7 Shocking Things You Probably Don’t Know About Melissa Roxburgh
Why Melissa Roxburgh Is More Than Just a TV Star
Melissa Roxburgh is a Canadian-American actress best known for her starring role as Michaela Stone in NBC’s hit series Manifest (2018-2023) and her current lead role as FBI agent Rebecca “Bex” Henderson in The Hunting Party (2025-present). Born December 10, 1992, in Vancouver, British Columbia, she’s appeared in over 24 acting credits including Star Trek Beyond, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and numerous television series.
Quick Facts About Melissa Roxburgh:
- Age: 32 years old (born December 10, 1992)
- Height: 5’5″ (1.65 m)
- Nationality: Canadian-American (dual citizenship)
- Breakout Role: Michaela Stone in Manifest (62 episodes)
- Current Project: The Hunting Party on NBC (2025-present)
- Notable Films: Star Trek Beyond (2016), I Still Believe (2020)
- Hidden Talent: Directed an episode of Manifest
- Advocacy: Works with CARE and the International Rescue Committee
If you think you know everything about the Manifest star, think again. Behind the polished red carpet appearances and hit television shows lies a fascinating story of humanitarian roots, surprising career ambitions, and an unconventional approach to fame.
Melissa Roxburgh isn’t your typical Hollywood actress. She’s the daughter of a Canadian pastor and a retired British professional tennis player. She’s a trained director with serious aspirations behind the camera. And despite her success, she describes herself as “a professional at making things uncomfortable” in social situations.
Her journey from a pastor’s daughter who traveled to impoverished communities in Africa and Albania to leading major network television shows reveals a woman driven by purpose rather than fame. As she told NYWIFT, “If you have a voice and have been given a platform, use it for something that makes a difference.”
Most fans know her as the determined detective from Manifest or the tough FBI agent in The Hunting Party. But there’s much more to this Canadian actress than meets the eye.
1. Her Surprising Family Background and Humanitarian Roots
When we dig into Melissa Roxburgh’s upbringing, we find a fascinating blend of influences that undoubtedly shaped the compassionate and thoughtful individual she is today. Her father is a Canadian pastor, and her mother is a retired British professional tennis player. This unique parental dynamic, coupled with her family’s move from the United States to Canada, set the stage for a childhood that was anything but ordinary.
Interestingly, Melissa Roxburgh has candidly described herself as feeling like the “identified patient” or “black sheep” of her family when it came to her acting aspirations. Her parents, understandably, might have preferred she pursue a different path, perhaps something more conventional. As she humorously shared in an interview, they would have likely preferred she do “literally anything else” than act. Yet, it was this very feeling of being different that propelled her toward her passion, turning what might have been perceived as a family divergence into a unique strength and motivation.
Beyond her family’s immediate dynamics, her childhood was marked by extensive international travel. Her parents made a conscious effort to expose Melissa Roxburgh and her siblings to diverse cultures and realities. They took them to impoverished communities around the world, including places like Albania and various parts of Africa and South America. These experiences were not just vacations; they were profound lessons in perspective, humanity, and global citizenship. It was during these formative trips that her interest in social justice issues was deeply ignited.
This early exposure to global challenges has had a lasting impact on her professional life. We see this reflected in her active involvement with humanitarian organizations. Melissa Roxburgh is a proud member of the Global Advisory Council for CARE, an organization dedicated to fighting global poverty and providing humanitarian aid. She also serves as a Changemaker and Ambassador for CARE, leveraging her platform to raise awareness and support for their crucial work. Furthermore, she is involved with the International Rescue Committee, an organization responding to the world’s worst humanitarian crises. This commitment to using her voice for good is a testament to those childhood experiences and the values instilled by her parents.
As Melissa Roxburgh herself stated, “If you have a voice and have been given a platform, use it for something that makes a difference.” This philosophy underpins much of her public persona and advocacy efforts. Her work with these organizations is not just a sideline; it’s a core part of who she is, demonstrating that her roots in service run deep. We are incredibly inspired by her dedication to making a tangible impact beyond the entertainment industry. You can Learn more about her work with CARE.
How Personal Experiences Shaped Her Career
It’s clear that Melissa Roxburgh’s childhood travels and her family’s unique background profoundly influenced her approach to both life and career. Her early exposure to the disparities and needs of the world instilled in her a strong sense of purpose. This humanitarian spirit translates directly into her desire to use her acting platform for good, changing it from merely a job into a vehicle for advocacy.
This deep-seated commitment to social justice means she approaches her roles with a nuanced perspective. She’s not just interested in playing a character; she’s often drawn to roles that explore complex human conditions, redemption, and the struggles of flawed individuals. For instance, in Manifest, her character Michaela Stone is constantly struggling with difficult choices and moral dilemmas, trying to redeem herself despite continuous challenges. Melissa Roxburgh has openly related to Michaela’s “many layers,” her “messing up constantly and trying to redeem herself.” This ability to empathize with and portray complex, imperfect heroes likely stems from her broad understanding of human experiences, cultivated through her childhood observations and travels.
Furthermore, her unique family dynamic, where she felt like the “black sheep” for pursuing acting, may have also contributed to her resilience and independent spirit. This personal journey of carving her own path, even if it diverged from family expectations, could be a source of strength when navigating the often-challenging and unpredictable world of Hollywood. It empowers her to seek out meaningful roles and projects that resonate with her personal values, rather than simply chasing fame. For Melissa Roxburgh, storytelling isn’t just entertainment; it’s an opportunity to connect, to question, and to inspire change, making her one of the most compelling figures in entertainment today.
2. She’s Not Just an Actress, She’s a Director
While most of us know Melissa Roxburgh for her captivating performances in front of the camera, a lesser-known but equally significant aspect of her career is her burgeoning talent and ambition behind it. She’s not just an actress; she’s also a director, and it’s a role she accepts with growing passion.
Her first official directing credit came on the set of Manifest, where she directed an episode of the highly popular series. This experience was not just a one-off opportunity; it was a pivotal moment that solidified her career aspirations. Melissa Roxburgh has openly expressed that directing is “mostly what she wants to do now” and that she believes directing and producing is “where she will end up” in her career. This isn’t a casual interest; it’s a deeply felt calling to shape narratives from a different perspective.
Her passion for storytelling extends to creating her own projects. Currently, she is developing a project with her younger sister, who is also creative and has acted. This collaborative endeavor highlights her desire to bring unique stories to life and control the creative vision from the ground up. It speaks volumes about her drive to be a creator, not just an interpreter of roles.
This shift towards directing and producing is a natural evolution for many actors who possess a deep understanding of storytelling and character development. For Melissa Roxburgh, it represents an exciting new chapter where she can channel her artistic vision and experiences into new forms. We had the pleasure of learning more about her ambitions in her interview with NYWIFT, where she discussed these very aspirations. You can Read her interview with NYWIFT.
The Future for Melissa Roxburgh Behind the Camera
Melissa Roxburgh’s ambition to direct and produce is a clear indicator of her evolving career trajectory. She is not content to simply be a performer; she yearns to be a narrative architect. This ambition stems from a desire to create her own stories, to bring to life narratives that deeply resonate with her, and to explore themes that might not always be available through traditional acting roles.
Her experience directing an episode of Manifest was transformative, solidifying her path. It allowed her to see the intricate process of filmmaking from a broader perspective and confirmed that she has a keen eye for the craft. This move behind the camera also offers a strategic way for her to move beyond potential typecasting. While she acknowledges the challenges of being seen anew at each audition, especially after playing tough, law enforcement roles, creating her own content allows her to showcase different facets of her interests and talents. She’s excited to shed a “different light on other sides of her interests” and portray aspects of herself that the audience hasn’t seen yet.
Her goal of directing and producing is about creative control and a deeper engagement with the art of storytelling. It’s about building a legacy that extends beyond individual performances, allowing her to leave her unique mark on the industry and explore the full breadth of her artistic capabilities. We eagerly anticipate the stories Melissa Roxburgh will tell us from the director’s chair.
3. Her Unconventional Philosophy on Fame and Success
In an industry often obsessed with external validation, red carpets, and box office numbers, Melissa Roxburgh offers a refreshing and rather unconventional perspective on fame and success. For her, true satisfaction comes from within, from the quality of her life and relationships, rather than the quantity of her accolades or the size of her audience.
She explicitly states that satisfaction comes from “the people you surround yourself with, the stories you tell, and the stories you tell yourself.” This philosophy emphasizes the importance of genuine connection, meaningful work, and internal narratives over superficial achievements. It’s a powerful reminder that while fame can bring opportunities, it doesn’t necessarily equate to fulfillment. For Melissa Roxburgh, the quality of life is paramount, making her work and storytelling more interesting because the focus shifts to the message and the people she collaborates with, rather than just audience size.
Navigating the pressures of the entertainment industry, especially the constant rejections and the need to constantly prove oneself, can be daunting. Melissa Roxburgh’s advice to aspiring actors is both practical and profound: “Take nothing personally.” She understands that so much in the casting process is beyond an actor’s control—sometimes a better actor doesn’t get the part, or creators simply go in a different direction. Her counsel is to give 100% in an audition and then “let it go.” This detachment from the outcome is a crucial coping mechanism in a highly competitive field. She even jokes that roles often come “just as you’re at your wits’ end,” highlighting the unpredictable nature of the business.
Her grounded approach is further revealed in her self-deprecating humor. She describes herself as “a professional… at making things uncomfortable” in social situations, admitting she often says or does “the wrong thing.” This candidness makes her incredibly relatable and reinforces her authenticity, proving that even successful actors grapple with everyday awkwardness. This blend of professionalism and personal humility makes Melissa Roxburgh a truly unique figure in Hollywood.
The Impact of ‘Manifest’ on Melissa Roxburgh’s Career
Without a doubt, Manifest has been the most significant project in Melissa Roxburgh’s career to date. Her portrayal of Michaela Stone, the determined detective and central figure in the mysterious Flight 828 phenomenon, propelled her to global recognition. The show, which ran for 62 episodes, became her breakout role, allowing her to showcase her depth and range as an actress to a massive audience.
The impact of Manifest extended far beyond typical television success. When NBC initially canceled the series, a passionate global fan campaign erupted, demonstrating the immense loyalty and dedication of its viewers. This fervent outcry ultimately led to Netflix reviving the show for a fourth and final season, a rare feat in the television landscape. This experience not only cemented Melissa Roxburgh’s status as a beloved lead actress but also gave her an even larger platform.
The Netflix revival meant increased visibility for Melissa Roxburgh, amplifying her voice and influence. This expanded platform allowed her to further engage in her humanitarian work and advocate for causes she deeply cares about. Moreover, the trust and rapport she built with the showrunners and network during Manifest provided her with opportunities she might not have otherwise had, including her directorial debut on an episode of the series. Her personal fascination with mysteries, such as Malaysia Flight 370 and the Bermuda Triangle, also aligned perfectly with the show’s premise, making her connection to the material even stronger and her performance all the more authentic. Manifest truly transformed Melissa Roxburgh’s career, establishing her as a versatile and impactful presence in the industry.
4. From ‘Wimpy Kid’ to Sci-Fi and Crime Thrillers
Melissa Roxburgh’s career journey is a testament to her versatility, evolving from charming early roles in family comedies to leading complex narratives in science fiction and high-stakes crime thrillers. Her acting career began in 2011 with Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, where she played Rachel. She reprised her role as Heather Hills in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days in 2012. These early roles were significant, as she noted, being a 17-year-old in a franchise movie was “huge” for her burgeoning career.
Her trajectory quickly diversified. In 2016, she ventured into the expansive world of science fiction with Star Trek Beyond, portraying Ensign Syl, an alien character. This role demonstrated her ability to adapt to different genres and showcased her presence in a major blockbuster franchise.
Melissa Roxburgh’s filmography reveals a consistent exploration of diverse genres, highlighting her range and willingness to take on varied challenges. We’ve seen her in:
- Comedy: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days
- Sci-Fi: Star Trek Beyond, Manifest
- Mystery: Manifest, Mindcage, The Hunting Party
- Crime: Manifest, Mindcage, The Marine 4: Moving Target, The Hunting Party
- Faith-based: I Still Believe
Beyond these, she also had notable roles in television series like Valor (2017-2018), where she played Thea, and appeared in films such as Mindcage (2022) and The Marine 4: Moving Target (2014). Each project allowed her to hone her craft and expand her repertoire.
Now, Melissa Roxburgh is set to lead the charge as FBI agent Rebecca “Bex” Henderson in the upcoming television series The Hunting Party, which premiered in January 2025. This role further solidifies her presence in the crime thriller genre, allowing her to bring her signature intensity and depth to another compelling character. Her career evolution is a clear indication that she is an actress who accepts growth and is constantly seeking new ways to challenge herself creatively.
The Key Themes in Her Work
Looking across Melissa Roxburgh’s diverse filmography, we can identify several recurring themes that she frequently explores through her characters and chosen projects. These themes often resonate with her personal values and interests, creating a cohesive thread throughout her work.
One prominent theme is mystery. From the supernatural enigmas of Manifest to the investigative demands of Mindcage and her upcoming role in The Hunting Party, Melissa Roxburgh often finds herself at the heart of solveing complex puzzles. Her personal fascination with unexplained phenomena, like the disappearance of Malaysia Flight 370 and the Bermuda Triangle, makes her a natural fit for these roles, allowing her to bring a genuine curiosity to her performances.
Another powerful theme is redemption. Many of her characters, particularly Michaela Stone in Manifest, are on journeys of self-findy and atonement, constantly striving to make amends for past mistakes or to understand their purpose in a chaotic world. This ties into the idea of flawed heroes, characters who are relatable in their imperfections but driven by a strong moral compass.
Faith also subtly weaves its way through her work, not just in overtly religious films like I Still Believe, but also in the deeper questions of belief and destiny explored in Manifest. Given her background as a pastor’s daughter, it’s perhaps unsurprising that stories struggling with hope, purpose, and the unseen forces at play resonate with her.
Finally, human connection and exploring the unknown are central to her narratives. Whether it’s the bonds between the passengers of Flight 828 or the interactions between agents in a tense thriller, her roles often highlight the importance of relationships in navigating extraordinary circumstances. Her characters frequently confront the inexplicable, pushing boundaries and confronting fears, reflecting a broader human desire to understand the world beyond our immediate grasp.
Frequently Asked Questions about Melissa Roxburgh
We know you’re eager to learn even more about Melissa Roxburgh, so we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions about her career and aspirations.
What are Melissa Roxburgh’s most notable acting roles?
Melissa Roxburgh is widely recognized for several key roles that have defined her career. Her breakout performance as Michaela Stone in the NBC/Netflix series Manifest (2018-2023) is arguably her most notable, captivating audiences for 62 episodes. She also made a significant impact as Ensign Syl in the major film Star Trek Beyond (2016). Looking ahead, her lead role as FBI agent Rebecca “Bex” Henderson in The Hunting Party, which began in January 2025, is quickly becoming another defining credit. We can’t forget her early and memorable appearances in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid franchise, specifically Rodrick Rules (2011) and Dog Days (2012), which were crucial stepping stones in her career.
How old is Melissa Roxburgh?
Melissa Roxburgh was born on December 10, 1992, making her 32 years old. Her birthdate places her under the zodiac sign of Sagittarius, known for traits like adventurousness, intellectual curiosity, and a strong sense of justice—qualities we definitely see reflected in her career choices and humanitarian efforts.
What are Melissa Roxburgh’s future career aspirations?
Melissa Roxburgh’s future career aspirations extend far beyond acting. She has a strong desire to move into directing and producing, having already directed an episode of Manifest. She views this as her ultimate career destination. She is actively pursuing this path, including developing a project in collaboration with her younger sister. When it comes to dream acting roles, she expressed a keen interest in portraying feminist icon Gloria Steinem, finding the part to be both compelling and plausible. This ambition highlights her desire to engage with impactful, real-life stories and continue using her platform for meaningful narratives.
Conclusion
As we’ve explored the fascinating world of Melissa Roxburgh, it becomes abundantly clear that she is far more than just a talented actress. From her surprising family background rooted in humanitarianism and faith to her candid philosophy on fame and her burgeoning ambitions as a director, she continually defies expectations. We’ve finded her profound commitment to using her platform for social good, stemming from childhood travels to impoverished communities. Her journey from the lighthearted Diary of a Wimpy Kid films to the complex mysteries of Manifest and the intense crime thrills of The Hunting Party showcases an impressive versatility and dedication to her craft.
Melissa Roxburgh is truly a multifaceted talent: a compelling actress, an aspiring director and producer, and a passionate humanitarian. Her career trajectory, marked by thoughtful choices and a deep personal integrity, makes her an inspiring figure in the entertainment world. We at PARK Ave Magazine are excited to see the incredible stories she will continue to tell, both in front of and behind the camera.
