Michelle Monaghan channels her real-life persona by playing a successful actress called Jaclyn Lemon in the third season of The White Lotus. 'This month, one year ago, I embarked on one of the most personally and professionally inspiring journeys of my life. I’ll never be able to express how special, how singular, how immersive of an experience The White Lotus was,' the HBO star wrote on Instagram.
Michelle's storyline saw her team up with Carrie Coon and Leslie Bibbfor a girls' trip to Thailand, where they were also joined by fellow White Lotus newcomers and season three cast members Aimee Lou Wood, Sam Nivola, Walton Goggins, Arnas Fedaravičius and Lisa Manobel, among others, and of course, returning star Natasha Rothwell.
Michelle has also revealed how much secrecy was involved on the lead-up to the launch date. 'The number of NDAs and things that I've signed. Even my family has no idea what's in store for the show. It was critical that we kept everything a secret. They’re like, "Just tell us a little something!" And I won't even tell them my name,' she said.
What is Michelle's life like when Jaclyn's not bringing all the baggage to The White Lotus? Let's find out.
Who is Michelle Monaghan?
Michelle is an American actress who previously modelled and studied journalism. She was born in Iowa but upped sticks after graduation, pursuing global modelling opportunities while studying journalism in Chicago. Michelle gave up on her journalism studies with one semester remaining, and instead moved to New York to try her hand at acting (a decision which has clearly paid off).
She landed her TV debut 25 years ago in Young Americans, and her first appearance on the big screen followed in 2001 in Perfume.
Michelle is also a proud skin cancer prevention advocate, after she had a melanoma removed in 2007. Two summers ago, she shared her scar from the procedure and wrote, 'This is my melanoma scar. I never imagined in a million years I would be a skin cancer survivor, but here I am. Grateful. Despite the large scar, my malignant mole was about the size of a pencil eraser. Had my husband not noticed its sudden irregularity, it would have gone unchecked. And well, we know the rest. Melanoma is fatal unless detected early. Two people die every hour from skin cancer. This scar serves as a constant reminder of the importance of skin cancer prevention. Not just mine but yours too.'
How old is Michelle Monaghan?
Michelle is 48 and will celebrate her 49th birthday on 23 March.
Which TV shows and films has Michelle Monaghan been in?
After receiving her break in TV series Boston Public in 2002, she proceeded to star alongside Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer in film Kiss Kiss Bang Bang three years later. Michelle clocked up several other film appearances as the years progressed, including The Heartbreak Kid, Gone Baby Gone, Made of Honor and Source Code. In 2009, she won the Best Actress gong at San Diego Film Critics Society Awards for her performance in Trucker.
Over on the small screen, Michelle has most recently starred in Messiah, Echoes and Bad Monkey.
Is Michelle Monaghan married?
Michelle and Australian graphic artist Peter White will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary in August after tying the knot in Queensland back in August 2005. Their nuptials came five years after they met at a party.
Last year, Michelle paid tribute to her husband on Father's Day, writing, 'I can’t believe how lucky we are. You’re simply the coolest, most chill, most adventurous, present, funny, steady and loving father. Thank you for being uniquely and beautifully you. You’re our heart and soul.'
In addition to his artistry, Peter also founded the company Herbitual, which specialises in eczema relief.
Does Michelle Monaghan have children?
Michelle and Peter have a 16-year-old daughter Willow and an 11-year-old son, Tommy. As she honoured her own mum on Mother's Day in 2019, Michelle touched on what she had learned as a parent, writing, 'It’s not lost on me, the importance of motherhood, the deep responsibility it demands and that ALL children deserve unconditional love.'
What is Michelle Monaghan's net worth?
Michelle is thought to have a net worth of $8 million.
Millie Payne is a News and Entertainment Writer for Grazia. She has specialised in showbiz interviews, features, articles and roundups for over three years and loves combining her love for writing, talking and all things popular culture.