Rachel Brosnahan (born July 12, 1990) is an American actress acclaimed for her work in television, film, and theater. She is best known for portraying Miriam “Midge” Maisel in the Prime Video comedy series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017–2023), a role that earned her an Emmy Award and two Golden Globes. In 2025, she took on the iconic role of Lois Lane in James Gunn’s Superman, solidifying her place among leading Hollywood stars.
Early Life and Education
Brosnahan was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Carol and Earl Brosnahan. Her mother is British, and her father is of Irish descent. Raised in Highland Park, Illinois, she grew up alongside a younger brother and sister.
She attended Highland Park High School, where she performed in theater, joined the wrestling team, and worked as a snowboarding instructor. At age 16, she began training with Carole Dibo of the Actors Training Center in Wilmette, who later became her manager. Brosnahan graduated with a BFA in acting from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in 2012.
Career
Early Roles
Brosnahan made her film debut in the horror movie The Unborn (2009). She went on to appear in series such as Gossip Girl, The Good Wife, Grey’s Anatomy, and In Treatment. Between 2013 and 2014, she appeared in Ari Aster’s short films Basically and Munchausen. She also had recurring roles in The Blacklist and Black Box.
Her stage debut came in Up (2009) at Steppenwolf Theatre, followed by her Broadway debut in The Big Knife (2013). In 2016, she earned praise for her portrayal of Desdemona in Othello opposite Daniel Craig and David Oyelowo.
Breakthrough: House of Cards and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Brosnahan gained prominence as Rachel Posner in Netflix’s House of Cards (2013–2015), a role expanded after impressing showrunner Beau Willimon. She received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series.
Her major breakthrough came with The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017–2023). Playing a 1950s housewife turned stand-up comedian, she won widespread acclaim, an Emmy, two Golden Globes, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two Critics’ Choice Awards. The role made her one of the most recognized television actresses of her generation.
In 2019, she launched her own production company, Scrap Paper Pictures.
Film and Stage Work
Brosnahan appeared in films such as The Courier (2020) alongside Benedict Cumberbatch, I’m Your Woman (2020), and Dead for a Dollar (2022). In 2023, she starred on Broadway in Lorraine Hansberry’s The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window with Oscar Isaac, earning a Drama League nomination.
Her 2025 projects included starring opposite Rami Malek in the espionage thriller The Amateur and playing Lois Lane in DC’s Superman. That year, she was also announced as the lead in Apple TV+’s crime anthology Presumed Innocent, where she serves as both star and executive producer.
Personal Life
Brosnahan married actor Jason Ralph in a private ceremony before their marriage became public in 2018. The couple frequently attends events together, and Brosnahan thanked him in her 2019 Golden Globes acceptance speech.
She is the niece of handbag designer Kate Spade, making her related by marriage to comedian David Spade. She is also active in philanthropy, having completed the “Live Below the Line” challenge twice to raise awareness of poverty.
Legacy and Recognition
Rachel Brosnahan has earned acclaim for her versatility across comedy, drama, and stage performances. Her Emmy-winning role in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel defined her early career, while her casting as Lois Lane positioned her at the forefront of modern blockbuster cinema. She continues to balance Hollywood stardom with stage acting, reflecting a rare breadth in contemporary acting.
