Natalie Morales, the actress audiences recognise from her role as Monica Beltran in Grey's Anatomy, is currently captivating viewers in Netflix's latest psychological thriller, The Beast in Me. The series has been met with widespread critical and audience acclaim.
From Early Roles to a Life-Changing Accident
Morales, now 40, first found her footing on television with a role in CSI: Miami back in 2006. Her career was gaining momentum with parts in The Middleman and a video game adaptation of Pimp My Ride. In 2009, she landed a significant role on the popular series White Collar.
However, her promising career was violently interrupted by a horrific accident in 2010. At just 25 years old, while attending the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, she fell down a flight of stairs, landing face-first on a balcony wall.
The actress recounted the traumatic event, stating, "I destroyed my face. [I] broke my face and had to have emergency reconstruction because my cheeks and my nose were dust." The aftermath left her physically and emotionally scarred, as she didn't look like herself and was in significant pain.
Overcoming Adversity and Forging a New Path
Morales's resilience was tested immediately after her surgery. She was offered her first lead role in an independent film just weeks later in February. Despite being in immense pain and with a changed appearance, she took the part on the advice of her agents.
"I had to kiss people a lot in that movie and my face was still in so much pain. Tears would stream from my eyes after that happened. It was awful," she revealed, highlighting the immense professional challenge she faced during her recovery.
Undeterred, she continued to build an impressive resume, including acting in and executive producing the web series Quitters. More recently, she has successfully transitioned into directing, helming the 2021 teen comedy Plan B, a film that earned critical praise for its handling of a sensitive subject.
A Triumphant Return in 'The Beast in Me'
Today, Natalie Morales is back in the spotlight with a powerful role in the Netflix hit The Beast in Me. The series, which also stars Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys, features a surprising ending that has viewers talking.
In the thriller, Morales plays Shelley, the ex-wife of Danes' reclusive author character. This high-profile role on a major streaming platform marks a significant and triumphant chapter in her career, showcasing her talent to a global audience and cementing her status as a versatile and resilient figure in the entertainment industry.
