Evolution of Supergirl: A Look Back at Actresses Who Have Portrayed the Iconic Hero
For more than four decades, actresses have taken on the role of Supergirl, the iconic superhero known as the "Woman of Tomorrow." The latest actress to don the cape is Milly Alcock, who made her debut in the 2025 film "Superman" and now stars in her own Supergirl movie, released on June 26. While Supergirl first appeared in comic books in 1959, it wasn't until 1984 that the character made her on-screen debut. Although the first Supergirl film did not lead to a multi-film franchise like Superman, the character later found success on TV in shows like Smallville and her own series that ran for six seasons. To celebrate the release of the new Supergirl movie, let's take a look back at the actresses who have portrayed this beloved hero.
Helen Slater was the first actress to bring Supergirl to life on the big screen, starring as Kara Zor-El/Linda Lee in the 1984 action film. Despite facing off against an evil sorceress named Selena, played by Faye Dunaway, the movie did not receive favorable reviews. However, Slater cherished her experience playing the character and later returned to the DC Comics universe in roles like Lara-El on Smallville and Eliza Danvers on the Supergirl series. In a recent interview, Slater expressed her support for Milly Alcock's modern take on Supergirl.
Laura Vandervoort was the first actress to portray Supergirl on television, appearing in three seasons of Smallville. Reflecting on her time on the show, Vandervoort admitted that she was young and nervous during filming and wished she had enjoyed the experience more. She later returned to the DC Comics TV universe as the villain Indigo on Supergirl. Melissa Benoist had the longest run as Supergirl, starring in the titular role for all six seasons of the Supergirl series. After the show's conclusion, Benoist shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, expressing gratitude for the impact the character had on her and young girls worldwide.
Sasha Calle made her debut as Supergirl in the 2023 film "The Flash," marking the first time a Latina actress portrayed the character. Despite Supergirl's fate in the movie, Calle expressed her desire to continue playing the role in future projects. Milly Alcock joined the ranks of Supergirl actresses with her appearance in the 2025 film "Superman" and subsequent starring role in the Supergirl movie. At a preview event, Alcock expressed excitement for audiences to see the hard work of the cast and crew come to life on screen. Her casting announcement in 2024 was met with enthusiasm, as she shared her excitement about joining the DC Comics family.
In conclusion, the legacy of Supergirl continues to evolve with each new actress who takes on the role, bringing their unique interpretation to the beloved superhero. From Helen Slater's pioneering portrayal to Milly Alcock's modern take, each actress has contributed to the enduring popularity of Supergirl across different mediums. As fans eagerly await the next chapter in Supergirl's on-screen journey, the character's message of strength, hope, and unity remains as powerful as ever.