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Who is Michelle Borth?
Michelle is an American actress known for her roles both on television and in film. She gained significant recognition for her leading role as Catherine Rollins in the CBS action drama series “Hawaii Five-0”. She has also starred in the HBO series “Tell Me You Love Me” and the movie “Shazam!” as adult Mary Bromfield. Outside of her acting career, Michelle is an advocate for mental health awareness, and often speaks about her own experiences with depression.
Early Life and Education
Born on 19 August 1978, in Secaucus, New Jersey, Michelle’s passion for acting was evident from a young age. Growing up, she was always involved in school plays and local theater productions. Her dedication to the craft led her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Theater Arts from Pace University in New York City. The rigorous training and exposure she received during her academic years laid the foundation for her future roles both on television and in film.
Roles in TV Series
Michelle made her TV series debut in 2002, when she appeared in an episode of the sitcom “Off Centre”. In the following years, she made episodic appearances in shows such as “Center of the Universe” (2004), “Freddie” (2005), and “Supernatural” (2007).
However, Michelle’s breakthrough as a television actress was marked by her role in the HBO drama “Tell Me You Love Me” (2007). The series, also starring Tim DeKay, Ailsinn Paul, and Adam Scott follows three couples who share the same therapist. It’s notable for its portrayal of relationship and mental health issues. Portraying Jamie, a woman navigating the complexities of relationships, Michelle earned acclaim for her powerful performance.
In the medical drama “The Forgotten” (2009-2010), Michelle played Candace Butler, a dedicated and passionate medical examiner. Her role, though relatively brief, was impactful, highlighting her ability to adapt to different genres seamlessly.
Michelle also appeared in “Combat Hospital” (2011), a series set in a war-torn region, where she played Major Rebecca Gordon, a surgeon navigating the challenges of a military hospital. The series, with its intense and dramatic backdrop, allowed Michelle to explore a character that was both professionally competent and personally conflicted.
While Michelle had already made a name for herself with her earlier roles, it was her portrayal of Catherine Rollins in “Hawaii Five-0“ (2010-2020) that truly catapulted her to widespread recognition. As a former Navy Lieutenant and an on-and-off love interest for the series’ protagonist, Steve McGarrett, Catherine was a character of many layers.
Over the seasons, Michelle’s character underwent significant evolution. From a recurring role to a series regular, Catherine’s journey was filled with challenges, adventures, and personal growth. Michelle’s chemistry with her co-stars, especially Alex O’Loughlin, who played Steve McGarrett, was palpable, making their on-screen relationship one of the highlights of the show.
Roles in Movies
While Michelle Borth’s television roles have garnered significant attention, her contributions to the world of cinema are equally noteworthy. She made her film debut in 2001, with a supporting role in the comedy “In Your Face”.
In 2003, she appeared alongside Lisa Kudrow and Val Kilmer in the comedy “Wonderland”, centered on a former porn actor who’s accused of committing a violent crime. In the following years, she made appearances in horror movies such as “Komodo vs. Cobra” (2005), “Rampage: The Hillside Strangler Murder” (2006), and “Trespassers” (2006).
Michelle Borth #Trespassers ** @michelleborth pic.twitter.com/X8CHMuVYgx
— MBorthAddicted (@MBorthAddicted) November 9, 2015
In 2009, Michelle appeared in the romantic comedy “Timer”, written and directed by Jac Schaeffer, and which explores the idea of having a timer which counts down to the moment one meets their soulmate. Two years later, she starred alongside Jason Sudeikis, Lislie Bibb and Tyler Labine, in another quirky romantic comedy, “A Good Old Fashioned Orgy”. In the following years, she appeared in projects such as “Easy Rider 2: The Ride Home” (2012), “Playing It Straight” (2017), and “Condran & Michelle: If Words Could Kill” (2018).
One of Michelle’s most prominent roles in cinema came with the superhero film “Shazam!” (2019). Here, she played the adult Mary Bromfield, one of the Shazam family members who gains superpowers. The film, with its blend of humor, action, and heart, required a performance that could balance the larger-than-life superhero elements with genuine human emotion. Michelle effortlessly brought Mary’s character to life, showcasing her strength, compassion, and sense of responsibility.
More recently, in 2021, Michelle starred in the holyday TV comedy “The Christmas Thief”. This is also her latest movie appearance, since she went on an hiatus from acting for personal reasons.
Personal Life
Away from the limelight, Michelle is known to be private about her personal life. While she occasionally shares snippets of her life on social media, she prefers to keep her relationships and family matters away from public scrutiny.
It appears that Michelle hasn’t been married and doesn’t have children. In January 2023, she shared a photo of a man named Dulla Hallen holding her dogs, which started speculation that he could be her boyfriend. However, she is yet to confirm or deny these rumors.
Activism
Beyond her acting career, Michelle is a staunch advocate for mental health awareness. In her 2020 interview with the “People” magazine, Michelle opened up about her struggles with self-harm. She further reveled that she’d been dealing with depressive episodes since she was just 12 years old, leading her to find escape in substance abuse. She has since fully recovered, and covered up her self-harm scars with the use of non-surgical procedures.
Having faced her own battles with depression, she often speaks candidly about her experiences, aiming to destigmatize mental health issues. Her openness about her struggles has inspired many of her fans, and has brought attention to the importance of mental well-being in the entertainment industry.
Interesting Facts and Hobbies
When Michelle isn’t on set or attending red carpet events, she indulges in her love for adventure sports, particularly surfing. Her affinity for the ocean is evident in her frequent beach visits, as captured on her social media.
Additionally, Michelle is a trained classical pianist, a skill she picked up during her early years, and continues to cherish.
Net Worth
Over the years, Michelle’s consistent performances and her choice of diverse roles has not only earned her accolades but also financial success. As of October 2023, her net worth is estimated to be close to $3 million. While exact figures vary, it’s undeniable that Michelle’s talent and perseverance have paid off in more ways than one.
