Biography
Michelle Bernard, born and raised in Miami, Florida, developed a passion for performing through her involvement in Drama and Choral clubs throughout her school years. She began her modeling career at 15, participating in runway and in-store shows for Wet Seal, The Limited, and Express. This early experience fueled her determination and focus.
In 1999, Michelle's first film role was in Any Given Sunday, where she had the opportunity to work alongside Al Pacino under the direction of Oliver Stone. After the film wrapped, she moved to New York to pursue careers in fashion and entertainment, connecting with notable designers and photographers. Her acting studies included training with renowned instructors at Stella Adler and private coaching with acclaimed actor Michael Imperioli. Through her modeling agency and industry contacts, Michelle expanded into photo-doubling, look-alike roles, and stand-in work for stars such as Julia Roberts, Susan Sarandon, and Amanda Righetti, collaborating with photographers like Annie Leibovitz and Robert Ashcroft, and appearing on The View.
In July 2003, Michelle relocated to California, where she continued her training at Beverly Hills Playhouse under Milton Katselas, Allen Barton, and Art Cohan. She also studied with Bobbie Chance at Expressions Unlimited and honed her improvisation skills at The Groundlings in West Hollywood, as well as at Killian's Commercial Workshop with Killian McHugh and The Second City Improv in Hollywood.
Michelle currently holds recurring roles on two prime-time TV shows and four YouTube web series. In March 2018, she appeared in her first episode of "9-1-1" on FOX, produced by Ryan Murphy Productions, and has since featured in ten episodes portraying Officer Carol Branford. "9-1-1" is now the number one scripted series on television and airs Mondays at 8:00 pm on FOX.
She made her debut on ABC's "The Rookie" in February 2019, executive produced by eOne Productions and ABC/Disney, starring Nathan Fillion. Michelle plays Officer DeSantos in this series, which airs Sundays at 10:00 pm; Season 3 has recently completed filming and current episodes are broadcasting.
In October 2018, Michelle starred as Randi Roach, a manipulative mob boss, in the web series DIRT for BRAT Productions. Her portrayal earned her the Silver People's Telly Award. She reprised the role of Randi Roach in two additional BRAT series: "Crown Lake," penned by Sara Shepard, creator of "Pretty Little Liars," and "Total Eclipse," featuring social media stars Mackenzie Ziegler and Emily Skinner. New episodes are currently airing.
Having spent 18 years in Hollywood, Michelle continues to flourish professionally. She recently collaborated with the late Michael Kenneth Williams on an indie film scheduled for release in 2022.
"Accept all opportunities as they come, while staying grateful and feeling blessed." ~ Michelle Bernard 🧚♀️
