Melonie Diaz
Encyclopedia
Melonie Diaz is an American
actress who has been appeared in many independent films, including four shown at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival
.
's lower east side by parents of Puerto Rican
descent. She became interested in acting at the Henry Street Settlement
and subsequently attended the Professional Performing Arts School
in Manhattan
.
She recently completed a degree in Film Production at New York University
's Tisch School of the Arts
, and has made numerous off-Broadway and workshop appearances including Medea
at the Bullet Space, the Hip Hop Theater Festival at P.S. 122, and the New York City Fringe Festival.
She started her film career with a supporting role in Tom DiCillo
's Double Whammy
(2001
) and later landed roles in Jim McKay
and Hannah Weyer's From an Objective Point of View and Peter Sollett
's Raising Victor Vargas
(both 2002
). Television work at this time included an episode of Law & Order
and a pilot for Queens Supreme
(both 2003).
Her breakthrough roles came as Blanca in Catherine Hardwicke
's Lords of Dogtown
(2005
) and as Laurie in Dito Montiel
's A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints
(2006
) which earned her a Independent Spirit Awards
nomination for Best Supporting Female. She was subsequently cast by Jamie Babbit
in the lead role of Anna in Itty Bitty Titty Committee
(2007) as well as a role in Hamlet 2
and Be Kind Rewind
in 2008. Diaz is currently working on a 2009 drama, Identity, which is in pre-production.
She appears in the Mary J. Blige
video "We Got Hood Love" which debuted on May 10, 2010.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
actress who has been appeared in many independent films, including four shown at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival
2008 Sundance Film Festival
The 2008 Sundance Film Festival ran from January 17, 2008 to January 27 in Park City, Utah. It was the 24th iteration of the Sundance Film Festival. The opening night film was In Bruges and the closing night film was CSNY Déjà Vu.-Films:...
.
Biography
Diaz was raised along with her elder sister in New York CityNew York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
's lower east side by parents of Puerto Rican
Puerto Rican people
A Puerto Rican is a person who was born in Puerto Rico.Puerto Ricans born and raised in the continental United States are also sometimes referred to as Puerto Ricans, although they were not born in Puerto Rico...
descent. She became interested in acting at the Henry Street Settlement
Henry Street Settlement
The Henry Street Settlement is a not-for-profit social service agency in the Lower East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City that provides social services, arts programs and health care services to New Yorkers of all ages. It was founded in 1893 by Progressive reformer Lillian Wald.The...
and subsequently attended the Professional Performing Arts School
Professional Performing Arts School
The Professional Performing Arts School or PPAS is a New York City public school.-History:The Professional Performing Arts School was created in 1990 to meet the needs of two groups of students: those who wanted to pursue professional work in the arts as they earned a junior/senior high school...
in Manhattan
Manhattan
Manhattan is the oldest and the most densely populated of the five boroughs of New York City. Located primarily on the island of Manhattan at the mouth of the Hudson River, the boundaries of the borough are identical to those of New York County, an original county of the state of New York...
.
She recently completed a degree in Film Production at New York University
New York University
New York University is a private, nonsectarian research university based in New York City. NYU's main campus is situated in the Greenwich Village section of Manhattan...
's Tisch School of the Arts
Tisch School of the Arts
Tisch School of the Arts is one of the 15 schools that make up New York University ....
, and has made numerous off-Broadway and workshop appearances including Medea
Medea
Medea is a woman in Greek mythology. She was the daughter of King Aeëtes of Colchis, niece of Circe, granddaughter of the sun god Helios, and later wife to the hero Jason, with whom she had two children, Mermeros and Pheres. In Euripides's play Medea, Jason leaves Medea when Creon, king of...
at the Bullet Space, the Hip Hop Theater Festival at P.S. 122, and the New York City Fringe Festival.
She started her film career with a supporting role in Tom DiCillo
Tom DiCillo
Thomas A. "Tom" DiCillo is an American film director, screenwriter and cinematographer.-Early life:He was born in Camp Le Jeune, North Carolina. His father was Italian and his mother was from New England...
's Double Whammy
Double Whammy
Double Whammy is a 2001 comedy/drama film. Although intended to be released in theaters, it was ultimately distributed direct-to-video.-Plot:Ray Pluto has horrid memories of watching his wife and child die in a traffic accident...
(2001
2001 in film
The year 2001 in film involved some significant events, including the first of the Harry Potter series and also the first of The Lord of the Rings trilogy...
) and later landed roles in Jim McKay
Jim McKay (director)
Jim McKay is an American film and television director, producer and writer.He has directed episodes of The Wire, Treme, Big Love, and Criminal Intent as well as writing and directing Everyday People and Angel Rodriguez.-Career:...
and Hannah Weyer's From an Objective Point of View and Peter Sollett
Peter Sollett
Peter Sollett is an American film director and screenwriter known for his feature films Raising Victor Vargas and Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist .-Career:...
's Raising Victor Vargas
Raising Victor Vargas
Raising Victor Vargas is a 2002 film directed by Peter Sollett, written by Sollett and Eva Vives. The film follows Victor, a Lower East Side teenager, as he deals with his eccentric family, including his strict grandmother, his bratty sister, and a younger brother who completely idolizes him...
(both 2002
2002 in film
The year 2002 in film involved some significant events. The first significant releases of sequels took place between The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Men in Black II, Analyze That, Spy Kids 2: The Island of...
). Television work at this time included an episode of Law & Order
Law & Order
Law & Order is an American police procedural and legal drama television series, created by Dick Wolf and part of the Law & Order franchise. It aired on NBC, and in syndication on various cable networks. Law & Order premiered on September 13, 1990, and completed its 20th and final season on May 24,...
and a pilot for Queens Supreme
Queens Supreme
Queens Supreme is an American courtroom dramedy television series which aired on CBS in January 2003. The series starred Oliver Platt in his first major television role as New York judge Jack Moran who, with his equally eccentric and colorful as colleagues, preside over court cases as the real-life...
(both 2003).
Her breakthrough roles came as Blanca in Catherine Hardwicke
Catherine Hardwicke
Catherine Hardwicke is an American production designer, film writer and film director. Her works include the independent film Thirteen, which she co-wrote with Nikki Reed, the film's co-star, the Biblically-themed The Nativity Story, the vampire film Twilight, and the werewolf film Red Riding Hood...
's Lords of Dogtown
Lords of Dogtown
Lords of Dogtown is a 2005 biographical film directed by Catherine Hardwicke, written by Stacy Peralta. The film is based on the story of "The Z-Boys", an influential group of skateboarders who revolutionized the sport...
(2005
2005 in film
- Highest-grossing films :Please note that following the tradition of the English-language film industry, these are the top-grossing films that were first released in the United States in 2005...
) and as Laurie in Dito Montiel
Dito Montiel
Dito Montiel, born as Orlandito Montiel, is an American author, screenwriter, director and musician.Born in New York City, he came into the public eye after the breakup of his hardcore punk band Major Conflict...
's A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints
A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints
A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints is a 2006 American drama film based on a 2001 memoir of the same name by author and musician Dito Montiel, which describes his youth in Astoria, New York during the 1980s....
(2006
2006 in film
- Highest-grossing films :Please note that following the tradition of the English-language film industry, these are the top-grossing films that were first released in the United States in 2006...
) which earned her a Independent Spirit Awards
Independent Spirit Awards
The Independent Spirit Awards , founded in 1984, are awards dedicated to independent filmmakers. Winners were typically presented with acrylic glass pyramids containing suspended shoestrings representing the paltry budgets of independent films. In 1986, the event was renamed the Independent Spirit...
nomination for Best Supporting Female. She was subsequently cast by Jamie Babbit
Jamie Babbit
Jamie Babbit is an American film director, producer and screenwriter. She directed the films But I'm a Cheerleader, The Quiet and Itty Bitty Titty Committee. She has also directed episodes of television programs including Gilmore Girls, Malcolm in the Middle, United States of Tara, Nip/Tuck and...
in the lead role of Anna in Itty Bitty Titty Committee
Itty Bitty Titty Committee
Itty Bitty Titty Committee is a feminist, lesbian-related comedy film directed by Jamie Babbit. It was released on 28 September 2007.The film had its premiere at the international film festival Berlinale on 9 February 2007, where it was nominated for a Teddy Award for Best Feature...
(2007) as well as a role in Hamlet 2
Hamlet 2
Hamlet 2 is a 2008 American comedy film directed by Andrew Fleming, written by Fleming and Pam Brady, and starring Steve Coogan, Catherine Keener, Amy Poehler, and David Arquette. It was produced by Eric Eisner, Leonid Rozhetskin, and Aaron Ryder. Hamlet 2 was filmed primarily at a high school in...
and Be Kind Rewind
Be Kind Rewind
Be Kind Rewind is a 2008 American comedy film with dramatic elements from New Line Cinema, written and directed by Michel Gondry and starring Jack Black, Mos Def, Melonie Diaz, Danny Glover and Mia Farrow. The film first appeared on January 20, 2008 at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. It was later...
in 2008. Diaz is currently working on a 2009 drama, Identity, which is in pre-production.
She appears in the Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige
Mary Jane Blige is an American singer-songwriter, record producer and occasional actress. She is a recipient of nine Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards, and has recorded eight multi-platinum albums. She is the only artist with Grammy Award wins in Pop, Rap, Gospel, and R&B. Blige has...
video "We Got Hood Love" which debuted on May 10, 2010.
Filmography
| Film | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
| 2001 | Double Whammy | Maribel Benitez | |
| 2002 | From an Objective Point of View | Kelly | |
| Raising Victor Vargas Raising Victor Vargas Raising Victor Vargas is a 2002 film directed by Peter Sollett, written by Sollett and Eva Vives. The film follows Victor, a Lower East Side teenager, as he deals with his eccentric family, including his strict grandmother, his bratty sister, and a younger brother who completely idolizes him... |
Melonie | ||
| 2005 | Lords of Dogtown Lords of Dogtown Lords of Dogtown is a 2005 biographical film directed by Catherine Hardwicke, written by Stacy Peralta. The film is based on the story of "The Z-Boys", an influential group of skateboarders who revolutionized the sport... |
Blanca | |
| 2006 | A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints is a 2006 American drama film based on a 2001 memoir of the same name by author and musician Dito Montiel, which describes his youth in Astoria, New York during the 1980s.... |
Young Laurie | |
| Emil | Unnamed Actress | ||
| 2007 | Itty Bitty Titty Committee Itty Bitty Titty Committee Itty Bitty Titty Committee is a feminist, lesbian-related comedy film directed by Jamie Babbit. It was released on 28 September 2007.The film had its premiere at the international film festival Berlinale on 9 February 2007, where it was nominated for a Teddy Award for Best Feature... |
Anna | |
| Remember the Daze Remember the Daze Remember the Daze is a 2007 drama film released in theatres in April 2008. The film was directed by Jess Manafort. The plot of the movie has been described as "a glimpse into the teenage wasteland of suburbia 1999 that takes place over 24-hours, and the teenagers who make their way through the last... |
Brianne | ||
| Feel the Noise Feel the Noise Feel the Noise is a drama film written by Albert Leon, directed by Alejandro Chomski and produced by Jennifer Lopez. It was released on October 5, 2007 and stars Omarion, Giancarlo Esposito, Victor Rasuk and James McCaffrey.-Plot:... |
Mimi | ||
| 2008 | American Son | Cristina | |
| I'll Come Running | Veronica | ||
| Assassination of a High School President Assassination of a High School President Assassination of a High School President is a 2008 American neo noir comedy film, directed by Brett Simon, written by Tim Calpin and Kevin Jakubowski, and starring Reece Thompson, Bruce Willis, Mischa Barton and Michael Rapaport... |
Clara | ||
| Be Kind Rewind Be Kind Rewind Be Kind Rewind is a 2008 American comedy film with dramatic elements from New Line Cinema, written and directed by Michel Gondry and starring Jack Black, Mos Def, Melonie Diaz, Danny Glover and Mia Farrow. The film first appeared on January 20, 2008 at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. It was later... |
Alma | ||
| Hamlet 2 Hamlet 2 Hamlet 2 is a 2008 American comedy film directed by Andrew Fleming, written by Fleming and Pam Brady, and starring Steve Coogan, Catherine Keener, Amy Poehler, and David Arquette. It was produced by Eric Eisner, Leonid Rozhetskin, and Aaron Ryder. Hamlet 2 was filmed primarily at a high school in... |
Ivonne | ||
| Nothing Like the Holidays | Marissa | ||
| Television | |||
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2003 | Queen's Supreme | Mr. Diaz's Daughter | "Pilot" |
| Law & Order Law & Order Law & Order is an American police procedural and legal drama television series, created by Dick Wolf and part of the Law & Order franchise. It aired on NBC, and in syndication on various cable networks. Law & Order premiered on September 13, 1990, and completed its 20th and final season on May 24,... |
Bettina | "Fatal Attraction" | |
| 2010 | Nip/Tuck Nip/Tuck Nip/Tuck is an American drama series created by Ryan Murphy, which aired on FX in the United States. The series focuses on McNamara/Troy, a plastic surgery practice, and follows its founders, Sean McNamara and Christian Troy... |
Ramona Perez | "Dr. Griffin", "Edith and Walter Krieger", "Hiro Yoshimura" |
| CSI: Miami CSI: Miami CSI: Miami is an American police procedural television series, which premiered on September 23, 2002 on CBS. The series is a spin-off of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.... |
Ivonne Hernandez | "Manhunt" | |