Hayley McFarland is an American actress whose versatile performances in both movies and television series have earned her recognition and applause. Born on March 29, 1991, in Edmond, Oklahoma, she began acting at a young age, starting with local musicals and progressing to major film and television roles. Known for her compelling work in Lie to Me, The Conjuring, and Sons of Anarchy, McFarland brings emotional depth and precision to every character she portrays. Over nearly two decades, her career has demonstrated range from crime drama to supernatural horror making her a notable actress in contemporary entertainment.
Early Life and Acting Beginnings
Growing up in Oklahoma, Hayley McFarland performed in summer musicals like The Sound of Music and Titanic. These early stage experiences helped her develop confidence and acting skills. Encouraged by her instructor at Michelle De Long’s ACTS Acting Academy, she auditioned in Los Angeles and soon began screen work. Her early roles included a small part in the 2006 horror film Ring Around the Rosie and guest spots on well-known TV series, marking the start of her on-screen career.
Breakout Television Role:Lie to Me
Hayley McFarland’s first major television role came in the Fox crime-drama Lie to Me, where she played Emily Lightman, the perceptive teenage daughter of Dr. Cal Lightman (played by Tim Roth). She began as a recurring character in 2009 and was promoted to series regular in the following season. Across 40 episodes, her portrayal combined intelligence, subtle emotional nuance, and strong on-screen chemistry with the cast.
Film Work and Noteworthy Roles
McFarland’s film career includes both independent dramas and genre movies. Some of her notable screen appearances are:
- An American Crime(2007) She played Jennie Likens in a dramatization of a real-life crime, offering a haunting and powerful performance.
- Winged Creatures(also released as Fragments) (2008) As Lori Carline, she portrayed a traumatized teenager exploring grief and loss after a violent incident.
- The Conjuring(2013) She took on the role of Nancy Perron in this acclaimed supernatural horror film, contributing to its eerie realism.
- Agnes(2021) In the psychological horror Agnes, she played the title character, exploring vulnerability, faith, and mental health.
- Out of Exile(2022) She portrayed Dawnette Dawn Russell in this gritty drama about survival, redemption, and familial conflict.
Guest Appearances on Television
Throughout her career, McFarland has appeared on a range of popular television series. Her guest and recurring roles include:
- Gilmore Girls(2006) Appeared as Marcia in two episodes early in her career.
- ER(2007),Criminal Minds(2008),Pushing Daisies(2008),Mad Men(2012),Grey’s Anatomy(2014) Various episodic roles exploring diverse character types.
- United States of Tara(2009) Played Petula, a sympathetic friend in the dark comedy-drama.
- Sons of Anarchy(201314) Recurring character Brooke Putner during seasons 6 and 7, contributing to the gritty biker-drama storyline.
Recent and Upcoming Projects
Although McFarland has remained selective with her roles, she continues to appear in high-profile TV series and film projects. In 2024 and 2025, she took on guest roles in several series:
- The Rookie(2024) as Ms. Marcos
- Scare Tactics(2024) as Josie in the segment Thrill Ride
- 1923(2025) as Mary, spanning two episodes
- Tracker(2025) as Monica Harper in one episode.
She is also involved in projects in post-production, including short or feature films like Bigger Than Life, The Nameless, and Babushka, suggesting her continued commitment to varied storytelling.
What Makes Her Stand Out
Hayley McFarland’s appeal lies in her ability to portray nuanced, emotionally complex characters. Whether she’s a young teenager struggling with trauma or a supernatural figure in horror, she brings authenticity and subtlety to each role. Casting directors often note her capacity to convey inner conflict without overt dramatics, making her an asset for both mainstream and independent productions.
Key Strengths
- Naturalistic performances with emotional depth
- Ability to transition between TV and film seamlessly
- Range across genres: drama, horror, crime, and family stories
- Steady presence from child roles into adult characters
Legacy and Career Highlights
From her debut in Ring Around the Rosie to major roles in Lie to Me and The Conjuring, Hayley McFarland’s career has steadily evolved. Her breakthrough role as Emily Lightman brought her into the spotlight, while her performances in horror films like Agnes reaffirmed her versatility. As she continues exploring new roles in upcoming drama series and independent films, her trajectory suggests ongoing growth and creative exploration.
Fan Favorites
- Lie to Me a standout performance that established her in TV drama
- The Conjuring a defining horror role with wide recognition
- Agnesand Out of Exile strong indie films showing her dramatic range
Hayley McFarland has built a remarkable career through carefully chosen roles in both television and film. Her performances in Lie to Me, The Conjuring, Sons of Anarchy, and a range of independent dramas highlight her skill and emotional intelligence as an actress. From her early days in Oklahoma stage productions to her current work on established TV series and festival films, McFarland continues to craft characters that are both believable and compelling. Fans and industry observers look forward to her future projects with anticipation, knowing she brings depth and dedication to every role she undertakes.