

As of 2025, Mary Elizabeth Winstead is 40 years old, celebrating her birthday on November 28th. Standing at 5 feet 8 inches, she carries an elegant yet commanding screen presence that perfectly suits her diverse roles.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead Husband and Family

Mary was married to filmmaker Riley Stearns from 2010 to 2017. Their relationship began when she was just 18, and they later collaborated on the 2014 film Faults.

After their separation, she met actor Ewan McGregor on the set of Fargo. The two married in 2022 and share a son, Laurie McGregor, born in June 2021. The family now resides in Scotland, where Mary often describes her life as “peaceful and grounded.”

Her parents, James Ronald Winstead and Betty Lou Winstead, remain private individuals, but she has spoken about how their support helped her pursue acting from a young age.

Interesting Facts About Mary Elizabeth Winstead

She was once trained as a ballerina before pursuing acting.

She’s also a talented singer — performing under the name “Got a Girl” alongside producer Dan the Automator.

Her grandfather was a cousin of actress Ava Gardner.

She’s known for doing many of her own stunts and favors practical effects over CGI.

Why Her Role in Death Proof Still Matters

So why does her relatively small role in Death Proof still hold weight after almost two decades? Because it represents a turning point — not just in her career, but in how women were portrayed in Tarantino’s world.

Her character Lee Montgomery wasn’t there to fight or win. She was there to humanize the story — to remind audiences that even in a grindhouse setting, vulnerability has its place.

That balance of innocence and realism set Mary apart and prepared her for more emotionally charged and complex characters later in her career.

Is There a Death Proof 2?

As of now, there’s no official sequel to Death Proof. Tarantino has hinted in past interviews that he considers the film “complete in itself.” Still, fans continue to speculate, and if a sequel ever happens, seeing Mary Elizabeth Winstead reprise her role (or even cameo) would be a nostalgic treat.

Conclusion

Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s performance in Death Proof might not be her biggest role, but it’s one that highlights everything great about her — charm, realism, and quiet strength. Whether she’s taking on indie dramas, major franchises, or experimental projects, she always brings sincerity to the screen.

From a hopeful dancer in Utah to a Hollywood icon, her journey shows that versatility and humility can go hand in hand. If you’re exploring Death Proof for the first time, take note of Lee Montgomery — she might just steal your attention when you least expect it.

For more deep dives into Hollywood icons and cult classics, visit Thegoted.com, where we uncover the stories behind the stars that make cinema unforgettable.