Maika Monroe

Biography

Maika Monroe is an American actress and professional kiteboarder known for her captivating performances in both independent and mainstream films. Born on May 29, 1993, in Santa Barbara, California, she grew up with a love for the ocean and sports, becoming an accomplished kiteboarder at a young age. Before pursuing acting full-time, she spent time training in the Dominican Republic, where she honed her athletic skills and developed a deep sense of discipline and focus—traits that would later shape her approach to acting.

Monroe’s entry into Hollywood began with supporting roles in films like At Any Price (2012), opposite Zac Efron and Dennis Quaid, but it was her breakout performance in the acclaimed horror film It Follows (2014) that established her as one of the most compelling young talents of her generation. Her portrayal of Jay Height, a young woman haunted by a supernatural force, earned widespread praise for its emotional realism and intensity, marking her as a modern “scream queen.”

Following that success, Monroe built a diverse filmography spanning multiple genres. She starred in the thriller The Guest (2014), the disaster blockbuster Independence Day: Resurgence (2016), and psychological thrillers like Greta (2018) and Watcher (2022), where her nuanced performances continued to draw critical acclaim. Monroe is known for choosing complex, emotionally charged roles that challenge traditional genre expectations.

In addition to her film work, Monroe remains passionate about sports and maintains a grounded, independent presence in the industry. She has also been involved in smaller, character-driven projects, continuing to collaborate with visionary directors in both horror and drama.

With her unique combination of natural charisma, emotional depth, and fearless role choices, Maika Monroe has solidified her status as one of contemporary cinema’s most intriguing and versatile actresses—a performer equally at home in the intensity of psychological thrillers as in the quiet beauty of independent storytelling.