Melissa Rauch, born June 23, 1980, is an accomplished American actress, comedian, writer, and producer best known for playing Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz on The Big Bang Theory. Raised in Marlboro Township, New Jersey, Rauch developed an early passion for comedy and performance before earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting from Marymount Manhattan College in 2002.
After beginning her career with stand-up comedy and one-woman shows, she gained wider recognition when she joined The Big Bang Theory in 2009. Initially introduced as a waitress, Bernadette eventually became a successful microbiologist and an important part of the series. Rauch’s distinctive comedic timing and memorable voice helped make the character a fan favorite. Beyond television, she co-wrote, produced, and starred in The Bronze, a dark comedy about a former Olympic gymnast. She has also worked extensively in animation and voice acting, including Batman and Harley Quinn. From comedy stages to television, film, and producing, Rauch has built a diverse and creative career.