Melissa De Sousa's early life was marked by her birth and upbringing in New York City, where she was raised by her Panamanian parents. Her educational background was shaped by her attendance at the prestigious High School of Performing Arts, where she majored in ballet. This early exposure to the performing arts would ultimately lay the foundation for her future career as a dancer and actress.
De Sousa's professional journey began as a principal dancer with the renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Company. However, she eventually transitioned into acting, and her breakthrough role came when she played the iconic character of "Shelby" in the Universal Studio franchise The Best Man and The Best Man Holiday, opposite Terrence Howard. Her performance earned her a nomination for an NAACP Image Award.
Currently, De Sousa is recurring as "Alex Rivera" on the FOX series Our Kind Of People and recently appeared as "Chief Ana Lopez" on the CW's Black Lightning. Her impressive acting credits also include a standout role as the pill-popping journalist "Mirta Herrera" on Showtime's On Becoming A God In Central Florida, opposite Kirsten Dunst.
De Sousa's television career is marked by her leading role as Austin Aguilera, a sexy and single socialite turned club owner, in the cult hit series Single Ladies for BET Networks. Her portrayal was often described as the Latin Kim Kardashian. She has also starred opposite Matthew Perry in the TNT original presentation of The Ron Clark Story, which garnered an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Made For Television Movie.
In addition to her television work, De Sousa has appeared in a range of films, including Lisa Cholodenko's Laurel Canyon with Frances McDormand, Donald Petrie's Miss Congeniality opposite Sandra Bullock, and the indie hit Constellation alongside Zoe Saldana.
Throughout her career, De Sousa has accumulated a vast array of television credits, including series regular roles on Reed Between The Lines, Second Time Around, One on One, Darren Star's drama The $treet for FOX, Valley Of The Dolls, and Damon, produced by Carsey-Werner, also for FOX. Her guest star credits include appearances on Criminal Minds, Elementary, Shameless, and numerous other shows.
Currently, De Sousa resides in New York City, where she continues to build upon her impressive acting career.
