Melissa Benoist

Melissa Benoist is an American actress and singer best known for her role as Kara Zor-El in the CW superhero series Supergirl, which ran for six seasons from 2015 to 2021. Born in Littleton, Colorado, she developed a passion for performing arts from an early age, studying musical theater at Marymount Manhattan College in New York City. Her training in both acting and singing would prove invaluable throughout her career.

Benoist first gained national attention with her role as Marley Rose on the hit Fox series Glee, joining the cast in its fourth season in 2012. Her vocal talents and natural screen presence quickly made her a fan favorite. She then made a significant impact on the big screen with her role as Nicole in Damien Chazelle’s critically acclaimed film Whiplash (2014), which won three Academy Awards and was nominated for Best Picture.

Her career reached new heights when she was cast as the titular character in Supergirl in 2015. The show initially aired on CBS before moving to The CW, and Benoist’s portrayal of the beloved DC Comics heroine earned her widespread praise. She brought warmth, strength, and vulnerability to the role, and the show became a cornerstone of the Arrowverse, DC’s interconnected television universe. She appeared in multiple crossover events and became one of the most recognized faces in superhero television.

Beyond Supergirl, Benoist made her Broadway debut in 2020 in the musical Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, showcasing her singing abilities on the biggest stage. She has also been an outspoken advocate for domestic violence awareness, sharing her own experiences to help others. Her acting career, stage work, and advocacy have built her estimated net worth to approximately $5 million as of 2026.