Rachel Brosnahan

Rachel Brosnahan Bio

Rachel Elizabeth Brosnahan (born July 12, 1990) is an American actress. She is recognized for portraying Lois Lane in the DC Universe, a role she first played in the film Superman (2025). She rose to fame for her performance as Midge Maisel in the Amazon Prime Video period comedy series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017–2023), for which she won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2018 and two consecutive Golden Globe Awards in 2018 and 2019.

Early Life and Background

Rachel Brosnahan was born on July 12, 1990, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Carol and Earl Brosnahan, who worked in children’s publishing. Her mother is British, and her father is an American of Irish descent. From age four, Brosnahan was raised in Highland Park, Illinois, where she has a younger brother and sister. She attended Wayne Thomas Elementary School and Northwood Junior High School, where she performed in musical theater.

At Highland Park High School, Brosnahan was on the wrestling team for two years and worked as a snowboarding instructor. At 16, she took a class with Carole Dibo, director of Wilmette’s Actors Training Center, who later became her manager. Brosnahan graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in 2012.

Path to Hollywood

While still in high school, Brosnahan received her first movie role in the horror film The Unborn (2009), produced by Michael Bay. She made her stage debut in 2009 at the Steppenwolf Theatre. During her college years, she appeared in episodes of television series such as Gossip Girl, The Good Wife, and Grey’s Anatomy. Her early roles included performances in short films directed by Ari Aster.

After college, Brosnahan landed recurring roles in series such as The Blacklist and Black Box. She made her Broadway debut in The Big Knife with Roundabout Theatre Company in 2013. In the same year, she starred as Rachel Posner in the Netflix political drama House of Cards, where her character was significantly expanded, leading to her receiving a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.

Rachel Brosnahan Career

Early Career (2007–2016)

During her early career, Brosnahan’s role in House of Cards brought her significant recognition. She received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series at the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards. In 2016, she played Desdemona in Othello at New York Theatre Workshop, further establishing her presence in the theater scene.

In 2017, Brosnahan began starring as the title character in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, a role that would define her career. Her performance earned her numerous accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and two Golden Globe Awards.

Breakthrough (2017–2023)

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel premiered in 2017 and quickly became a critical and commercial success. Brosnahan’s portrayal of Midge Maisel, a 1950s Jewish housewife who pursues a career in stand-up comedy, resonated with audiences and critics alike. Her performance earned her multiple awards, solidifying her status as a leading actress in Hollywood.

In addition to her television success, Brosnahan appeared in films such as The Courier and I’m Your Woman, showcasing her versatility as an actress. She also made her return to Broadway in 2023, starring in the revival of Lorraine Hansberry’s The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, receiving positive reviews for her performance.

Notable Works and Milestones

Rachel Brosnahan’s signature work remains The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, for which she won a Primetime Emmy Award and multiple Golden Globe Awards. Her transition from television to film has been marked by significant roles, including her portrayal of Lois Lane in Superman, set to release in 2025.

Rachel Brosnahan Award Nominations

Throughout her career, Rachel Brosnahan has received numerous nominations for her outstanding performances, particularly for her role in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, which has garnered her critical acclaim and recognition in the industry.

Rachel Brosnahan Awards Won

Rachel Brosnahan has won several prestigious awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and two Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy, all for her work in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Rachel Brosnahan Family

Rachel Brosnahan is married to actor Jason Ralph, with whom she has been in a relationship since 2016. The couple has kept their personal life relatively private, but they have been seen together at various events, including the Golden Globe Awards.

Personal Life

Rachel Brosnahan is the niece of handbag designer Kate Spade. She has participated in the “Live Below the Line” challenge, which raises awareness about poverty. Brosnahan’s family background includes a mix of British and Irish heritage, contributing to her diverse cultural perspective.