“I hate the narrative that people have to be tortured in order to be good artists. I think it's a solipsistic view that people use in order to be selfish.”

American actress, director, and screenwriter

Marielle Stiles Heller is an American actress, director, and screenwriter. She is best known for her work in film and television, especially for directing The Diary of a Teenage Girl, Can You Ever Forgive Me?, and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, and for appearing in The Queen's Gambit. Heller's work as a filmmaker has brought her attention for stories that balance humor, character, and emotional precision. As an actor, she has also appeared on screen, adding another dimension to a career that spans both performance and storytelling.