Monica Barbaro, the American actress best known for Top Gun: Maverick and FUBAR on Netflix, has built a strong reputation as a rising Hollywood actress with an impressive career across film and television. As of 2025, her estimated Monica Barbaro net worth of $4.5 million highlights her steady financial growth, backed by blockbuster films, popular TV series, endorsement deals, and consistent acting credits.
This article provides an in-depth look at her early life, heritage, professional journey, complete filmography, acting salary, lifestyle choices, personal relationships, and comparisons to fellow entertainers like musician Christopher Drew.
By exploring her roles, income sources, and career milestones, we break down how Monica Barbaro became one of the most promising performers of her generation.
Monica Barbaro Biography –
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Monica Maria Barbaro |
| Known For | American actress, Top Gun: Maverick, FUBAR, A Complete Unknown |
| Birth Date | June 17, 1990 |
| Age (2025) | 35 years old |
| Birthplace | San Francisco, California, USA |
| Hometown | Mill Valley, California |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity / Heritage | Italian–Mexican heritage |
| Father | Nick Barbaro |
| Mother | Heidi Wagner |
| Education | NYU Tisch School of the Arts |
| Early Training | Ballet dancer (classical training) |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Build | Athletic, trained from ballet |
| Body Type | Balanced, fit physique |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Profession | Actress (Film & Television) |
| Years Active | 2013–present |
| Net Worth (2025) | $4.5 Million |
| Major Income Sources | Film roles, Netflix series, acting salary, endorsements, residual earnings |
| Biggest Breakthrough | Phoenix in Top Gun: Maverick (2022) |
| Popular TV Roles | Emma Brunner (FUBAR), Yael (UnREAL), Anna Valdez (Chicago P.D.) |
| Notable Film Roles | Phoenix (Top Gun: Maverick), role in A Complete Unknown |
| Dating Status (2025) | Not publicly confirmed; rumored connection with Connor Tillman |
| Marital Status | Not married |
| Lifestyle | Private, fitness-oriented, low-key spending habits |
| Smoking Status | No verified evidence of smoking |
| Famous Co-Stars | Tom Cruise, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Timothée Chalamet |
| Signature Roles | Fighter pilot Phoenix, CIA agent Emma Brunner |
| Upcoming Projects | Continued growth in film and streaming productions |
Early Life & Training
Monica Barbaro’s journey begins in San Francisco, California, where she was born on June 17, 1990, making her one of the newer-generation Hollywood actresses with both classical training and modern screen appeal. She grew up in Mill Valley, a culturally rich environment that nurtured her creativity from an early age. Raised by her parents, Nick Barbaro and Heidi Wagner, Monica comes from a diverse Italian–Mexican heritage, which she proudly acknowledges as a meaningful part of her identity and artistic expression.
Before becoming known as an American actress, Monica dedicated her childhood and teenage years to ballet. She trained rigorously and developed strong discipline, balance, and body awareness—skills that later contributed to her athletic build and ability to adapt to physically demanding roles like the fighter pilot Phoenix in Top Gun: Maverick. Her passion for the arts eventually led her to pursue acting academically at the prestigious NYU Tisch School of the Arts, a globally respected institution where she refined her craft and built a strong foundation in performance.
Her early training in movement, dance, and character development gave her a unique advantage in Hollywood. Unlike many emerging actors, Monica’s foundation in choreography and expression helped her land roles that required both emotional depth and physical precision. This combination ultimately became one of her greatest strengths, helping shape her path toward commercial success, financial growth, and steady recognition within the industry.
Television Career: From UnREAL to FUBAR
Monica Barbaro’s rise as a Hollywood actress was significantly influenced by her television work, where she first captured mainstream attention. She made early appearances on network TV, which helped her build credibility and secure more complex roles over time. One of her pivotal early performances was as Yael on the drama series UnREAL (2016), where she portrayed a mysterious character with an intense emotional arc. This role introduced her to a wider audience and demonstrated her ability to handle psychological drama with nuance.
Her career gained further momentum when she joined the cast of Chicago P.D. as Anna Valdez, showcasing her ability to transition seamlessly into gritty crime-based storytelling. Later, she starred in Stumptown as Liz Melero, demonstrating versatility within the television space and expanding her acting credits across multiple genres.
Her biggest breakthrough in TV came with FUBAR, the Netflix series released in 2023, where she portrayed Emma Brunner, a CIA agent and the daughter of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character. The action-comedy series, backed by Netflix’s global reach, expanded her audience worldwide. Her dynamic presence, sharp comedic timing, and strong chemistry with her co-stars—including her role opposite Schwarzenegger—solidified her reputation as a rising star capable of leading major streaming productions.
Every television series she participated in contributed to her celebrity wealth, acting salary, and long-term financial growth. Streaming platforms like Netflix have become powerful financial engines for actors, and FUBAR played a major role in elevating her profile, income, and Hollywood ranking.
Film Career Highlights That Built Her Wealth
While Monica Barbaro became well-known through TV, her surge in wealth can be directly tied to her film career—specifically her feature film breakthrough in Top Gun: Maverick. Released in 2022, the blockbuster grossed nearly $1.5 billion worldwide and became one of the highest-grossing films in cinematic history. Monica played the role of “Phoenix,” a confident, strong-willed fighter pilot who stood beside major stars like Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, and Glen Powell.
As the fighter pilot Phoenix, Monica earned international praise for her physical readiness, on-screen charisma, and grounded performance. Her role required months of physical training, aviation preparation, and collaborative work with high-profile co-stars. The success of the film dramatically increased her visibility, attracting new opportunities, endorsement deals, and future acting contracts.
She also participated in other major productions, including the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, where she performs alongside Timothée Chalamet. With Academy Award buzz surrounding the film industry’s growing interest in musical biopics, Monica’s expanding filmography reinforces her credibility as a versatile actress capable of handling dramatic, musical, and action-driven narratives.
Each film role has contributed significantly to her career earnings, long-term financial stability, and projected wealth, making her one of the promising names to watch for future award nominations and commercial successes.
Monica Barbaro Movies and TV Shows – Complete Filmography
Below is a complete list of Monica Barbaro’s notable work, showcasing the depth of her acting credits and illustrating how her film career and television series roles have shaped her success:
| Year | Title | Type | Role | Platform |
| 2023 | FUBAR | Netflix Series | Emma Brunner | Streaming |
| 2022 | Top Gun: Maverick | Feature Film | Phoenix | Theatrical |
| 2021 | Stumptown | TV Series | Liz Melero | Network |
| 2018 | The Good Cop | Netflix Series | Cora Vasquez | Streaming |
| 2016 | UnREAL | TV Series | Yael | Network |
| 2015 | Chicago P.D. | TV Series | Anna Valdez | Network |
What the Data Shows:
Her filmography highlights a consistent career trajectory through both streaming and network productions. The balance between television and feature films provides stable income, diverse audiences, and long-term opportunities. It also demonstrates how cultural impact and financial growth work together to shape a celebrity fortune.
Role and Cast of A Complete Unknown Featuring Monica Barbaro
In A Complete Unknown, the anticipated biopic about Bob Dylan’s early rise to fame, Monica Barbaro joins an ensemble cast led by Timothée Chalamet. While Chalamet portrays the iconic Bob Dylan, Monica plays a notable supporting role that contributes to key emotional and narrative moments of the film.
This project is significant for her career’s upward trajectory. Biopics often receive strong award attention, and being associated with a film that appeals to critics, historians, and music enthusiasts adds another layer of credibility to her portfolio. As she continues to diversify her film career, projects like A Complete Unknown help open the door to more serious dramatic roles and potential Academy Award conversations.
What Is Monica Barbaro’s Age in 2025?
Born on June 17, 1990, Monica Barbaro is 35 years old in 2025. Her age places her in the prime years of her career, where experience meets opportunity. Hollywood often sees actors reach their greatest commercial and critical peaks between their 30s and 40s, and Monica’s current momentum suggests significant future growth.
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Monica Barbaro Height, Weight & Body Measurements
Monica Barbaro stands 5 feet 7 inches tall, giving her a commanding presence on-screen, especially in action roles like Phoenix in Top Gun: Maverick and CIA agent Emma Brunner in FUBAR. She maintains an athletic build, a result of her long-term ballet training and consistent fitness routine.
Monica Barbaro Body Measurements – A Deeper Look
Her body measurements reflect a combination of strength, flexibility, and grace—attributes rooted in her years as a trained ballet dancer. This background helps her perform action scenes, maintain stamina on set, and adapt to physically demanding roles, contributing to her professional reliability and casting appeal in Hollywood.
Monica Barbaro Parents and Heritage Explored
Monica comes from a multicultural family. Her father, Nick Barbaro, has Italian roots, while her mother, Heidi Wagner, has Mexican heritage. This blend of cultures shaped her upbringing and identity, giving her a broad perspective and strong cultural appreciation.
Growing up in Mill Valley, she was surrounded by the arts, creativity, and cultural diversity. Her heritage plays a notable role in her public persona, making her relatable to a wider audience and contributing to her unique screen presence.
Monica Barbaro Husband – Is She Married or Dating?
As of 2025, Monica Barbaro has kept her personal life largely private. While many fans search for the phrase “Monica Barbaro husband,” she has not publicly confirmed any marriage. Her discretion allows her to maintain a balanced lifestyle without the intense scrutiny often experienced by Hollywood actresses.
Who Is Monica Barbaro’s Husband or Partner?
Monica has been linked to Connor Tillman, though she has not shared detailed information about her relationship status. Her preference for privacy aligns with her professional image—focusing on her acting career rather than publicizing her dating life or personal relationships.
Monica Barbaro Smoking Rumors – What’s the Truth?
Rumors about Monica Barbaro smoking have circulated online, as they do with many celebrities. However, there is no verified information confirming these claims. As a performer with an athletic build and physically demanding roles, smoking would be unlikely, though not impossible. Her public focus remains on fitness, training, and maintaining her health.
Monica Barbaro Lifestyle and Spending Patterns
Despite being a successful Hollywood actress with a growing celebrity fortune, Monica Barbaro is known for her modest, grounded lifestyle. She prioritizes travel, quality experiences, and fitness over extravagant purchases. Unlike many celebrities with high-profile displays of wealth, Monica leans toward privacy and intentional living.
Her financial growth comes from:
- Stable roles in film and television
- Long-term acting salary contracts
- Occasional endorsement deals
- Smart career choices rather than risky investments
She maintains a balanced lifestyle that supports her career longevity and financial stability.
Monica Barbaro Net Worth Compared to Christopher Drew
Using your provided data:
- Monica Barbaro Net Worth (2025): $4.5 million
- Christopher Drew Net Worth (2025): $3.2 million
While Christopher Drew, known as a musician and creative performer, has built a successful career, Monica’s participation in blockbuster films and Netflix series places her at a higher financial ranking. Blockbuster films like Top Gun: Maverick drive massive box office success, raising an actor’s market value quickly.
Her stable acting credits, endorsement opportunities, and recurring income streams contribute to her overall higher wealth compared to Drew.
Monica Barbaro Endorsements and Side Ventures
Though not heavily commercialized, Monica has engaged in selective endorsements aligned with her personal values. These include lifestyle products, wellness brands, and collaborations related to the entertainment industry. Her side ventures complement her career earnings and contribute to her long-term financial health.
As she gains more Hollywood traction, it is likely her endorsement deals and brand partnerships will expand.
2025 Update – What Monica Barbaro Net Worth Is
As of 2025, Monica Barbaro’s net worth stands at $4.5 million, driven by:
- Top Gun: Maverick commercial success
- Lead role in FUBAR on Netflix
- Participation in major biopics like A Complete Unknown
- Network television roles early in her career
- Acting salary growth and contract negotiations
- Strategic lifestyle and spending habits
Her financial trajectory shows strong upward momentum, making her one of the most promising American actresses of this decade.
Final Thoughts
Monica Barbaro’s journey—from Mill Valley ballet dancer to global Hollywood actress—is a true example of talent, discipline, and steady professional growth. With blockbuster films, powerful streaming roles, diverse acting credits, and a rising celebrity fortune, she continues to expand her impact in the entertainment industry. Her net worth will likely rise further as she takes on more challenging roles, secures bigger contracts, and deepens her presence in both film and television.
FAQS
What is Monica Barbaro net worth in 2025?
Monica Barbaro’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $4.5 million, earned through her successful film roles, Netflix series, endorsements, and growing Hollywood career.
Is Monica Barbaro Married or Single in 2025?
In 2025, Monica Barbaro is not publicly confirmed to be married, as she keeps her personal life private and does not share relationship details openly.
Who is Monica Barbaro dating now?
Monica Barbaro is rumored to be dating Connor Tillman, though she has not officially confirmed her current relationship status, maintaining a private personal life.
What is Monica Barbaro’s age in 2025?
Monica Barbaro is 35 years old in 2025, born on June 17, 1990, and currently in the prime years of her successful acting career.

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