Melissa Rauch Explained

Melissa Rauch
Birth Name:Melissa Ivy Rauch
Birth Date:23 June 1980
Birth Place:Marlboro Township, New Jersey, U.S.
Alma Mater:Marymount Manhattan College
Years Active:2006–present
Children:2

Melissa Ivy Rauch (born June 23, 1980) is an American actress. She is best known for playing Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz on the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory, for which she was nominated for the Critics Choice Television Award in 2013. From 2004 to 2008, Rauch worked as a regular contributor on the VH1 series Best Week Ever.

Rauch's other acting credits include playing Tina on the American remake of Kath & Kim, Summer on the HBO fantasy horror drama True Blood, and currently plays the lead role on NBC's revival of Night Court.

Rauch also starred in, co-wrote, and co-produced the 2015 sports comedy-drama film The Bronze and provided the voice of DC character Harley Quinn in the 2017 animated film Batman and Harley Quinn. Rauch also had supporting roles in I Love You, Man (2009), and Flock of Dudes (both 2016), and Ode to Joy and The Laundromat (both 2019).

Early life

Rauch was born to Susan and David Rauch,[1] [2] a Jewish[3] [4] family living in Marlboro Township, New Jersey. She has a younger brother, Ben. She developed an interest in acting while attending Marlboro High School.[5] Her Bat Mitzvah had a "Melissa’s Comedy Club" theme.[6] Rauch graduated from Marymount Manhattan College in New York City in 2002.[7]

Career

Some of Rauch's early work was as a regular contributor to VH1's Best Week Ever television show.[8]

In 2009, Rauch began playing the recurring role of Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz, a co-worker of Penny's at The Cheesecake Factory who began to date Howard Wolowitz, in the third season of CBS's The Big Bang Theory.[9] The following season, her character became Howard's fiancée, and Rauch was promoted to a series regular. The characters married in the season five finale. In December 2011, Rauch and fellow cast members of The Big Bang Theory received the first of four nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series.[10] [11] [12] [13]

Other acting credits include True Blood (in which she had a recurring role in 2010 as Summer, a girl who likes Hoyt), The Office, the American remake of the Australian TV series Kath & Kim, Wright v Wrong, and the film I Love You, Man.

Rauch is also part of the comedic stage show The Realest Real Housewives cast with Casey Wilson, June Diane Raphael, Jessica St. Clair and Danielle Schneider. The show began running at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in 2011.[14]

Rauch co-wrote and co-produced the film The Bronze, in which she starred as Hope Ann Greggory, a bronze medal-winning gymnast clinging to her glory days of 12 years earlier. It opened the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.[15] Variety said, "Rauch, who co-wrote the screenplay with her husband Winston, has never carried a film before. But she delivers the best breakthrough comedic performance by an actress since Melissa McCarthy in Bridesmaids." Sony Pictures Classics acquired the film in September 2015.[16]

In 2017, Rauch voiced Harley Quinn in the animated film Batman and Harley Quinn[17] and she voiced Light Thief in "Light Riders" from Blaze and the Monster Machines.

She currently stars in the Night Court revival series playing Judge Abby Stone, the daughter of Judge Harold T. Stone and Gina Stone from the original Night Court series.[18] Season 1 premiered on NBC on January 17, 2023, and is co-produced by Rauch and her husband Winston Beigel, in association with Warner Bros. Television Studios and Universal Television.

Personal life

Rauch is married to writer Winston Beigel, who collaborated with her on The Miss Education of Jenna Bush and other projects.[19] [20] [21] Rauch announced that she was pregnant on July 11, 2017, and disclosed that she had a miscarriage previously.[22] On December 4, 2017, Rauch announced on Instagram that she had given birth to a baby girl.[23] On May 4, 2020, Rauch announced the birth of their son.[24] [25]

Rauch modeled the voice of Bernadette after her parents: the "sweet, high-pitched purr" is modeled after her mother, while the "eerie, haranguing imitation" of Mrs. Wolowitz is modeled after her father.[26] Both are "very different" from Rauch's real voice.[27]

Filmography

Film

Notes
2006DeliriousMegan
2009I Love You, ManJogger
The Condom KillerAudraShort and also producer
AdventurelandWoman in dinerUncredited
2013In Lieu of FlowersCarrie
2014Are You HereMarie
2015The BronzeHope Ann GreggoryAlso writer and executive producer
2016FrancineVoice, cameo
Flock of DudesJamie
2017Batman and Harley QuinnHarley Quinn / Dr. Harleen QuinzelVoice, direct-to-video
2019Ode to JoyBethany
The LaundromatMelanie Martin
2020Gwen the CatVoice, direct-to-video

Television

Notes
200712 Miles of Bad RoadBethany3 episodes
2008–2009Kath & KimTinaSeason 1 (recurring; 6 episodes)
2009–2019The Big Bang TheoryBernadette Rostenkowski-WolowitzSeason 3 (recurring; 5 episodes)
Season 4–12 (main role)
2010The OfficeCathy DukeEpisode: "The Delivery"
True BloodSummerSeason 3 (recurring; 6 episodes)
Wright vs. WrongDaisy CakeTelevision film
2014Jake and the Never Land PiratesFirst-Mate MollieVoice, episode: "Smee-erella"
Teenage Fairytale Dropouts[28] Miss MacabreEpisode: "Something Wicked This Way Substitutes"
The Hotwives of OrlandoCalliopeEpisode: "Say You, Séance"
2015Sofia the FirstFairy TizzyVoice, 2 episodes[29]
Scooby-Doo! and the Beach BeastieKikiVoice, television film
2017Star vs. the Forces of EvilBabyVoice, episode: "Baby"
Marvel's Ant-ManWaspVoice, 2 episodes
Blaze and the Monster MachinesLight ThiefVoice, episode: "Light Riders"
2019Black MondayShira2 episodes
Robot ChickenBetty Spaghetty, Rainbow BrightstarVoice, episode: "Molly Lucero in: Your Friend's Boob"
2020AnimaniacsMarie AntoinetteVoice, episode: "France France Revolution"
2021 Jeopardy!Melissa Rauch (voice) Season 38 (guest host; 10 episodes)
2022FirebudsBeth BayaniVoice, 3 episodes
Celebrity Jeopardy!HerselfContestant
2023–presentNight CourtJudge Abby StoneMain role and also executive producer

Awards and nominations

!Year!Award!Category!Nominated work!Result
2012Screen Actors Guild AwardsOutstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy SeriesThe Big Bang Theory
2013
Critics' Choice Television AwardsBest Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
2014People's Choice AwardsFavorite TV Gal Pals
Screen Actors Guild AwardsOutstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
2015
2016
Online Film & Television AssociationBest Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
2017Screen Actors Guild AwardsOutstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Winston Beigel. Broadwayworld.com. August 14, 2005. February 4, 2015. March 4, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304211719/http://www.broadwayworld.com/people/galleryphoto.php?photoid=8847&personid=9128. live. [Photo caption] Melissa Rauch with parents Susan & David Rauch, older brother Ben Rauch, and boyfriend Winston Beigel at The Miss Education of Jenna Bush.
  2. Web site: Melissa Rauch: Biography. TVGuide.com. February 4, 2015. July 29, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160729062135/http://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/melissa-rauch/bio/198404.
  3. News: Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch Five Questions . . November 17, 2011. Jayme. Deerwester . February 4, 2015. April 15, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150415054106/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/television/news/story/2011-11-16/cbs-big-bang-theory/51248274/1. live.
  4. Web site: Bloom. Nate. Jewish Stars 1/27. Cleveland Jewish News. January 26, 2012. December 24, 2017. October 8, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191008155126/https://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/archives/jewish-stars/article_700182ca-484d-11e1-98a9-001871e3ce6c.html. live.
  5. Considine. Bob. Take Five With Melissa Rauch. The Star-Ledger. Newark. May 17, 2011. February 4, 2015. "I also had a terrific theater teacher at Marlboro High School who taught me a great deal and was very encouraging. There wasn't a ton to do in Marlboro, so for me, it was either hang outside the Wawa or put on a show.". August 18, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170818050104/http://www.nj.com/inside-jersey/index.ssf/2011/05/take_five_with_melissa_rauch.html. live.
  6. Web site: Mayim Bialik & Melissa Rauch Talk 'The Bronze,' Bat Mitzvahs & Big Bang's Jewish Rivalry. 2016-03-16. Kveller. 2020-03-16. August 3, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200803225640/https://www.kveller.com/mayim-bialik-melissa-rauch-talk-the-bronze-bat-mitzvahs-big-bangs-jewish-rivalry/. live.
  7. Web site: Melissa Rauch Biography: Television Actress (1980–) . Mead. Wendy. Biography.com (FYI / A&E Networks) . January 29, 2016. October 8, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161008111645/http://www.biography.com/people/melissa-rauch-090315. live.
  8. Web site: May 29, 2008. Profiles in Panelism: Melissa Rauch. Best Week Ever. January 2, 2010. December 16, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20091216061949/http://www.bestweekever.tv/tag/melissa-rauch. dead.
  9. 'The Big Bang Theory' Cast On Being Part of an Ensemble. Jenelle. Riley. Backstage. November 29, 2012. February 4, 2015. January 4, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150104212344/http://www.backstage.com/interview/the-big-bang-theory-cast-on-being-part-of-an-ensemble/. live.
  10. Nominations Announced for the 18th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®. December 14, 2011. Screen Actors Guild. February 4, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20120106110855/http://www.sagawards.org/media-pr/11213. January 6, 2012. dead.
  11. Nominations Announced for the 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®. December 12, 2012. Screen Actors Guild. February 4, 2015. May 28, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150528131000/http://www.sagawards.org/media-pr/press-releases/nominations-announced-19th-annual-screen-actors-guild-awards%C2%AE. dead.
  12. Nominations Announced for the 20th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®. December 13, 2013. Screen Actors Guild. February 4, 2015. October 16, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151016001917/http://www.sagawards.org/media-pr/press-releases/nominations-announced-20th-annual-screen-actors-guild-awards%C2%AE. live.
  13. News: SAG Awards 2015: Complete List of Nominations!. December 10, 2014. E! News. Johnson. Zach. February 4, 2015. September 27, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170927113922/http://www.eonline.com/news/604452/sag-awards-2015-complete-list-of-nominations. live.
  14. The Realest Real Housewives at UCB: A Celebration of the Best Show Ever + Paul Scheer. Trachta. Ali. January 29, 2011. LA Weekly. February 4, 2015. September 27, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170927115109/http://www.laweekly.com/arts/the-realest-real-housewives-at-ucb-a-celebration-of-the-best-show-ever-paul-scheer-2374472. live.
  15. Web site: 5 Reasons The Bronze Could be a Breakout Comedy in 2015. Setoodeh. Ramin. Variety. January 23, 2015. April 24, 2016. November 6, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161106155528/http://variety.com/2015/film/festivals/5-reasons-the-bronze-could-be-a-breakout-comedy-in-2015-1201412800/. live.
  16. Web site: Ex-Relativity Pic The Bronze Lands at Sony Pictures Classics. Pedersen. Erik. Deadline Hollywood. September 11, 2015. April 24, 2016. August 22, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160822214338/http://deadline.com/2015/09/the-bronze-sony-pictures-classics-release-date-relativity-media-1201522219/. live.
  17. Web site: Trumbore . Dave . 'Batman and Harley Quinn' Review: An Insult to Fans of 'Batman: The Animated Series' . Collider.com . August 30, 2017 . January 1, 2020 . I don’t know if I can blame Melissa Rauch for any of this, but it was not a great introduction for her take on Harley. . January 1, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200101222922/https://collider.com/batman-and-harley-quinn-review/ . live .
  18. Web site: 'Night Court': EP Melissa Rauch Set To Star With John Larroquette In Sequel At NBC. Andreeva. Nellie. April 30, 2021. Deadline Hollywood. April 30, 2021. May 1, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210501004753/https://deadline.com/2021/04/night-court-melissa-rauch-set-star-john-larroquette-sequel-nbc-pilot-1234748000/. live.
  19. News: Melissa Rauch movie 'The Bronze' to shoot June 29 in Amherst. Morning Journal. Lisbon, Ohio. June 6, 2014. February 4, 2015. Harper. Carol. May 15, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160515045454/http://www.morningjournal.com/general-news/20140606/melissa-rauch-movie-the-bronze-to-shoot-june-29-in-amherst. live.
  20. News: 'Bronze' to film downtown. Oberlin News. June 29, 2014. Hawk. Jason. February 4, 2015. July 26, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140726202820/http://limaohio.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?avis=LI&date=20140606&category=news&lopenr=306069973&Ref=AR .
  21. Stephen M.. Silverman. People. Jenna Bush Takes Center Stage in New York. August 19, 2005. February 4, 2015. September 3, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170903033932/http://people.com/celebrity/jenna-bush-takes-center-stage-in-new-york/. live.
  22. Web site: 'Big Bang Theory' Star Melissa Rauch Announces Her Pregnancy and Reflects on Previous Miscarriage. Melissa. Rauch. glamour.com. July 11, 2017 . September 27, 2017. September 3, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170903030632/https://www.glamour.com/story/actress-melissa-rauch-announces-pregnancy-and-reflects-on-miscarriage. live.
  23. Actress Melissa Rauch Welcomes A 'Beautiful Baby Girl' Named Sadie. The Huffington Post. December 5, 2017 . December 5, 2017. December 7, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171207013139/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/melissa-rauch-welcomes-a-beautiful-baby-girl-named-sadie_us_5a267e75e4b0f9f0203f0c24. live.
  24. Web site: The Big Bang Theory's Melissa Rauch announces birth of her son Brooks. 2020-05-04. Metro. 2020-05-04. May 18, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200518130045/https://metro.co.uk/2020/05/04/big-bang-theory-melissa-rauch-birth-son-brooks-front-line-nurses-coronavirus-12653028/. live.
  25. Web site: Big Bang Theory Star Melissa Rauch Welcomes Son Brooks — and Reveals She Gave Birth Alone. PEOPLE.com. 2020-05-04. May 4, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200504231627/https://people.com/parents/melissa-rauch-welcomes-son-brooks-husband-on-facetime/. live.
  26. Web site: Screaming success. Getlen. Larry. March 24, 2013. New York Post. September 27, 2015. September 21, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150921234526/http://nypost.com/2013/03/24/screaming-success/. live.
  27. Web site: Melissa Rauch of Big Bang Theory Does S&M-Inspired Photo Shoot for Maxim. November 16, 2013. The Huffington Post. September 27, 2015. September 29, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150929011134/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/16/melissa-rauch-maxim_n_4288568.html. live.
  28. Web site: Ánima Estudios – Mobile Uploads. facebook.com. December 10, 2014. March 2, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220302113508/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fanimaestudios%2Fphotos%2Fa.788748194472896.1073741825.209025339111854%2F900700549944326%2F%3Ftype%3D1. live.
  29. Second Season of Disney Junior's Hit Series "Sofia the First" Debuts Friday, March 7 on Disney Channel. February 4, 2015. The Futon Critic. Disney Channel. February 7, 2014. March 21, 2014. https://archive.today/20140321144156/http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2014/02/07/second-season-of-disney-juniors-hit-series-sofia-the-first-debuts-friday-march-7-on-disney-channel-697403/20140207disney01/. live.

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