Melissa Benoist is an actress best known for her role as Supergirl/Kara Danvers in the popular superhero TV series, Supergirl. Born on October 4, 1988, in Littleton, Colorado, Benoist grew up in a family of performers and began dancing at an early age. Her passion for the arts soon led her to pursue a career in acting, and she made her debut in the film industry in 2008.
Early Life and Career
Melissa Benoist was born to parents Julie and Jim Benoist, who were both amateur performers. She has two sisters, Jessica and Kristina. Benoist attended Arapahoe High School in Colorado and later went to Marymount Manhattan College in New York City to study theater arts.
After completing her studies, Benoist moved to Los Angeles to pursue her acting career. She initially struggled to find work and took up odd jobs to make ends meet. However, her persistence paid off when she landed a small role in the film Tennessee in 2008. She later appeared in several TV shows, including Law & Order: Criminal Intent and The Good Wife.
The Role of Supergirl
In 2015, Benoist was cast as the lead in the TV series Supergirl. The show follows the adventures of Kara Danvers, Superman's cousin, who becomes Supergirl and uses her powers to protect the people of National City. Benoist's portrayal of the character was praised for its optimism and hopefulness, and she quickly became a fan favorite.
The role of Supergirl was a breakthrough for Benoist, and it catapulted her to fame. She has since reprised the role in several other DC Comics TV shows, including The Flash and Arrow.
Personal Life
Benoist has been married twice. She was first married to fellow Glee actor Blake Jenner from 2015 to 2017. In 2019, she married her Supergirl co-star Chris Wood, and the couple announced the birth of their first child in 2020.
Benoist has been open about her struggles with domestic violence and abuse in past relationships. In 2019, she shared her story in a video on Instagram, hoping to raise awareness about the issue.
Other Work
Besides acting, Benoist is also a talented singer and dancer. She has appeared in several musicals, including The Sound of Music and Bye Bye Birdie. In 2012, she was a contestant on the singing competition show The Glee Project, which led to her being cast in the hit TV series Glee. She has also performed in a band called "Darren Criss and the Computer Games."
Conclusion
Melissa Benoist is a talented actress, singer, and dancer who has become a household name for her role as Supergirl. Her optimistic portrayal of the character has won her legions of fans, and she continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Despite facing personal challenges, Benoist has remained resilient and continues to inspire others with her work and advocacy.