Melonie Diaz
Biography
Biography
Melonie Diaz is an indie darling with a resume of impressive performances in a number of acclaimed small films. From her first appearance as a teenager in "Double Whammy" (2001) to roles in critically acclaimed films like "A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints" (2006), to a starring part in the commercially and critically successful "Fruitvale Station" (2013), Diaz has consistently turned in strong performances while receiving numerous accolades for her work.
Puerto Rican in background, Diaz was born and raised on New York City's Lower East Side. Diaz attended Manhattan's Professional Performing Arts School and landed her first film role in "Double Whammy" while still a student there. She went on to study film production at New York University, and worked on stage in several off-Broadway productions as well as taking part in the New York City Fringe Festival. She also began appearing in a number of independent films and television shows. Two notable early projects were "Raising Victor Vargas" (2002) and "Lords of Dogtown" (2005). She was also recognized for her work in "A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints" with an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Female.
In addition to guest appearances on popular television shows including "Law and Order" (NBC, 1990-2010), "Rizzoli & Isles" (TNT, 2010-16) and "Nip/Tuck" (FX, 2003-10), Diaz also nabbed parts in the Michel Gondry-directed "Be Kind Rewind" (2008), and in the 2008 comedy, "Hamlet 2." Her casting in the award-winning "Fruitvale Station" as the girlfriend of Oscar Grant, the man shot to death by San Francisco transit police on New Year's Day 2009, marked a departure from her usual comedic roles. That said, the film itself garnered a number of festival awards at Sundance, Cannes and elsewhere, adding further credence to Diaz's already growing status as an acting talent on the rise.
Filmography
Cast (Feature Film)
Life Events
2001
First film role in "Double Whammy"
2006
Breakout role in "A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints"
2008
Appeared in "Be Kind Rewind"
2013
Starring role in "Fruitvale Station"
