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Monica Barbaro channels her inner Joan Baez in A Complete Unknown, a captivating film that explores the life of Bob Dylan, portrayed by the talented Timothée Chalamet. Monica has made significant strides in her career, showcasing her versatility through various roles in major films. This year marks a significant milestone for her, as she has received a nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role at the prestigious 2025 Oscars, recognizing her outstanding performance in A Complete Unknown. This nomination highlights her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft.
So, who is the rising star Monica Barbaro? She?s poised to become Hollywood?s next ?It? girl, with her remarkable performance in A Complete Unknown and her fascinating background as a former ballerina. HollywoodLife has compiled everything you need to know about Monica, from her early beginnings to her current status in the entertainment industry.
Discover Monica Barbaro?s Role as Phoenix in ?Top Gun: Maverick?
In the action-packed sequel Top Gun: Maverick, Monica stars as Lieutenant Natasha ?Phoenix? Trace, a skilled F/A-18F pilot and a mission candidate. Alongside co-stars such as Miles Teller, Glen Powell, Jay Ellis, Danny Ramirez, Lewis Pullman, and Greg Tarzan Davis, she undergoes rigorous training under the mentorship of the iconic Maverick. This film marks Monica’s significant step forward, showcasing her talent and determination as it is her second major film role.
Tom Cruise Praises Monica Barbaro as ?Amazing? in ?Top Gun: Maverick?
During an engaging segment on The Late Late Show, Tom Cruise expressed his admiration for Monica’s performance. ?Monica is amazing in this movie,? he shared enthusiastically. ?She possesses a natural intelligence and an undeniable presence, along with the talent required to portray a female fighter pilot who graduated from Top Gun.? He also commended her resilience, noting that the impressive actress ?never got sick in the airplane? throughout their intense training sessions, which speaks volumes about her dedication and professionalism.
Monica and her fellow cast members undertook the challenge of learning how to operate the aircraft featured in the film. Tom took it upon himself to guide the cast on how to edit and direct their performances while flying in the jets. Monica reflected on this experience, admitting that Tom ?overprepared us in the best way? to ensure they were ready to convincingly portray pilots, demonstrating his commitment to authenticity in the film.
Monica Barbaro?s Journey from Ballet to Acting
Before making her mark in the acting world, Monica was a dedicated ballerina, honing her craft and expressing herself through dance. She pursued a degree in dance from the esteemed New York University?s Tisch School of the Arts, where she developed her artistic skills. Eventually, she transitioned into acting, seizing opportunities that led her to relocate to California, where her career truly began to flourish.
Monica Barbaro?s Breakthrough Role in ?UnREAL?
Monica?s journey in television began with her first significant role as a series regular on the critically acclaimed Lifetime series UnREAL, which premiered in 2017. Following this breakout role, she landed main characters in other popular shows, including Chicago Justice and The Good Cop. Her feature film debut came with 2015?s America Is Still The Place, marking the start of a promising career in film and television.
Monica Barbaro?s Roots: Growing Up in California
Monica Barbaro was born in San Francisco but was raised in Mill Valley, a charming area located to the north of the city. Her upbringing in California has undoubtedly influenced her artistic journey and her approach to acting. With a father of Italian descent, Monica embraces her diverse heritage, which has enriched her life experiences and artistic expression.
