Melanie Hutsell was born in Maryville, Tennessee, a charming town situated at the foothills of the majestic Smokey Mountains, a location that would later have a profound impact on her artistic endeavors. As a shy and introverted child, Melanie gradually blossomed into a confident and vibrant individual, her shyness slowly giving way to a personality that was both dynamic and captivating. This transformation was accelerated when her Freshman English teacher, perceptive and encouraging, urged her to perform a soliloquy from William Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece, "Romeo and Juliet", an experience that left Melanie feeling both terrified and invigorated, as if she had been awakened to a newfound sense of purpose and passion. The teacher's subsequent advice to pursue a career in acting, a profession that would allow her to bring characters to life and connect with audiences on a deep and emotional level, resonated deeply with Melanie, and she soon found herself drawn to the world of theater, where she could express herself freely and explore the vast and complex landscape of the human experience.
Melanie's academic trajectory took an unexpected turn when she shifted her focus from a two-year drama program at the University of Tennessee to the captivating realm of improvisation. A serendipitous discovery of a book about the illustrious "The Second City" improv institution piqued her interest and ultimately led her to make the bold decision to relocate to Chicago. It was during her time at this renowned improv institution that Melanie had the privilege of studying under the esteemed guidance of Mr. Mick Napier, whose influence would have a profound impact on her artistic endeavors. In response to his invitation, Melanie co-founded "The Annoyance Theatre", a venture that has not only survived but thrived over the years, a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and creative vision.
Melanie's career-defining moment arrived when she landed the roles in "The Real Live Brady Bunch" and "The Miss Vagina Pageant", two performances that captivated the attention of Marci Klein, a renowned SNL talent scout, and ultimately, the show's legendary creator, Lorne Michaels. This significant breakthrough occurred when Melanie was just 23 years old, at which point she was recruited by Saturday Night Live, where she made a lasting impression by portraying the iconic character of "Jan Brady", a charming yet unhinged Tri-delta sorority girl. Throughout her time on the show, Melanie shared the spotlight with an impressive array of talented cast members, including Siobhan Fallon Hogan, Beth Cahill, Tori Spelling, Monica Seles, and Tonya Harding, resulting in a plethora of unforgettable performances that cemented her status as a versatile and accomplished comedian.
Melanie, a talented actress, made the transition from Saturday Night Live to Los Angeles, driven by her unwavering passion for the craft of acting. It was during this time that she crossed paths with composer Fred Rapoport, whom she would later marry, and together they welcomed two precious children, Carly and Leo.
Fred, the proprietor of the esteemed music production company "Static Music", has received unwavering support from Melanie throughout her illustrious career. In recent years, Melanie has taken on the esteemed role of "Queen of Southern Cooking", a persona she had the immense pleasure of surprising the renowned Miss Paula Deen with on the popular television program Kiddin' Around in the year 2009.
Melanie's multifaceted talents extend far beyond her impressive acting repertoire, as she is also a skilled screenwriter, having penned, produced, and starred in the forthcoming short film "Harold and Hilda Jo", slated for release in 2011.
