Who is Melissa Benoist?
Melissa Benoist is an American actress and singer known for her prominent roles in the television series Supergirl and Glee. Her portrayal of Kara Zor-El (Supergirl) and Marley Rose in Glee made her a highly renowned figure in the superhero and musical genres. Benoist has been widely recognized not only for her talent but also for her advocacy for mental health awareness.
A Journey Through Supergirl and Glee
Benoist's career kicked off with a notable role in the musical comedy-drama series Glee, where she played Marley Rose. This role brought her to the limelight, exemplifying her dramatic and comedic abilities. A few years later, she captivated viewers as Kara Zor-El, Supergirl, in the television series that is part of the Arrowverse - a shared universe of superhero series based on DC Comics characters.
Early Life and Formation
Melissa Benoist was born in Houston, Texas, to Julie and Jim Benoist, a physician. Her father later remarried, and Benoist came to live with her mother in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado, after her parents divorced. She was raised in a family environment that included two sisters, Jessica and Kristina, as well as five half-siblings. Benoist began taking dance classes at age three, focusing on jazz, ballet, and tap, which laid a solid foundation for her future career in performing arts.
Theater and Bachelor's Degree
Driven by her passion for performing arts, Benoist enrolled in the Academy of Theatre Arts in Littleton, Colorado, where she performed in various roles, including medleys of musical songs. After graduating from Arapahoe High School, Benoist moved to New York City to pursue a career in musical theatre. She attended Marymount Manhattan College for her BFA in musical theatre, but switched her major to Theatre after her sophomore year. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts from Marymount Manhattan College in 2011. During her college years, Benoist had notable stage performances, including roles in Thoroughly Modern Millie and As You Like It.
Rise to Fame and Personal Challenges
Benoist's rise to fame in both TV and film continued with the success of Supergirl. She performed on stage, appeared in community children's theatre, and took on various theatrical productions, especially in Denver. In 2006, she was named one of Colorado's top young talent by The Denver Post. After her college years, she ultimately returned to the theatre with performances of Thoroughly Modern Millie and As You Like It.
Voice and Advocacy for Mental Health
Beyond her acting and singing roles, Benoist has been vocal about mental health awareness. She has been open about her personal struggles with depression and anxiety since she was 13 years old. In 2015, she worked with Chris Wood to launch his website, helping him address mental illnesses, a move that empowered Benoist to admit her own issues with others. Their relationship later led to their engagement and marriage in 2019, with the couple announcing the birth of their first son in 2020.
Personal Incidents and Advocacy
Benoist has also overcome significant challenges, including a scar above her eyebrows from a bike accident and a tattoo of a bicycle on her left foot. In 2019, she revealed that an iPhone was thrown at her during a domestic dispute, causing an injury to her iris that led to one pupil being permanently enlarged. This incident marked the end of a relationship characterized by domestic violence. Her openness about mental health and her past experiences has inspired many to seek help and speak up about their struggles.