The gripping new Apple TV+ sci-fi series Pluribus has quickly become a must-watch, thanks in part to the compelling performance of actress Menik Gooneratne. She stars as Laxmi, a survivor clinging to hope in a world ravaged by an alien hive mind virus. But who is the woman behind this powerful role?
A Rising Star in a Sci-Fi Epic
Created by Vince Gilligan of Breaking Bad fame, Pluribus follows fantasy author Carol Sturka, played by Rhea Seehorn. Gooneratne's character, Laxmi, is a woman from India who fiercely believes her family, including her son Ravi (Rayaan Kamal Khan), can be saved from the virus that has assimilated most of humanity. Their conflict drives much of the tension in the first five released episodes.
The series explores a unique sci-fi premise where strong emotions trigger fatal seizures in the infected. This forces Laxmi and other survivors to distance themselves from Carol's volatile quest for a cure. With four episodes remaining in the debut season and a second season already confirmed, fans can expect to see much more of Gooneratne's character as the story unfolds.
Life Away from the Screen: Friendship and Family
Off-screen, Menik Gooneratne is a Sri Lankan-Australian actress and writer who was born in the United Kingdom. She keeps her personal life relatively private. While reports suggest she is unmarried, her current relationship status is not publicly confirmed.
She made headlines in 2021 when she attended the Emmy Awards alongside Bridgerton breakout star Regé-Jean Page. The appearance sparked speculation, but it was simply a display of a long-standing friendship that began when they worked together on the 2018 film Mortal Engines.
In a rare personal glimpse shared on Instagram in March 2024, Gooneratne celebrated her brother's wedding with a playful post. She joked, "My brother got married on the weekend...but let's make it about me!" alongside photos of herself in a striking pink dress and heart-shaped sunglasses.
A Stellar Career from Ramsay Street to the Starship
Long before joining the cast of Pluribus, Menik Gooneratne was a familiar face to Australian television audiences. She is best known for playing headteacher Priya Kapoor in 111 episodes of the iconic soap Neighbours between 2011 and 2013.
This was actually her second role on the show, following a guest appearance in 2000. Her casting as Priya was significant, as the Kapoors became the first family of Sri Lankan descent in Erinsborough. Her character's storylines involved a turbulent marriage and a notable affair with stalwart Paul Robinson, played by Stefan Dennis.
Her impressive filmography also includes roles in the Nicolas Cage thriller Knowing, the Oscar-nominated drama Lion starring Dev Patel, the CBS series NCIS, and the sci-fi sequel Star Trek: Picard.
With her career now soaring to new heights on Apple TV+'s major new franchise, Menik Gooneratne continues to be a versatile and captivating presence on screen. New episodes of Pluribus continue to stream on Apple TV+.
