CBS’s ‘Supergirl’ Is ‘Glee’s’ Melissa Benoist

Actress will play the lead in the much-anticipated DC comics series about Superman’s cousin

The very buzzy new entry into television’s superhero offerings, “Supergirl,” has found its heroine.

The CBS and Warner Bros. Television series has chosen “Glee” actress Melissa Benoist for the coveted role of DC Comics’ Kara Zor-El, a.k.a. Supergirl.

Benoist is best known for playing Marley on Fox’s “Glee” since Season 4. She has also made appearances on Showtime’s “Homeland,” CBS’s “The Good Wife,” and NBC’s “Law & Order: SVU.” She also starred in the movie “Whiplash.”

The actress recently dyed her hair blonde, presumably, for the role.

melissa benoist blonde supergirl cbs
Stylist Riawna Capri posted this before and after photo.

On the CBS series, Kara escaped Krypton amid its destruction years ago, hiding the powers she shares with her famous cousin, Superman, since arriving on Earth. But now at age 24, she decides to embrace her superhuman abilities and become the hero she was always meant to be.

As reported exclusively by TheWrap in December, Claire Holt, of The CW’s “The Vampire Diaries” and “The Originals,” had also been in contention for the role. Gemma Atkinson (“Casualty”) had also been floated as a possibility.

The one-hour drama, which is produced by Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, is written and executive produced by Greg Berlanti (also executive producer of The CW’s “superhero offerings “The Flash” and “Arrow”) and Ali Adler (“Glee,” “Chuck’), and is also executive produced by Sarah Schechter (“The Flash,” “The Mysteries of Laura”).

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