Melanie Martyn is a renowned American actress, recognized for her captivating performances in notable films such as Us+ (2020),Maysville (2020),and Trouble With Women (2014).
Born in Rockville, Maryland, Melanie is the eldest of three children to Joan Stiefel and Ignacio Rodriguez, a Cuban-born father. Her early life was marked by a passion for dance, which was fostered by her parents' decision to enroll her in ballet lessons at the tender age of three.
Melanie's early years were spent primarily as a dancer, with her joining The Rockville Civic Ballet Company in 1997 and being elevated to a principal member of the company in 2003. She competed in various Poms competitions, earning numerous accolades, and was selected by the Universal Dance Association to perform in the New Year's Day Parade in Paris, France.
As she grew older, Melanie's interests shifted towards the world of theatre. She pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts from Boston College, where she was a four-year member of the prestigious Dance Ensemble performing group. During her junior year, she studied abroad at the esteemed London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA),where she received rigorous classical acting training.
After graduating, Melanie relocated to New York City, where she honed her craft at various institutions, including Stella Adler, The Barrow Group, and UBC. She also studied dance at Steps and Alvin Ailey. Melanie made her feature film debut in Trouble With Women (2014) and has since appeared in numerous leading roles in film and theatre, both in New York, Los Angeles, and most recently, Seattle.
Some of Melanie's most memorable theatre roles include Jill in "Butterflies are Free", Ophelia in "Hamlet", and Amanda in "Private Lives". Her performance in Us+ (2020) as Ally, a Type A graphic designer struggling with her fiancé's proposed expansion of their relationship, earned her a Best Actress nomination at the Alternative Film Festival.
Melanie is a multifaceted individual with a wide range of talents. She is a skilled singer and scuba diver, and is also proficient in various martial arts disciplines.