Few performers move so effortlessly between drama, musical theatre, and comedy as Laura Benanti. Born on July 15, 1979, in New York City, the actress and singer built an illustrious Broadway career before becoming a familiar face on television and film — and now, a viral sensation for her wickedly funny take on Melania Trump.

The Queen of Broadway

Benanti made her Broadway debut as a teenager, understudying Maria in The Sound of Music before taking the lead role. She won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her dazzling portrayal of Louise in Gypsy (2008), opposite Patti LuPone. This performance remains one of the most celebrated of her generation.

Her résumé includes four additional Tony nominations: for Swing! (2000), Into the Woods (2002), Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (2010), and She Loves Me (2016). With impeccable timing, vocal brilliance, and emotional range, Benanti has long been considered one of Broadway’s most accomplished leading ladies.

From Stage to Screen

Benanti’s screen work showcases the same versatility that made her a Broadway favorite. On television, she has appeared in Go On (NBC), Nashville, The Detour, and HBO Max’s Gossip Girl revival.
In Supergirl, she took on a dual role — Alura and Astra — proving her dramatic range extended well beyond musicals. More recently, she joined the cast of HBO’s The Gilded Age as Susan Blane, solidifying her reputation as an actress of nuance and depth.

On the big screen, Benanti has starred in Take the Lead (2006), Here Today (2021), and No Hard Feelings (2023) alongside Jennifer Lawrence, consistently balancing wit and warmth.

The Melania Moment

Yet it was her turn as Melania Trump that once again made Laura Benanti a viral star. Her uncanny impersonation debuted on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2016, just after Melania’s now-infamous Republican National Convention speech accused of plagiarism.
With a perfectly studied Slovenian accent, poised expression, and sharp comedic timing, Benanti’s portrayal became an instant classic of political satire.

She reprised the role multiple times over the years, each appearance blending satire with subtle empathy. In her latest return to The Late Show, Benanti’s “Melania” humorously reflects on her post-White House life — and once again, the internet can’t get enough.

A Timeless Talent

Laura Benanti stands as a rare artist who bridges stagecraft, screen presence, and social commentary with grace and humor. Her Melania may bring laughter to millions, but it’s her lifelong dedication to storytelling — through song, satire, and sincerity — that cements her place in American entertainment.

With wit as sharp as her voice is strong, Benanti continues to prove that great performers don’t just play roles — they redefine them.