Introduction to a Star on the Rise
Monica Barbaro movies and TV shows have captured audiences worldwide, showcasing her remarkable journey from classically trained dancer to Hollywood’s rising star. The San Francisco-born actress has built an impressive filmography that spans blockbuster films, critically acclaimed television series, and even voice acting work.
Monica Barbaro’s Most Notable Movies:
- Top Gun: Maverick (2022) – Lt. Natasha ‘Phoenix’ Trace
- The Cathedral (2021) – 96% on Rotten Tomatoes
- At Midnight (2023) – Romantic comedy lead
- A Complete Unknown (2024) – Joan Baez in Bob Dylan biopic
Monica Barbaro’s Major TV Shows:
- FUBAR (2023) – Emma Brunner (Netflix series with Arnold Schwarzenegger)
- UnREAL (2016) – Yael (10 episodes, breakthrough role)
- Chicago Justice (2017) – Anna Valdez (main role)
- The Good Cop (2018) – Cora Vasquez (Netflix series)
- Splitting Up Together (2018-2019) – Lisa Apple (recurring role)
From her viral comedy short “It’s Not About the Nail” to her career-defining role as Phoenix in Top Gun: Maverick, Barbaro has proven her versatility across genres. Her background in dance – she holds a BFA from NYU Tisch School of the Arts – has uniquely shaped her performances, particularly in romantic comedies like At Midnight where she performed salsa and tango sequences.
With Top Gun: Maverick earning a 96% critics score and 99% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, Barbaro’s star continues to rise. Her upcoming portrayal of folk legend Joan Baez in A Complete Unknown promises to showcase yet another dimension of her talent.
Soaring to Stardom: The ‘Phoenix’ Effect in Top Gun: Maverick
When discussing the most impactful Monica Barbaro movies and TV shows, Top Gun: Maverick stands as the defining moment of her career. Her portrayal of Lieutenant Natasha ‘Phoenix’ Trace didn’t just showcase her acting abilities—it launched her into the stratosphere of Hollywood stardom.
The preparation for this role was anything but ordinary. Monica and her fellow cast members endured what can only be described as an intense military-style boot camp, personally designed by Tom Cruise himself. This wasn’t your typical acting workshop. The training prepared them for the real deal: actual F/A-18 flights that would capture the heart-pounding authenticity audiences craved.
As the San Francisco Chronicle reported, this Bay Area actress truly pushed her limits during the grueling preparation process. The dedication paid off magnificently on screen, where her chemistry with co-stars like Glen Powell created some of the film’s most memorable moments.
How ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Changed Her Career
The numbers tell the story beautifully. Top Gun: Maverick soared to a remarkable 96% Critics Score and an almost perfect 99% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes. For Monica, this critical acclaim and overwhelming audience reception translated into something every actor dreams of: global recognition.
Before donning the pilot’s helmet, Monica was building a solid reputation through television work. But Maverick opened doors she’d never imagined. The blockbuster’s success didn’t just boost her profile—it fundamentally changed the types of roles offered to her. Suddenly, she wasn’t just a talented TV actress; she was a proven movie star who could handle the physical and emotional demands of a major blockbuster.
The physical preparation required for this role was extraordinary. Her dance background, with its emphasis on body awareness and control, proved invaluable when adapting to the intense demands of portraying a fighter pilot. It’s fascinating how actors maintain peak physical condition for such demanding roles—something that connects to our broader interest in celebrity wellness routines.
The Physical Demands of Playing a Fighter Pilot
Playing Phoenix required more than memorizing lines and hitting marks. The cast underwent rigorous flight training as part of Tom Cruise’s comprehensive program, learning to withstand crushing G-force tolerance that would make most people queasy just thinking about it.
The goal wasn’t just to look the part—it was to embody the confidence and swagger that defines elite naval aviators. Every actor had to develop an authentic fighter pilot persona, complete with the unshakeable composure needed to deliver dialogue while experiencing forces that would challenge even seasoned pilots.
This shared ordeal created incredible cast camaraderie. When you’re strapped into an F/A-18 together, experiencing the same physical challenges and pushing through the same fears, you develop bonds that translate directly to screen chemistry. The emphasis on authenticity meant minimal green screen work and maximum real-world stunt work.
The result? Performances that felt genuinely lived-in rather than acted. Monica’s Phoenix wasn’t just playing a pilot—she had experienced enough of that world to bring true authenticity to every scene. This commitment to realism became one of the film’s greatest strengths and a career-defining moment for Monica.
The Complete List of Monica Barbaro Movies and TV Shows
While Top Gun: Maverick might have launched Monica into the stratosphere, Monica Barbaro movies and TV shows tell a much richer story of steady growth and remarkable versatility. Her career reads like a masterclass in building a sustainable acting career – from guest spots to recurring roles to leading lady status.
What’s fascinating about Monica’s journey is how she’s seamlessly moved between television and film, never limiting herself to just one medium. Her filmography showcases an actress who’s willing to take risks, whether that’s joining a beloved franchise like Top Gun or diving into independent cinema.
A Breakdown of Monica Barbaro’s Major Film Roles
Monica’s film career reveals an actress with excellent taste in projects. The Cathedral (2021) earned an impressive 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, proving she knows how to pick winners. While her role was part of an ensemble cast, being associated with such critically acclaimed work speaks volumes about her artistic judgment.
Then came the game-changer: Top Gun: Maverick (2022). Her portrayal of Lt. Natasha ‘Phoenix’ Trace didn’t just earn her global recognition – it showcased her ability to hold her own alongside Tom Cruise in one of the year’s biggest blockbusters. The film’s stellar ratings (96% critics, 99% audience on Rotten Tomatoes) helped cement her status as a rising star.
At Midnight (2023) marked Monica’s first romantic comedy lead role as Sophie Wilder. Despite mixed critical reception (42% on Rotten Tomatoes), her performance was widely praised. The film gave her the perfect opportunity to showcase her dance background, with beautiful salsa and tango sequences that reminded us why her movement training is such an asset. For those curious about how stars prepare for their glamorous close-ups, especially in romantic leads, check out our guide on Red Carpet Ready Beauty Prep Tips from the Stars.
She also appeared in I’m Charlie Walker (2022), an independent film that further demonstrated her commitment to diverse storytelling across all budget levels.
Leading and Recurring Roles in Television
Television has been Monica’s training ground, and what a journey it’s been. Her most recent major TV venture is FUBAR (2023), where she stars as Emma Brunner alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. This Netflix action-comedy series gave her 13 episodes to develop a complex character while matching wits with a Hollywood legend.
Her breakthrough came with UnREAL in 2016, where she played Yael across 10 episodes. This Lifetime series about reality TV production was critically acclaimed, and Monica’s performance as the Israeli contestant caught industry attention. It was the role that really put her on casting directors’ radars.
Chicago Justice (2017) brought Monica into Dick Wolf’s television universe as Anna Valdez, a role she carried across multiple shows in the Chicago franchise. Playing a prosecutor allowed her to showcase her dramatic chops in procedural television.
The Good Cop (2018) paired her with Tony Danza in this Netflix series where she played Cora Vasquez. Though the show only lasted one season, it gave her valuable experience in comedy-drama.
Her recurring role as Lisa Apple in Splitting Up Together (2018-2019) showed her comedic timing across 13 episodes, proving she could bring warmth and humor to family-centered storylines.
| Title | Year | Her Role | Critical Reception |
|---|---|---|---|
| FUBAR | 2023 | Emma Brunner | 6.5 IMDb |
| UnREAL | 2016 | Yael | 7.7 IMDb |
| Chicago Justice | 2017 | Anna Valdez | 7.5 IMDb |
| The Good Cop | 2018 | Cora Vasquez | 7.0 IMDb |
| Splitting Up Together | 2018-2019 | Lisa Apple | 6.8 IMDb |
| Top Gun: Maverick | 2022 | Lt. Natasha ‘Phoenix’ Trace | 96% RT, 8.2 IMDb |
| At Midnight | 2023 | Sophie Wilder | 42% RT, 5.6 IMDb |
| The Cathedral | 2021 | Ensemble | 96% RT |
A Look at Monica Barbaro’s Early Career and Guest Appearances
Every successful actor has those early days of grinding it out, and Monica’s story is no different. Her first taste of viral fame came from “It’s Not About the Nail” (2013), a comedy short that showcased her natural timing and screen presence. Sometimes the smallest projects can open the biggest doors.
Her television debut came with Stitchers in 2015, playing Brenda ‘Bentley’ Miller. From there, she built her resume methodically with guest appearances on popular shows like Hawaii Five-0, Chicago P.D., and Stumptown. These weren’t glamorous roles, but they were essential stepping stones.
What’s admirable about Monica’s early career is her persistence. Like many actors starting out, she took on various jobs to make ends meet – including working at a gym and Free People – while auditioning and building her craft. These experiences kept her grounded and connected to real life, qualities that shine through in her performances today.
Her guest spots on shows like Lethal Weapon, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and Notorious might have been brief, but they gave her invaluable experience working with different directors, crews, and acting styles. Each role was a masterclass in adaptability – skills that clearly paid off when bigger opportunities came knocking.
From Ballet to Blockbusters: Barbaro’s Diverse Talents
What truly sets Monica Barbaro apart in Hollywood isn’t just her acting talent—it’s the incredible foundation she built long before she ever stepped in front of a camera. Her journey from the ballet studio to starring in Monica Barbaro movies and TV shows is a testament to how diverse artistic training can create something truly special.
Monica earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she mastered not just ballet, but also modern dance, salsa, flamenco, and West African dance. It was actually at NYU where she first dipped her toes into acting classes, finding what would become her true calling. As Parade noted in their feature, she was literally dancing her way into her dream role.
But Monica’s talents don’t stop at dance and acting. She’s also ventured into voice work, bringing the character Auden Keen to life in the video game Forspoken. This shows her willingness to explore different creative mediums and expand her artistic reach beyond traditional screen roles.
How a Dance Degree Shaped Her Acting
There’s something almost magical about watching Monica move on screen, and it all traces back to those years of rigorous dance training. The discipline required for ballet—the precise control, the ability to express emotion through movement, the understanding of how your body occupies space—has become an integral part of her acting toolkit.
You can see this most clearly in At Midnight, where her character Sophie Wilder performs intricate salsa and tango sequences. These weren’t just choreographed moments; they felt authentic because Monica brought years of dance experience to every step. Her dance background gives her an exceptional awareness of physicality in roles and body language that many actors spend years trying to develop.
In a candid interview with Cosmopolitan, Monica reflected on her journey from dance to acting, comparing her relationship with ballet to “a romantic relationship that wasn’t quite right.” While acting became her true passion, the discipline and performance art skills she gained from dance continue to improve every role she takes on. You can read more about her career transition in this interview with Cosmopolitan.
Exploring Other Creative Ventures: Music and Voice Work
Monica’s upcoming role in A Complete Unknown as folk legend Joan Baez showcases yet another dimension of her artistic abilities. She’s not just portraying the iconic musician—she’s actually performing as her. Monica is credited as a musician for guitar and vocals on 10 songs for the soundtrack, proving that her commitment to authenticity runs deep.
This musical venture represents a full-circle moment for Monica, who has always been drawn to various forms of artistic expression. Her voice work extends beyond Forspoken to include a role in the animated series Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas, currently in production.
What’s remarkable about Monica’s approach is how she fully immerses herself in each creative challenge. Whether she’s learning to withstand G-forces for Top Gun: Maverick or mastering guitar for A Complete Unknown, she brings the same dedication that once drove her through countless hours of ballet practice. This versatility across dance, music, and acting continues to set her apart in an industry that increasingly values multi-talented performers.
What’s Next? Upcoming Monica Barbaro Movies and TV Shows
The future is absolutely glowing for Monica Barbaro, and we couldn’t be more excited about what’s coming next. Her upcoming projects promise to showcase even more dimensions of her talent, proving that her journey through Monica Barbaro movies and TV shows is just getting started.
The most buzz-worthy project on her horizon is A Complete Unknown, where she’ll step into the shoes of legendary folk singer Joan Baez in this highly anticipated Bob Dylan biopic. This isn’t just another acting role for Monica – it’s a chance to blend her musical talents with her acting prowess in a way we’ve never seen before. She’s credited as both a musician (guitar) and performer of 10 songs for the soundtrack, which shows just how committed she is to bringing authenticity to this iconic character.
Working alongside Timothée Chalamet, who portrays Bob Dylan, Monica will be part of a project that’s already generating Oscar buzz. The film has been nominated for Best Picture, which speaks volumes about the quality and importance of this production. As Pitchfork reported, her casting in this role represents a significant milestone in her career. It’s fascinating to see how talented actors like Monica continue to evolve, much like other rising stars such as Jeremy Allen White.
Beyond the Dylan biopic, Monica has Crime 101 in post-production, which hints at her venturing into the crime thriller genre. While we’re still waiting for more details about her specific role, the title alone suggests this will be yet another opportunity for her to stretch her acting muscles in a completely different direction.
Her voice acting career is also expanding with Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas, currently in production. This animated series adds another layer to her already impressive range, showing that she’s not limiting herself to just live-action performances.
What’s particularly exciting about these upcoming Monica Barbaro movies and TV shows is how they demonstrate her willingness to take on challenging, diverse roles. From folk music icon to crime thriller to animated trip, she’s building a filmography that refuses to be boxed into any single genre.
Frequently Asked Questions about Monica Barbaro’s Career
Fans often reach out with questions about Monica Barbaro’s journey to stardom. Here are the most common questions we receive about her career path:
What was Monica Barbaro’s breakout role?
This is actually a two-part answer! Monica’s true breakout role in the industry was playing Yael in the Lifetime series UnREAL during its second season in 2016. This role, spanning 10 episodes, marked her first major television appearance and established her as a serious talent in Hollywood.
However, her mainstream recognition came much later with her role as Lt. Natasha ‘Phoenix’ Trace in Top Gun: Maverick. This blockbuster film catapulted her into global stardom and made her a household name. So while UnREAL was her industry breakthrough, Top Gun: Maverick was her mainstream moment.
Is Monica Barbaro a professionally trained dancer?
Yes, absolutely! Monica is classically trained in dance, which makes her unique among many actors. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from NYU’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts.
Her training is incredibly diverse – she’s skilled in ballet, modern dance, salsa, and flamenco. This extensive background shows up beautifully in her performances, especially in romantic comedies like At Midnight where she performed intricate dance sequences. Her dance training also gives her exceptional body control and grace, which improves all her acting roles.
What was Monica Barbaro’s first on-screen appearance?
Monica’s very first on-screen appearance that gained attention was in the viral comedy short “It’s Not About the Nail” in 2013. This clever short film showcased her comedic timing and natural screen presence.
Her television debut came in 2015 when she appeared as a guest on the series Stitchers. From there, she built her career with guest appearances on shows like Hawaii Five-0 and Chicago P.D. before landing her breakthrough role in UnREAL.
These early appearances were crucial stepping stones that led to her impressive collection of Monica Barbaro movies and TV shows we see today. They prove that even viral shorts and small guest roles can launch a successful career when you have the talent and determination to back them up.
A Versatile Talent Defining Her Own Path
Looking back at Monica Barbaro movies and TV shows, we’re struck by how she’s carved out such a unique space in Hollywood. Her journey from the dance studios of NYU to the cockpit of an F/A-18 Super Hornet shows us what happens when raw talent meets unwavering determination.
What makes Monica truly special isn’t just her ability to switch between genres – though watching her go from the dramatic intensity of UnREAL to the high-octane action of Top Gun: Maverick is pretty impressive. It’s how she brings her whole self to every role. That classical ballet training didn’t just disappear when she became an actress; it became the foundation for how she moves through every scene, whether she’s dancing salsa in At Midnight or commanding respect as a naval aviator.
Her willingness to take on diverse projects speaks to an artist who’s more interested in growth than playing it safe. Voice acting in Forspoken, learning to play guitar for A Complete Unknown, enduring Tom Cruise’s grueling boot camp – these aren’t just job requirements for Monica. They’re opportunities to expand her craft.
From indie films to blockbusters, from television drama to romantic comedy, Monica has shown us that versatility isn’t about being good at everything – it’s about bringing authenticity to whatever you’re doing. Her approach reminds us that true beauty comes from being genuinely yourself, which perfectly aligns with our philosophy here at Beyond Beauty Lab.
As she continues to define her own path in Hollywood, we’re excited to see where her fearless creativity takes her next. Whether she’s embodying folk legend Joan Baez or taking on entirely new challenges, Monica Barbaro proves that the most captivating performances come from artists who aren’t afraid to be fully themselves.
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