Melissa Marie Benoist was born on October 4, 1988, in Littleton, Colorado, to Julie and Jim Benoist. She has two sisters, Jessica and Kristina. Benoist began performing in community theater at a young age and attended Arapahoe High School, where she participated in drama and musicals. She later studied theater at Marymount Manhattan College, graduating in 2011.
Benoist’s early television appearances included guest roles in series such as Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Blue Bloods, and The Good Wife. She also had a minor role in the film Tennessee in 2008.
Benoist gained significant recognition for her role as Marley Rose in the fourth and fifth seasons of the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee (2012-2014). Her character was a central figure in the show’s storylines, showcasing her singing and acting abilities.
Benoist achieved widespread fame for her lead role as Kara Zor-El/Supergirl in the CBS/The CW superhero series Supergirl (2015-2021). The series, based on the DC Comics character, ran for six seasons and solidified her status as a television star. She also appeared in crossover events within the Arrowverse, including Arrow, The Flash, and Legends of Tomorrow.
While primarily known for her television work, Benoist has also appeared in several films. Notable film roles include: