Colette Rose McDermott
Colette Rose McDermott

Colette Rose McDermott: The Rising Star and Creative Daughter of Dylan McDermott

Colette Rose McDermott is making her mark in Hollywood. As the daughter of Dylan McDermott and Shiva Rose, she is best known for her role as Carly Cassidy on FBI: Most Wanted. Her work in acting, writing, and art highlights her distinct and evolving talent.

Quick Bio

Full NameColette Rose McDermott
Date of Birth / AgeMay 1996 (29 years old as of 2025)
BirthplaceUnited States
NationalityAmerican
HeightApprox. 5′ 7″ (1.70 m)
Hair & Eye ColorBlonde hair, blue eyes
EducationStudied arts and creative studies in Los Angeles (college not publicly named)
ProfessionActress & Creative Artist
FamilyFather – Dylan McDermott • Mother – Shiva Rose • Sister – Charlotte Rose McDermott
Net Worth (2025 est.)≈ US $ 2.8 million
Known ForRole as Carly Cassidy on FBI: Most Wanted • Independent film and art projects

Early Life and Education

Born in May 1996, Colette Rose McDermott was destined to grow up in a world steeped in creativity. The daughter of Golden Globe-winning actor Dylan McDermott and actress and wellness entrepreneur Shiva Rose, Colette’s early years unfolded between film sets, art studios, and the vibrant cultural life of Los Angeles.

Her mother once described Colette’s childhood as “spent in the back of old, musty theatres, on sets with bands of gypsy actors and crews,”—a poetic way of saying that Colette’s upbringing was unconventional, imaginative, and full of storytelling. Surrounded by art and film from an early age, she developed a fascination with performance and a reflective, artistic sensibility that would later shape her creative identity.

Details about her early schooling are private. It is reported that she studied arts and creative direction at the college level in Los Angeles. Her curiosity about visual storytelling led her to pursue acting, writing, and artistic expression.

In interviews, she has said her work and home are her “creative temples.” Her approach to art and acting centers on inspiration drawn from stillness, nature, and connection—values rooted in her unconventional but nurturing upbringing.

Personal and Family Life

Colette comes from one of Hollywood’s most respected creative families. Her father, Dylan McDermott, became a household name through acclaimed performances in The Practice, American Horror Story, and FBI: Most Wanted. Her mother, Shiva Rose, is an actress, author, and advocate for holistic living, known for her wellness blog The Local Rose.

Colette also has a younger sister, Charlotte Rose McDermott, born in 2005. Though her parents divorced in 2009, both maintained strong bonds with their daughters and a mutual commitment to co-parenting grounded in creativity and respect.

Family clearly plays a defining role in Colette’s life. She often credits her parents for instilling resilience and artistic depth. Dylan once said in an interview that Colette is “who I want to be when I grow up—so smart, so talented, and deeply compassionate.”

While Colette’s professional life is public, her private relationships are handled discreetly. She has not confirmed marriage or children as of 2025. Some lifestyle outlets have linked her to creative peers in Los Angeles’s art scene, but she rarely discusses her romantic life, preferring to focus on her work and passions.

Career Journey

First Steps in Film and Art

Colette’s earliest appearance dates to 2005, when she had a small uncredited part in David & Layla, a film featuring her mother. The cameo hinted at a budding performer growing up among filmmakers. For years afterward, she quietly honed her craft—taking acting classes, collaborating on creative projects, and exploring design and photography.

Colette’s professional breakthrough arrived in 2020 with her role in the Netflix miniseries Hollywood, produced by Ryan Murphy. This re-imagined 1940s Hollywood explores identity, representation, and ambition. Though her part was modest, it introduced her to mainstream audiences and connected her with high-profile talent.

In 2021, she appeared as Agnetha in the indie film Highway One, earning praise for her raw, natural screen presence. Critics noted her authenticity and subtlety—traits reminiscent of classic Hollywood’s understated performers.

The FBI: Most Wanted Moment

A significant milestone arrived in April 2023, when Colette guest-starred in FBI: Most Wanted alongside her father. In the episode “The Miseducation of Metcalf 2,” she played Carly Cassidy, a role that brought father and daughter together professionally for the first time.

The collaboration drew national media attention. Entertainment Tonight called it “a special family moment,” while Dylan McDermott described working with Colette as “surreal.” Fans responded warmly, admiring their on-screen chemistry and Colette’s confident performance.

With the FBI: Most Wanted episode, Colette’s transition to high-visibility network television became official, earning her recognition as a performer in her own right.

Independent Ventures and Creative Exploration

Colette is not only an actress but a multidisciplinary artist. Her short films, such as Mustang, Sunflower, and Proof of Loss, explore emotional themes like grief and identity, reflecting her introspective nature.

She also engages in creative design and sustainable lifestyle projects, having been featured in Two Dawson Magazine and other lifestyle platforms. These features showcase her serene home environment and her philosophy of “intentional living.”

Her evolving career shows she aims to create original stories, blending film, writing, art, and mindfulness into her artistic signature—not just perform.

Life Challenges and Turning Points

Despite being born into a famous family, Colette’s path has not been without challenges.

Growing up as Dylan McDermott’s daughter meant early public attention. Colette balanced this visibility with a desire to stay authentic. She chose to keep a low profile in her early years, focusing on study and artistic experimentation rather than seeking the spotlight.

Carving Her Own Identity – One of her most significant turning points came from the need to differentiate herself from her father’s legacy. Instead of relying on her family name, she built her reputation through indie films, creative collaborations, and a unique voice in lifestyle media.

The FBI Collaboration – Acting alongside her father was both a professional achievement and a personal milestone. Dylan later said that watching Colette act “felt like watching the next generation take over.” It represented not just a cameo but a symbolic passing of the creative torch within the family.

Colette’s journey reflects her shift from being known as a famous daughter to establishing herself as an independent artist, defined by her creative choices and confidence.

Current Life and Career

In 2025, Colette Rose McDermott continues to live and work in Los Angeles, balancing film work with artistic and lifestyle endeavors. Her home in the Silver Lake neighborhood reflects her taste for calm, natural spaces—filled with light, plants, and handcrafted objects.

She remains involved in independent film production and artistic collaborations. Her recent project, Mustang, in which she served as both writer and lead actress, received positive attention at festivals for its emotional storytelling.

Outside of acting, Colette is gaining recognition as a style and sustainability advocate. She collaborates with eco-minded lifestyle brands and occasionally participates in interviews about creativity, mindfulness, and modern womanhood.

On social media, she maintains a curated yet authentic presence—posting glimpses of her projects, travels, and inspirations while avoiding excessive celebrity exposure. Her Instagram aesthetic—earthy tones, candid moments, and poetic captions—captures her grounded personality and artistic sensibility.

Net Worth and Financial Status

While Colette’s exact income remains private, entertainment analysts estimate her net worth at around US$2.8 million (2025). Her earnings stem primarily from:

  • Acting roles in television and independent films
  • Creative writing and production work
  • Lifestyle collaborations and brand features

Although Colette has family privileges, her choices consistently focus on creative purpose and authenticity. Her life embodies a modern ethos: stable, ambitious, and meaningful.

Public Image and Media Presence

Media portray Colette Rose McDermott as graceful, introspective, and refreshingly independent. She embodies a blend of Hollywood heritage and millennial authenticity.

Her father’s public admiration—calling her “smart, talented, and compassionate”—has reinforced her reputation as a thoughtful young woman. Entertainment magazines and lifestyle blogs often highlight her serene aura and eco-conscious lifestyle.

Unlike many celebrity children, Colette has avoided tabloid drama. Instead, she projects maturity and calm. Her brand is built around creativity and connection rather than controversy or fame.

Colette represents a new kind of Hollywood personality—grounded, reflective, and creative—standing apart from traditional archetypes.

Fun Facts and Anecdotes

  • When she filmed FBI: Most Wanted with her father, the set buzzed with emotional energy. Dylan McDermott later said, “The fact that we get to do this together is beyond surreal.
  • Colette once described her sense of “home” poetically: “It’s in the arms of my loved ones. It’s in my body. It’s in the mountains. In the sea.” Her perspective mirrors her artistic, nature-driven outlook.
  • She’s proud of her Iranian-American heritage on her mother’s side—her maternal grandfather, Parviz Gharib-Afshar, was an Iranian television figure.
  • Colette’s hobbies include photography, journaling, hiking, and collecting handmade ceramics. She often integrates natural textures and vintage aesthetics into her living space.
  • Despite being the daughter of a famous actor, she’s known for preferring quiet evenings with friends, art, and nature to red-carpet excess.

Conclusion

Colette Rose McDermott’s life showcases the quiet confidence of someone raised amid art, but determined to define her own creative voice—from growing up within Hollywood’s energy to discovering purpose in film and design, she exemplifies the move from heritage to individuality.

Her journey has been less about chasing stardom and more about cultivating meaning—in her work, her surroundings, and her identity. As she continues to explore acting, writing, and creative ventures, Colette stands as a new-generation artist whose success is measured not only by fame and fortune but also by authenticity.

In a world obsessed with celebrity, Colette Rose McDermott offers something rare: a portrait of grace, creativity, and self-possession, steadily crafting her own legacy—one project, one inspiration, one quiet breakthrough at a time.

READ MORE: Noah Zimmern — Inside the Private Life of Andrew Zimmern’s Son and His Journey Beyond Fame

(FAQs)

1. Who is Colette Rose McDermott?
Colette Rose McDermott (born May 1996) is an American actress and artist, best known for her role as Carly Cassidy on the TV series FBI: Most Wanted. She is the daughter of actor Dylan McDermott and actress Shiva Rose.

2. What is her profession now?
She works as an actress, writer, and creative artist, developing independent films and lifestyle projects while living in Los Angeles.

3. Is Colette McDermott married or does she have children?
As of 2025, she has not publicly announced any marriage or children.

4. What is Colette McDermott’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated at around US$2.8 million in 2025, earned through acting and creative ventures.

5. What makes her stand out from other celebrity children?
Her focus on authentic artistry, sustainable living, and creative independence distinguishes her from many Hollywood peers—she’s building a career rooted in meaning rather than mere fame.