Who Is Melinda Clarke? Age, Biography and Wiki
Melinda Clarke, born on April 24, 1969, is an accomplished American actress celebrated for her versatile performances in film and television. With a career spanning over three decades, Clarke has gained widespread recognition for her roles in popular series such as The OC, Nikita, and Vampire Diaries. As of 2025, she is 55 years old and shows no signs of slowing down in her pursuit of acting excellence.
| Occupation | Soap Opera Actress |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 24, 1969 |
| Age | 56 Years |
| Birth Place | Dana Point, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Melinda Clarke's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
In 2025, Melinda Clarke maintains her signature look, standing tall at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm). While her exact weight is often subject to change depending on her acting roles, she typically maintains a healthy figure, likely weighing around 130 lbs (59 kg). Her body measurements are approximately 36-25-36 inches, showcasing her dedication to fitness and wellbeing.
In July 2009, Entertainment Weekly placed Clarke's The O.C. character Julie Cooper at No. 3 on their list of "21 Top TV Bitches".
In January 2021, Vogue wrote about the fashion choices on The O.C., commenting: "Speaking of the Coopers, I also want to end by saying Julie Cooper (Melinda Clarke), Marissa's mom, is so underrated during this whole series. First of all, she's gorgeous.
Secondly, she commands every single room she walks into, whether it's in a pink Juicy Couture tracksuit or a groovy, off-the-shoulder top. Clearly Marissa got all her fashion sense from her."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Over the years, Melinda Clarke has been somewhat private about her personal life. As of 2025, she is reportedly dating an unnamed partner, enjoying a low-key relationship that respects her desire for privacy. She was previously married to actor Adam Behr, with whom she shares a daughter. After their divorce, Clarke has focused on balancing her career and family while exploring new romantic possibilities.
Clarke appeared on the daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives as Faith Taylor (where her father was a senior cast member), and starred in the television series Soldier of Fortune, Inc. (1997–1999).
She also guest-starred on Xena: Warrior Princess (1997) as the Amazon chieftain Velasca, Firefly (2003) the brothel madam Nandi, Charmed (2002) as the Siren, and has had six appearances on CSI (2001–2011) where she played dominatrix Lady Heather.
She also appeared in the Seinfeld episode "The Muffin Tops", playing Jerry's girlfriend who likes anything hairless. In 1993, she played a lead role in the horror film Return of the Living Dead 3.
Net Worth and Salary
Melinda Clarke's extensive career in television and film has led to a substantial net worth. In 2025, her estimated net worth is around $3 million, primarily accrued through her acting roles and endorsements. Her annual salary varies depending on her projects; however, it is reported that she earns an average of $200,000 per year, reflecting her stature in the industry and demand for her talents.
Career, Business and Investments
Melinda Clarke's career took off with her breakthrough role as Julie Cooper in the hit series The OC. Since then, she has diversified her portfolio by starring in various genres, including horror, drama, and action series. Besides her acting career, Clarke has shown a keen interest in investing, particularly in real estate. She often shares her insights and experiences with her fans, encouraging them to pursue their passions and make smart financial decisions.
Social Network
As a public figure, Melinda Clarke is active on social media platforms. Fans can follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, where she shares updates about her work, personal insights, and glimpses into her day-to-day life. Clarke uses her platforms to engage with her audience, promote various causes, and showcase her artistic ventures.
Two action figures have been made of Clarke. The first was for her role as Jessica Priest in Spawn (1997) and the second was for her role as Velasca from the television series Xena: Warrior Princess (1997). In August 2005, TV Guide ranked her at No. 5 on their list of "TV's Top Ten Scene Stealers".
Clarke has often portrayed characters that are tough, manipulative and villains. In 2011, she said that fans and viewers of Nikita wanted her character Amanda to be "evil" and "as bad as possible". Clarke described her The O.C.
character Julie Cooper by saying: "You believe your character's truth—and her truth was maintaining this beautiful façade. Physically and monetarily. But ultimately she is an outsider, and that's what Josh has explained is the biggest theme of this show: everyone is really an outsider.
They were one, or they become an outsider, or they feel like an outsider."
Education
Clarke attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she focused on acting and performing arts, honing her skills that would later serve her well in Hollywood. Her education laid the foundation for her success, and she continues to advocate for the importance of education in the arts.
