McKenna Quigley Harrington: The Rise of a Multi-Talented Star

It’s funny how fate can lead you to discover talent exactly when you least expect it—McKenna Quigley Harrington is a name I won’t soon forget. I first noticed her as Grace in the hit Paramount+ series Tulsa King, where she held her own alongside Sylvester Stallone. Then came her indie breakout as Aimee in Susie Searches, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2022. One of her earliest screen appearances, The Dead Half (2017), showed early promise that’s only grown stronger over time.

Trained in theater and experienced on stage and screen, McKenna’s journey is rooted in strong acting fundamentals, artistic curiosity, and an evolving presence in film and television. In this blog, we’ll explore who McKenna Quigley Harrington is, highlight her notable work, and reflect on what makes her an exciting talent to watch.

Image Credit: IMDb

Who is McKenna Quigley Harrington?

McKenna Quigley Harrington is an American actress with a foundation in professional theater and screen acting. She graduated from Fordham University at Lincoln Center, where she studied Theater Performance and was part of the Class of 2020. Her training equipped her for both stage and camera, and her performances reflect a refined yet natural command of her craft.

She spent parts of her childhood in Washington, D.C., Mexico City, Nashville, and New York, and these varied cultural experiences seem to have shaped her grounded but dynamic approach to acting.

Rather than emerging from reality TV or social media stardom, McKenna’s rise has been shaped by classical training, passion for storytelling, and deliberate role choices that show off her range—from intimate dramas to character-driven series.

What Makes McKenna Quigley Harrington Stand Out?

McKenna’s strength lies in her ability to slip seamlessly into both contemporary and period roles. On stage, she has earned critical attention for performances in Off-Broadway productions like The Mountains Look Different at the Mint Theater and Made by God at the Irish Repertory Theatre.

Her screen presence balances subtlety and intensity. In Tulsa King, her portrayal of Grace—a poised and thoughtful character in a gritty crime drama—demonstrated her ability to hold her own in a powerful ensemble cast. Meanwhile, in Susie Searches, her role as Aimee reveals her talent for nuanced character work in more stylized indie projects.

Image Credit: IMDb

What sets McKenna apart is not just her technique but her commitment to character depth. Whether she’s delivering sharp lines on-screen or emotionally charged monologues on stage, there’s an emotional honesty to her performances that makes them feel grounded and human.

How Did McKenna Quigley Harrington Build Her Career?

McKenna’s acting career started with theater. Her early work includes:

• The Mountains Look Different – Mint Theater Company
• Rules of Desire – Irish Repertory Theatre
• Made By God – Irish Repertory Theatre

These stage credits helped her build a reputation for serious, emotionally resonant roles before she began transitioning to on-camera work.

Her breakout film role came in The Dead Half (2017), an indie horror movie. But it was her performance in Susie Searches that caught wider attention on the festival circuit. Shortly after, her appearance in Tulsa King introduced her to mainstream audiences on Paramount+.

So far, McKenna’s career has followed a thoughtful trajectory—one that prioritizes challenging roles, complex characters, and collaborations with respected creatives in both theater and film.

How to Make the Most of McKenna Quigley Harrington’s Acting Journey

If you’re an aspiring actor or theater lover, there’s a lot to appreciate in how McKenna approaches her craft. Here’s what stands out from her path:

Invest in Your Training

McKenna took her training seriously, studying at a reputable program and committing to live performance. Her theater roots give her a depth that shines on screen. It’s a reminder that foundational work in acting technique is still vital—even in the age of social media fame.

Embrace Indie Projects

Rather than chasing blockbuster fame immediately, McKenna has chosen roles in thoughtful, often smaller productions that showcase her talent. Projects like Susie Searches prove that great performances often happen outside the mainstream.

Stay Grounded in Craft

Whether on stage or screen, McKenna remains focused on telling authentic, human stories. She doesn’t rely on spectacle—just solid acting and a deep connection to the character. For anyone pursuing a similar path, her work is a great example of how to build a meaningful career without shortcuts.

Image Credit: IMDb

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About McKenna Quigley Harrington

1. What is McKenna Quigley Harrington known for?

She’s best known for her role as Grace in Tulsa King (Paramount+), her performance as Aimee in Susie Searches (TIFF 2022), and for her early role in The Dead Half (2017). She also has an impressive Off-Broadway theater background.

2. Where did McKenna Quigley Harrington train?

She studied Theater Performance at Fordham University at Lincoln Center, graduating in 2020.

3. Has McKenna done stage work?

Yes! She has performed in acclaimed Off-Broadway productions like The Mountains Look Different, Rules of Desire, and Made By God—working with companies like the Mint Theater and Irish Repertory Theatre.

4. Is McKenna active on social media?

Yes, McKenna occasionally shares her work and behind-the-scenes glimpses on platforms like Instagram, where fans can follow her latest projects and artistic life.

The Bottom Line: McKenna Quigley Harrington Is Just Getting Started

Whether you first saw her in a gritty crime drama or caught her in an indie festival favorite, McKenna Quigley Harrington is a name worth remembering. Her career may not have launched with flashy headlines, but it’s grounded in substance, skill, and sincerity.

From the stages of New York to streaming platforms worldwide, McKenna is charting a career path that’s smart, deliberate, and refreshingly authentic. With each new project, she’s adding depth to a portfolio that reflects both talent and taste.

Watch this space—McKenna’s story is just getting started, and we can’t wait to see what she does next.