Melissa Hurst grew up in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. She was awarded
scholarships to attend her Junior and Senior years of high school at
Interlochen Arts Academy, from which she graduated with honors. In
college, Melissa majored in Acting at Southern Methodist University,
then graduated as an Acting Major from the Theatre Department of NYU
Tisch School of the Arts.
Ever since, Melissa has worked as a professional actress in theatre,
TV, and film.
In New York, Melissa has originated roles in numerous stage premieres,
including One Neck at the Atlantic Theatre Company (with Allison
Janney), A Walk On Lake Erie (Kennedy Center Award for New American
Plays), Len Jenkin's Dark Ride at Soho Rep, and Harry Kondoleon's The
Houseguests (Obie Award - Best Play). She was also an ongoing company
member of Cause Celeb!, which performed at The Cutting Room and Joe's
Pub/The Public Theatre.
Her Regional stage credits include Hartford Stage, the McCarter, GeVa,
Pittsburgh Public, St. Louis Rep, Kansas City Rep, Capital Rep, Chester
Theatre Company, Woodstock Theatre Company, and over 20 productions
with the Dorset Theatre Festival in Vermont.
On television, Melissa's credits include Law and Order and the
recurring role of Mrs. Chitwood on Guiding Light.
Her film credits include Caris' Peace (as herself) and Goldstar,Ohio
opposite Michael Emerson.
Melissa is also a narrator of full-length audio books for Recorded
Books in NYC.
On Purple(2025)as Lady in Purple
Eternal Sunshine(2025)as Faith
Bleeck(2024)as Madame Rue
The New Yorker: Shorts & Murmurs(2015)as Angela Booker
It's Fine(2020)as Mother
Caris' Peace(2011)as Self
