Maika Monroe
Learn about Maika Monroe (born May 29, 1993), the American actress and former kiteboarder who gained fame for roles in It Follows, The Guest, Longlegs, and more. Read her biography, career highlights, and noteworthy quotes.
Introduction
Maika Monroe (born Dillon Monroe Buckley, May 29, 1993) is an American actress best known for her work in horror and thriller films. She earned recognition as a modern “scream queen” after her breakthrough in It Follows (2014) and The Guest (2014). Over the years, she has expanded into diverse genres, starring in Watcher (2022), Longlegs (2024), and other films while maintaining a strong presence in suspenseful roles.
| Year | Film / Project | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | At Any Price | Cadence Farrow |
| 2013 | Labor Day | Mandy |
| 2014 | The Guest | Anna Peterson |
| 2014 | It Follows | Jay (Jamie Height) |
| 2016 | Independence Day: Resurgence | Patricia Whitmore |
| 2017 | Hot Summer Nights | McKayla |
| 2018 | Greta | Erica Penn |
| 2022 | Watcher | Julia |
| 2023 | God Is a Bullet | Case |
| 2024 | Longlegs | Lee Harker |
Notable Quotes
Although less widely quoted than some actors, here are a few remarks by Monroe that reflect her perspective:
“Stick up for what you believe in and never, ever feel that you can’t say something or speak your mind. I think that would be the best advice. Be strong. Be confident. That’s really all you need.”
Her insights in interviews also show vulnerability and reflection about her career:
On her mental state during back-to-back projects: “I did about seven films back to back, and they weren’t all great experiences … I just needed to disconnect for a second.”
Lessons from Maika Monroe’s Career
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Embrace multiple talents
Monroe’s background in kiteboarding gave her discipline, physical awareness, and resilience—traits she leveraged when transitioning into acting. -
Breakout roles often come unexpectedly
It Follows and The Guest weren’t blockbuster leads, but they allowed her to craft a distinct identity in horror that launched her career. -
Be selective & sustainable
Facing burnout taught Monroe the value of pacing, choosing projects wisely, and preserving creative energy. -
Challenge typecasting
Though often identified with horror, she consciously explores other genres and tries to push boundaries within her films. -
Evolve with character complexity
Her later roles show that horror need not rely only on jump scares or helpless victims—but can explore psychological depth, agency, and moral ambiguity.