Monica Barbaro is a well-known American actress who has shown great versatility in both film and television. With her performance as Lieutenant Natasha “Phoenix” Trace in the 2022 blockbuster “Top Gun: Maverick,” she became a household name and cemented her position in Hollywood. Her performance as folk singer Joan Baez in the 2024 biopic “A Complete Unknown” solidified her profile, garnering her critical praise and an Oscar consideration for Best Supporting Actress.
Personal Details
| Full Name | Monica Maria Barbaro |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Monica |
| Date of Birth | June 17, 1990 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 34 years old |
| Profession | Actress |
| Nationality | American |
| Marital Status | Not publicly disclosed |
| Family Members | Not publicly disclosed |
| Hobbies & Interests | Dance, music, traveling |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $3 million |
Life in Childhood and School
Monica Barbaro grew up in Mill Valley after being born in San Francisco on June 17, 1990. She started out in classical ballet but has since branched out into other styles of dance, including salsa, flamenco, West African, and modern. A graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, Barbaro studied dance for her Bachelor of Fine Arts. She first became interested in performing while attending Tisch, where she attended her first acting classes.
Influences and Inspirations in Acting
While details on the people who influenced Barbaro to pursue acting are sketchy at best, the fact that she went from dancing to acting implies a lifelong love of stage productions and narrative.
Top Movies and TV Shows
Here’s a List of Her Top Movies
| Year | Movie Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | The Cathedral | Lydia Damrosch | Independent film, well-received |
| 2022 | Top Gun: Maverick | Lt. Natasha “Phoenix” Trace | Major breakthrough, global recognition |
| 2023 | At Midnight | Sophie | Romantic comedy, Paramount+ original |
| 2024 | A Complete Unknown | Joan Baez | Biopic about Bob Dylan and Joan Baez |
| 2025 | Crime 101 (upcoming) | TBA | Crime thriller starring Chris Hemsworth |
Here’s a List of Her Top Web Series and TV Shows
| Year | TV Show / Web Series | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | UnREAL | Yael | Breakthrough role in a drama series |
| 2016–2017 | Chicago P.D. / Chicago Justice | Assistant State’s Attorney Anna Valdez | Recurring role in the Chicago franchise |
| 2018 | The Good Cop | Cora Vasquez | Netflix crime-comedy series |
| 2023–Present | FUBAR | Emma Brunner | Action-comedy series with Arnold Schwarzenegger |
Early Career and Dancing Foundation
Monica grew raised in Mill Valley, California, surrounded by artists and their works. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to dance, especially ballet, from an early age. She followed her heart and got a BFA in dance from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. While at Tisch, Monica took acting classes, which piqued her interest in performing beyond dance and led her to investigate other forms of theater.
Shift to the Role of Actress
Monica went back to California after finishing college to work on her acting at prestigious theaters like the Beverly Hills Playhouse. Her commitment to becoming an expert allowed her to effortlessly segue from ballet to acting, drawing on the self-control and expressiveness she had developed throughout her training.
Early Acting Roles
In her early acting career, Monica appeared in both short films and television programs as a guest star. “Stitchers” featured her in 2015, while “Hawaii Five-0” was her 2016 part. She gained a solid grounding in the sector and opened the door to more important prospects through her early experiences.
Breakthrough with “UnREAL”
Monica’s breakout role came in 2016 when she played Yael on the Lifetime drama “UnREAL.” She demonstrated her talent for inhabiting multi-layered characters and deftly navigating difficult narratives in her critically acclaimed performance as an ambitious and determined competitor on a reality dating show.
Expanding Television Career
After starring on “UnREAL,” Monica went on to land parts in other hit TV shows. She was the lead for the 2016–2017 seasons of “Chicago P.D.” and the spin-off “Chicago Justice” as Assistant State’s Attorney Anna Valdez. She was able to effortlessly switch between roles in the procedural drama genre, showcasing her variety in her performances. She was already well-established as an accomplished and versatile actor before her 2018 role as Cora Vasquez in “The Good Cop” on Netflix.
Film Debut and Subsequent Roles
Monica made her big screen debut in the indie feature “The Cathedral” (2021), playing the part of Lydia Damrosch. She was able to go into cinematic character development and complex storytelling with this project. Her breakthrough into the big screen was a well-received performance.
“Top Gun: Maverick” and Mainstream Recognition
Monica shot to fame in 2022 after starring as Lieutenant Natasha “Phoenix” Trace in the critically acclaimed sequel “Top Gun: Maverick.” She captivated audiences around the world as a confident and competent fighter pilot, co-starring with Tom Cruise. With the smash hit of the film, Monica became an international superstar and a major player in Hollywood.
Portraying Joan Baez in “A Complete Unknown”
In the biopic “A Complete Unknown” (2024), Monica’s dedication to her art shone through when she portrayed folk singer Joan Baez. An opportunity for Monica to portray a real-life figure was presented by the film, which explored Baez’s friendship with Bob Dylan in the 1960s. Monica trained extensively on guitar and voice to capture the spirit of the great musician José Javier Baez, so she could faithfully portray him. Critically acclaimed and nominated for numerous honors, including Best Supporting Actress at the Academy Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards, her performance was truly remarkable.
Also Read: Addison Rae: The Rise of a Social Media Sensation
History of the Family
No one knows Monica Barbaro‘s parents’ names, siblings’ ages, or anything else about her childhood. Nonetheless, her artistic abilities were probably fostered by her upbringing in the culturally rich San Francisco Bay Area.
Physical Measurements
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
|---|---|
| Weight | Approximately 125 lbs (57 kg) |
| Body Measurements | 34-24-35 inches |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Distinctive Features | Graceful poise from dance background |
Awards and Nominations:
Monica’s performance as Joan Baez in “A Complete Unknown” (2024) earned her several accolades, including:
Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress
Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
St. Louis Film Critics Association nomination for Best Supporting Actress
Personal Life
Monica Barbaro keeps her private life under wraps. Actor Andrew Garfield has allegedly been linked to her, but she has not addressed the rumors publicly. Her artistic and adventurous nature is reflected in her activities, which include dancing, music, and traveling.
Future Projects
“Crime101,” a new criminal thriller starring Monica and other A-listers including Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, and Mark Ruffalo, is already shooting in London.
Legacy and Influence
The entertainment world has been profoundly affected by Monica Barbaro’s unwavering commitment to her work and her effortless crossover from dancing to acting. Her performances highlight the potential that can be achieved with dedication and enthusiasm, serving as an inspiration to others who aspire to be dancers and performers.
Social Media & Fan Engagement
Monica actively engages with her fans through various social media platforms:
Twitter: @monicabarbaro
Instagram: @monicabarbaro
