Is Supergirl the Same Actress?
Supergirl, the iconic character from the DC Comics universe, has been brought to life by several actresses over the years. With the reboot of the television series in 2015, fans were curious to know if the new Supergirl, played by Melissa Benoist, was the same actress as the previous iterations. This article delves into the history of Supergirl on screen and compares the actresses who have portrayed this powerful superhero.
The original Supergirl television series aired from 1966 to 1971, with actress Linda Hamilton playing the role. Hamilton’s portrayal of Supergirl was a blend of humor and action, making her an endearing character for fans of the era. Although Hamilton is not the same actress as the modern Supergirl, her performance laid the groundwork for the character that would later be embraced by new generations.
In 1984, a live-action Supergirl film was released, starring Helen Slater as the superhero. Slater’s Supergirl was a more serious and dramatic character compared to Hamilton’s lighthearted portrayal. While Slater’s Supergirl was not a continuation of the television series, it provided a new interpretation of the character that resonated with some fans.
The 1996 animated series “Superman: The Animated Series” featured a recurring Supergirl character named Kara Zor-El, voiced by Keri Russell. Although Russell did not physically appear as Supergirl, her voice performance brought the character to life in a unique way. This version of Supergirl was a younger and more idealistic character, which set the stage for the character’s future incarnations.
In 2015, the Supergirl television series was rebooted, and Melissa Benoist was cast as the new Supergirl. Benoist’s Supergirl is a modern, empowered character who is both strong and relatable. While she shares the same name and costume as the previous Supergirls, Benoist’s performance is distinct and brings a fresh perspective to the character.
So, is Supergirl the same actress? The answer is no, but that doesn’t diminish the impact of each actress’s portrayal of the character. Each actress has brought their own unique qualities to the role, and fans have been able to appreciate Supergirl from different angles. From Linda Hamilton’s humorous take to Melissa Benoist’s modern interpretation, Supergirl has remained a beloved character in the DC Comics universe.
