Career Timeline of Monica Barbaro: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 13, 2026

Discover the career path of Monica Barbaro, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Monica Barbaro is a talented American actress who rose to prominence through her versatile performances in television and film. She is perhaps best known for her breakout role as Lieutenant Natasha 'Phoenix' Trace in the blockbuster film Top Gun: Maverick (2022), which significantly elevated her global profile. Prior to her cinematic success, Barbaro gained recognition for her work in various TV series, including her roles in UnREAL, Chicago Justice, and The Good Cop. Trained in ballet before transitioning to acting, she brings a disciplined physical presence to her performances, often characterized by her ability to handle demanding, high-stakes roles. Throughout her career, Barbaro has demonstrated a wide range, effectively moving between dramatic, comedic, and action-oriented projects. As an emerging star in Hollywood, she continues to solidify her reputation as a compelling performer in contemporary media, balancing major studio productions with nuanced character work.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2010: Pursuit of Acting Career

In 2010, after completing her graduation, Monica Barbaro relocated to San Francisco to focus on an acting career. During this time, she began her professional journey by securing a commercial and a short film role, finding representation through an agent, and enrolling at the Beverly Hills Playhouse to further her craft.

2013: Viral Breakthrough in It's Not About the Nail

In 2013, Monica Barbaro gained significant public attention for her performance in the viral comedy short film titled It's Not About the Nail, which humorously explores communication dynamics within a marriage.

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2016: Early Television Appearances

In 2016, Monica Barbaro gained recognition for her performances in the television series Unreal and Chicago P.D.

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2017: Expansion of Television Career

During 2017, Monica Barbaro continued her work on Chicago P.D. and took on a role in the television series Chicago Justice.

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2018: Roles in The Good Cop and Splitting Up Together

During 2018, Barbaro expanded her portfolio by playing the character Cora Vasquez in the Netflix series The Good Cop and began a recurring role in the ABC sitcom Splitting Up Together.

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2018: Continued Television Roles

Throughout 2018, Monica Barbaro appeared in television productions including The Good Cop and began her tenure on Splitting Up Together.

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2019: Conclusion of Splitting Up Together

In 2019, Monica Barbaro concluded her appearance in the television series Splitting Up Together, which she had been working on since 2018.

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2021: Feature Film Debut

In 2021, Monica Barbaro made her feature film debut as an actress in the independent production titled The Cathedral.

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2022: Role in Top Gun: Maverick

In 2022, Barbaro achieved prominence for her role as Lieutenant Natasha "Phoenix" Trace, a naval aviator, in the major blockbuster film Top Gun: Maverick.

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2023: Starring role in FUBAR

Beginning in 2023, Monica Barbaro commenced her starring role in the Netflix action-comedy series FUBAR, a project that continued through 2025.

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2023: Release and Performance in At Midnight

In 2023, Monica Barbaro starred in the romantic comedy film At Midnight. Although the movie received mixed critical reception regarding its narrative, Barbaro was widely praised for her acting and dancing ability, specifically for a scene where she performed a fusion of salsa and tango.

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2024: Portrayal of Joan Baez in A Complete Unknown

In 2024, Barbaro starred as Joan Baez in the biopic A Complete Unknown, a performance for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

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2024: Role in A Complete Unknown

In 2024, Monica Barbaro portrayed the activist and folk singer Joan Baez in James Mangold's Bob Dylan biographical film, A Complete Unknown, starring Timothée Chalamet. To prepare for the character, she underwent specific training in singing and guitar, ultimately earning nominations for an Academy Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award for her performance.

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April 2025: West End Stage Debut Announcement

In April 2025, it was announced that Monica Barbaro would make her West End stage debut in a revival of the French play Les Liaisons dangereuses at the National Theatre, starring alongside Lesley Manville and Aidan Turner under the direction of Marianne Elliott.