Age: 42
female
Greta Gerwig is an American actress, playwright, screenwriter, and director based in NY. She has collaborated with Noah Baumbach on several films, including Greenberg (2010), Frances Ha (2012), for which she earned a Golden Globe nomination, and Mistress America (2015). Gerwig made her solo directorial debut with the critically acclaimed comedy-drama film Lady Bird (2017), which she also wrote, and has also had starring roles in the films Damsels in Distress (2011), Jackie (2016), and 20th Century Women (2016). Greta Celeste Gerwig was born in Sacramento, California, to Christine Gerwig (née Sauer), a nurse, and Gordon Gerwig, a financial consultant and computer programmer. She has German, Irish, and English ancestry. Gerwig was raised as a Unitarian Universalist, but also attended an all-girls Catholic school. She has described herself as "an intense child". With an early interest in dance, she intended to get a degree in musical theatre in New York. She graduated from Barnard College in NY, where she studied English and philosophy, instead. Originally intending to become a playwright, after meeting young film director Joe Swanberg, she became the star of a series of intellectual low budget movies made by first-time filmmakers, a trend dubbed "mumblecore". Gerwig was cast in a minor role in Swanberg's LOL (2006) in 2006, while still studying at Barnard. She then appeared in many of Swanberg's films, and personally co-directed, co-wrote and co-produced one entitled Nights and Weekends (2008). She has worked with good quality directors such as Ti West (The House of the Devil (2009)), Whit Stillman (Damsels in Distress (2011)), or Woody Allen (To Rome with Love (2012)) but success and (international) recognition did not come until Frances Ha (2012), directed by Noah Baumbach, a film she also co-wrote. Both tall and immature, awkward and graceful, blundering and candid, annoying and engaging, Greta has won all hearts in the title role of Frances Ha(liday). In 2017, she wrote and directed the highly acclaimed, semi-autobiographical teen movie Lady Bird (2017), set in 2002-2003, and starring Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, and Timothée Chalamet. In 2011, Gerwig received an award for Acting from the Athena Film Festival for her artistry as one of Hollywood's definitive screen actresses of her generation.
Katalin Karikó’s journey is a gripping tale of resilience, brilliance, and defiance against the odds, making her the perfect subject for a biopic miniseries that will inspire audiences worldwide. "Molecule of Hope" unfolds the untold story of the Hungarian-born biochemist whose groundbreaking work on mRNA defied conventional science, institutional rejection, and personal hardships, culminating in a scientific revolution that saved millions of lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. The miniseries begins in rural Hungary, where young Kati’s insatiable curiosity for science was sparked in a modest household. It follows her emigration to the United States, navigating cultural barriers and an uphill battle for recognition in male-dominated academic institutions. Amidst a series of professional setbacks—including demotions, funding rejections, and skepticism about her vision—Karikó remained steadfast, driven by a belief in the transformative potential of mRNA. Central to the story is her partnership with Drew Weissman, an immunologist who shared her vision. Together, they pioneered the techniques that laid the foundation for mRNA vaccines, a feat initially dismissed by the scientific community. Their collaborative breakthroughs come to life against the backdrop of Karikó’s unwavering determination and sacrifices, including her personal struggles as a mother and immigrant.
