Mae Whitman: 5 Surprising New Directions For The Former Good Girl In 2024–2025

Mae Whitman, the versatile actor known for roles ranging from the fiercely loyal Annie Marks in Good Girls to the beloved Katara in Avatar: The Last Airbender, is currently taking her career in a surprising and fresh direction for 2024 and 2025. After the success of her recent projects, including her executive producer role on the 2023 documentary Below the Belt, Whitman is stepping into the world of holiday romance and scripted drama, proving her range extends far beyond the dark comedy and family dramas fans have come to love.

As of late 2024, the actor is headlining a major new limited series for a network few might have predicted, while maintaining a low-key but significant presence in the world of independent film and voice acting. This deep dive uncovers her latest moves, from her Hallmark debut to the status of her relationship with a fellow co-star.

Mae Whitman: Complete Biography and Profile

Mae Margaret Whitman has cultivated a remarkably extensive career, transitioning seamlessly from a child actor to a modern-day screen and voice icon. Her ability to portray complex, emotionally rich characters has made her one of the industry’s most respected performers.

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• Full Name: Mae Margaret Whitman
• Date of Birth: June 9, 1988
• Age (as of late 2024): 36
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Parents: Pat Musick (voice actor) and Jeffrey Whitman
• Career Start: Began acting in commercials at age three and made her film debut in When a Man Loves a Woman (1994) at age six.
• Major Live-Action Roles: Sarah in Independence Day (1996), Bernie Pruitt in Hope Floats (1998), Ann Veal in Arrested Development (2004–2006, 2013), Amber Holt in Parenthood (2010–2015), Roxie Richter in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010), Bianca Piper in The DUFF (2015), and Annie Marks in Good Girls (2018–2021).
• Major Voice Roles: Katara in Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–2008), Rose/Huntsgirl in American Dragon: Jake Long (2005–2007), Tinker Bell in the Disney Fairies franchise (2008–2015), April O'Neil in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012–2017), and Amity Blight in The Owl House (2020–2023).

The Hallmark Pivot: A New Limited Series for 2025

One of the most surprising and anticipated developments in Whitman's career is her starring role in the new Hallmark Channel limited series, Twelve Dates 'Til Christmas (also referred to as The Twelve Dates of Christmas). This six-episode series, which is part of Hallmark's famous "Countdown to Christmas" programming, is a major shift for an actor primarily associated with network drama and indie projects.

The series, which is expected to air for the 2025 holiday season, features Whitman alongside Emmy winner Jane Seymour. Whitman plays a textile pattern designer who is on a quest for love during the festive period. This move signals a deliberate expansion of her repertoire, embracing the lighthearted yet emotional storytelling popular in the holiday rom-com genre.

While the tone is lighter than the crime-centric Good Girls, the series allows Whitman to showcase her natural charm and comedic timing, which fans of Parenthood’s Amber Holt will recognize and appreciate. The shift to a limited series format also indicates her continued interest in diverse, short-form projects following the conclusion of her long-running shows.

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Voice Acting Legacy and Recent Endings

Even as her live-action career evolves, Mae Whitman remains a powerhouse in the world of animation. Her voice work is a cornerstone of her topical authority, defining the childhoods of an entire generation of viewers.

Amity Blight and The Owl House Finale

Whitman’s most recent major animated series role was as Amity Blight, a fan-favorite character in the Disney Channel's critically acclaimed series, The Owl House. The show concluded in 2023 with a series of final specials, marking the end of another iconic chapter in her voice career.

The character of Amity Blight, known for her complex development and significant role in the show's inclusive storytelling, resonated deeply with audiences. The emotional finale, "Watching and Dreaming," solidified Amity's legacy, with Whitman's performance being central to the show's heartwarming conclusion.

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The Enduring Power of Katara and Tinker Bell

While no new major voice roles have been announced for late 2024 or 2025, her previous work continues to generate buzz. The enduring popularity of Avatar: The Last Airbender means her portrayal of Katara remains a constant topic of discussion, especially with the release of new live-action adaptations. Similarly, her decade-long run as the voice of Tinker Bell in the Disney Fairies franchise is a testament to her consistent presence in family entertainment.

Mae Whitman's Personal Life and Relationship Update

In terms of her personal life, Mae Whitman has often kept details private, but recent reports have shed light on her current relationship status. As of 2024, Whitman is reportedly in a relationship with her former co-star, Carlos Valdes.

The two met while working together on the Hulu musical series Up Here, where their professional collaboration blossomed into a personal connection. While Whitman has historically been private about her love life, occasionally being linked to former partners like Landon Pigg, the connection with Valdes has been noted by fans and media, highlighting a happy development following her recent intense filming schedules.

Whitman has consistently championed the idea of "chosen family," a theme that was central to her roles in both Parenthood and Good Girls. This philosophy extends into her real life, where she maintains close relationships with many of her former castmates, a significant part of her ongoing personal and professional network.

From Indie Films to Executive Producer

Beyond her major television roles, Whitman has dedicated time to independent and smaller projects, demonstrating a commitment to diverse storytelling. In 2023, she served as an Executive Producer on the documentary Below the Belt, which focuses on the struggles of women with endometriosis.

This behind-the-scenes role is a vital part of her career evolution, allowing her to use her platform to advocate for important health and social issues. Her involvement in projects like Duck Butter (2018) and the short film The Dog and Pony Show (2018) showcases her continued interest in cinema that explores complex human relationships outside of the mainstream studio system.

Mae Whitman’s career is a masterclass in longevity and versatility. From her early days as a child actor in major Hollywood films to her status as a voice acting legend and a prime-time television star, her latest pivot to a Hallmark limited series proves she is unafraid to explore new genres and continue captivating audiences in 2025 and beyond.