With BSG, sci-fi is the human experience taken beyond the envelope. When I first became involved with the project, I knew that I would be able to play a human being for many years, exploring and reflecting on issues that would impact people's lives.

In 2003 McDonnell starred in the mini-series Battlestar Galactica as Laura Roslin. McDonnell received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series in 2011 for the role. McDonnell is well known for her performances as President Laura Roslin in Battlestar Galactica the First Lady in Independence Day and a starring role in Donnie Darko as the title character's mother.

McDonnell is currently starring in Major Crimes as Captain Sharon Raydor. McDonnell is well known for her performances as President Laura Roslin in Battlestar Galactica the First Lady in Independence Day and a starring role in Donnie Darko as the title character's mother.