Melissa Beck facts for kids

Melissa Beck (born Howard; February 12, 1977) is an American actress, TV star, and comedian. She is well-known for being on the reality TV show The Real World: New Orleans in 2000. She also appeared on the prank show Girls Behaving Badly from 2002 to 2005.

Early Life

Melissa Howard was born on February 12, 1977, in Okinawa, Japan. Her mother is Filipino and her father is African-American. She grew up in Valrico, Florida, with her older sister Marlene and younger brother Michael.

Melissa went to Brandon Senior High School. She later studied at the University of South Florida. She earned a degree in journalism and mass communications.

Career

In 2000, Melissa was chosen for The Real World: New Orleans. This was the ninth season of the popular MTV reality show. Thousands of people applied, but only seven were picked. MTV producers found her audition tape very funny. They said her humor added a lot to the season. Melissa described herself as a "half-black, half-Filipino Chris Rock" in her tape. The show was filmed over 124 days.

TV Shows and Comedy

After The Real World, Melissa moved to Los Angeles. She wanted to become a stand-up comedian. She also enjoyed acrylic painting, a hobby she started in New Orleans. She lived in Los Angeles for about five or six years.

From 2002 to 2005, Melissa was part of Girls Behaving Badly. This was a hidden camera prank show on the Oxygen network. In 2005, she also appeared on Bravo's Battle of the Network Reality Stars.

Online Presence and Podcast

Melissa started a blog called Princess Melissa. She used it to sell her artwork online. She also used it to share her thoughts in writing. She once said she felt more comfortable expressing herself in writing. Later, she moved her online presence to Tumblr and then to Patreon.

On May 22, 2020, Melissa launched a podcast called Imperfect Strangers. She hosts it with Amanda Strong. In April 2022, she reunited with her old roommates. They filmed The Real World Homecoming: New Orleans for Paramount+.

Family Life

After Girls Behaving Badly ended, Melissa moved to New York. She took a regular job and lived with her boyfriend, J.

On September 29, 2007, Melissa married musician Justin Beck. They got married at their home on Long Island. Melissa then took his last name and became Melissa Beck.

On March 20, 2009, Melissa and Justin welcomed their first daughter, Shalom Mazie Beck. On August 22, 2012, Melissa announced they were expecting another daughter. Maja Ilani was born on January 1, 2013. As of 2022, they have three children.

In October 2012, a tree fell on their house during Hurricane Sandy. Their home was badly damaged. Her older daughter was briefly caught in the debris. Justin quickly pulled her out. Luckily, she was unharmed. They took her to the hospital, but she was sent home after three hours. Doctors confirmed she had no injuries.

What She's Been In

As herself

• The Real World Homecoming: New Orleans (2022)
• Battle of the Network Reality Stars (2005)
• Reality TV Secrets Revealed 2 (2004)
• True Hollywood Story – Episode: The Real World (2003)
• The New Tom Green Show – Episode: August 1, 2003 (2003)
• Reality TV Secrets: How to Get on the Show! (2003)
• Real World/Road Rules Challenge: Battle of the Sexes (2003)
• Girls Behaving Badly (2002–2003)
• The Real World Movie: The Lost Season (2002)
• Real World/Road Rules Challenge: Extreme Challenge – Episode: #1.4 (2001)
• The X Show – Episode: August 21, 2000 (2000)
• The Real World: Tenth Anniversary Special (2000)
• The Real World: New Orleans (2000)

Actor

• The Jamie Foxx Show – Episode: If the Shoe Fits (2000) Reporter