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SIGN UPMelissa is a feminine given name of Greek origin, derived from the word μέλισσα (mélissa), meaning "bee" and μέλι (meli), meaning "honey". In Greek mythology, Melissa was a nymph who discovered and taught the use of honey, and from whom bees were believed to have received their name. The name has variants such as Malissa, Melesa, Melessa, Meliza, Mellisa, Melosa, and Molissa. The significance of the name extends to various aspects of culture, including mythology, poetry, popularity, and popular culture. In recent years, the name has become relatively uncommon, but it had a peak in popularity from the 1960s to the 1990s. Melissa has been associated with a diverse range of individuals, including actors, musicians, athletes, and political figures. The name carries a rich history and embodies the qualities of sweetness and industriousness, reflecting the symbolism of the honey bee in Greek mythology.
Melissa Ann McCarthy, born on August 26, 1970, is a well-known American actress, screenwriter, and producer. She has received various accolades, including two Primetime Emmy Awards, and has been nominated for two Academy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards. Recognized as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time in 2016, McCarthy has also been featured in annual rankings of the highest-paid actresses. Her career began in the late 1990s, gaining early recognition for her role as Sookie St. James in the television series Gilmore Girls. McCarthy's talent shone through in numerous projects, including her portrayal of Molly Flynn in the CBS sitcom Mike & Molly, for which she won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2011. Her performance in the comedy film Bridesmaids earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. McCarthy continued to impress with her roles in commercially successful comedies such as Identity Thief, The Heat, Tammy, Spy, and The Boss. Her portrayal of writer Lee Israel in Can You Ever Forgive Me? garnered further acclaim, earning her another Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Beyond acting, McCarthy and her husband Ben Falcone established the production company On the Day Productions, creating several successful comedy films. Additionally, she launched her own clothing line for plus-sized women, Melissa McCarthy Seven7, and received a motion picture star on the Hollywood
Melissa Fumero, born Melissa Gallo on August 19, 1982, is an American actress and television director. She rose to prominence with her role as Amy Santiago in the comedy series Brooklyn Nine-Nine, which she played from 2013 to 2021. Her career began in 2004 with a recurring role in the television soap opera One Life to Live. Since then, she has appeared in various TV shows and movies, including M.O.D.O.K., Blockbuster, and Digman!. Fumero's passion for acting started at a young age, and she pursued her dream by attending New York University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in drama in 2003. Throughout her career, she has showcased her versatility and dedication to her craft, earning praise for her performances. Married to actor and former model David Fumero, she is a devoted mother of two sons. Melissa Fumero continues to captivate audiences with her talent and is recognized as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Melissa Ellen Gilbert, born on May 8, 1964, is an American actress who gained fame as a child actress in the late 1960s. She is best known for her role as Laura Ingalls Wilder in the NBC series Little House on the Prairie, which aired from 1974 to 1983. Gilbert continued her career in television films and also appeared in the reality dance competition show Dancing with the Stars. Apart from her acting career, she served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild from 2001 to 2005. Additionally, Gilbert is an author, having written several memoirs, a children's book, and a cookbook.Born in Los Angeles, California, Gilbert was adopted by actor and comedian Paul Gilbert and his wife, dancer and actress Barbara Crane. Her parents later divorced, and she was raised in her adoptive mother's Jewish religion. Gilbert's early television appearances included numerous commercials, and she won the role of Laura Ingalls Wilder in Little House on the Prairie after beating out over 500 child actresses for the part.After Little House on the Prairie, Gilbert continued to work in television, starring in various roles and receiving accolades for her contribution to the industry. She also made appearances in a number of television films and was inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame in 1998.In her personal life, Gilbert has faced challenges, including the loss of her adoptive father and navigating family dynamics. Despite these challenges
Melissa Rauch, born on June 23, 1980, is an American actress best known for her role as Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz on the popular CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory. Her performance earned her a nomination for the Critics Choice Television Award in 2013. Rauch's acting credits also include roles in True Blood, the American remake of Kath & Kim, and the HBO fantasy horror drama True Blood. She starred in, co-wrote, and co-produced the 2015 sports comedy-drama film The Bronze and voiced DC character Harley Quinn in the 2017 animated film Batman and Harley Quinn. Rauch has had supporting roles in various films like I Love You, Man (2009) and Ice Age: Collision Course (2016). She currently plays the lead role on NBC's revival of Night Court. Rauch's early interest in acting led her to study and earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting from Marymount Manhattan College in 2002. She is married to writer Winston Beigel and has two children. Rauch's talent and versatility have earned her recognition in both television and film, showcasing her ability to captivate audiences with her performances.
Melissa Roxburgh, born on December 10, 1992, is a talented Canadian actress recognized for her diverse roles in film and television. She rose to prominence with her appearances in popular movies like "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules" and "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days," as well as her participation in the hit series "Supernatural." Her career continued to soar with notable roles in "The Marine 4: Moving Target," "Star Trek Beyond," and the NBC/Netflix sci-fi drama "Manifest," where she portrayed the character Michaela Stone. In 2025, Roxburgh took the lead in the television series "The Hunting Party," showcasing her versatility as FBI agent Rebecca "Bex" Henderson. Besides her acting prowess, Roxburgh's personal life reflects her passion for travel and social justice issues, inspired by her family's visits to Africa, Europe, and South America during her upbringing. With an impressive filmography and a deep commitment to her craft, Melissa Roxburgh has established herself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
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