Melissa Hurst grew up in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Her family lived in the same house on North St. for over 50 years.
Melissa was awarded scholarships to attend two years of high school at Interlochen Arts Academy where she studied drama and British Lit and graduated with honors.
She began college in the theatre department at Southern Methodist University. Then, while still an undergraduate, Melissa transferred into the Graduate Acting Program at New York University, from which she graduated. While at NYU, she studied with Olympia Dukakis, Kristin Linklater, and Ron Van Lieu.
Melissa has since worked as a professional actor, and is a member of both Actors’ Equity Association and SAG/AFTRA.
Melissa is married to actor Richard Council, and their now-grown son, Will, is a recent graduate of the School of Public Affairs at American University. Melissa makes her home in New York City.
