Rarely today does one hear about a Hollywood actress being “discovered” at a drugstore counter or in a shopping mall, but that’s exactly what happened to Mircea Monroe, who has roles in both the CW’s Hart of Dixie (Tansy Truitt) and the Showtime network’s Episodes (Morning Randolph).

A Dual Life

Monroe has been playing both roles for the past three years but, according to her, they never overlap to the point of confusion.  She told me when we spoke, “I shoot them separately, and there’s a solid stop and a solid start to each, so they’re easy to distinguish.”  Tansy Truitt is a Southern girl with a lot of spunkiness and a big heart, which Monroe admires.  On the other hand, Morning Randolph is a sexpot actress.  Though the latter role was initially a challenge, Monroe now feels comfortable in the part and recognizes her character’s confidence and strength.

Work in Feature Film

Monroe also has a feature film to her credit – Dumbbells, which she stars in with Carl Reiner, Jaleel White, and Tom Arnold.  The project, which she described as, “a really silly goofy comedy with great people involved,” was recently released to DVD.

Surprise Career

So, how did she get “discovered?”  Acting just kind of “happened” for her.  She told me, “I didn’t know acting existed as a job until later, after I started doing it.  Then, I worked really hard to learn as much as possible about it.  You could say I’ve learned by doing.  In the chaos of acting you never know what wonderful things are around the corner that inspire you.”

Monroe was “discovered,” if you will, while working at a restaurant.  One of her usual customers was an executive at New Line Cinema, and he suggested she audition for a part in Cellular.  She said, “I ended up getting the part, and it changed the course of my entire life.”

I wondered if Monroe ever worried about being typecast.  She said, “I feel like if you’re sure of what you’re doing, no.  I guess I say that because I’ve played such a variety of roles.  I don’t worry about it now, but I’d have to say that initially, I absolutely did.  I find that I’m always trying to expand and grow, break my own mold in a sense.  Sometimes that gets really hard.”

A Hidden Talent

Monroe is also a writer of short stories and short films.  One day, she may share her work with the public but, for now, she finds it a great release.

Watch for this actress on both the small and large screen.  You never know where she might pop up!

Cheryl has been a freelance TV/film writer for more than 10 years. Simultaneously, she has worked in PR for Bon Jovi Productions in NYC, PolyGram Records (also in NYC), and Rogers & Cowan Public Relations. Cheryl has published articles at suite101.com, “Sci-Fi Entertainment” magazine, and “Soap Opera Weekly.” She was also a credited researcher for English author Denis Meikle’s JOHNNY DEPP: A KIND OF ILLUSION. Cheryl enjoys writing for the entertainment industry and meeting new people. She is also an animal lover.