Who has played Supergirl: an overview
The question “Supergirl played by” can refer to multiple characters and media, so this guide clarifies portrayals across live-action series, animated shows, films, and other continuities. We focus on canonical and widely recognized adaptations to help readers identify which Supergirl—by Earth designation, actress, or era—they are asking about. Below you will find the most notable actors, the versions they played, and production details that remain useful over time.
Live-action television portrayals
Supergirl (1984 film)
Helen Slater originated the live-action Supergirl in the 1984 theatrical film, marking the first portrayal of Kara Zor-El on screen. The movie positioned her as Superman’s cousin and explored themes of identity and power, creating a baseline reference many subsequent versions respond to.
Supergirl (2015–2021 series)
In the Arrowverse, Melissa Benoist played Kara Danvers, establishing a long-running television presence for the character from 2015 to 2021. The series modernized Kara’s origin, blending heroics with contemporary workplace and familial storytelling.
Earth-96 variant
Laura Benanti appeared as an alternate-universe Kara in the Arrowverse crossover “Elseworlds,” offering a darker, inverted interpretation that highlighted multiverse storytelling in television arcs.
Animated and other portrayals
Supergirl appears in numerous animated works and other media, each with distinct voice casts. Voice actors frequently differ across series, games, and specials, so context matters when identifying the performer behind a specific interpretation.
Fact-based reference table
A concise overview of leading portrayals follows. Note that precision varies for roles denoted as alternate Earths or multiverse variants.
| Portrayal | Actress | Canonical Earth | Primary medium | Notable notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 film Supergirl | Helen Slater | Earth-74 | Feature film | First live-action Kara Zor-El |
| 2015–2021 series Kara Danvers | Melissa Benoist | Earth-38 | Television series | Arrowverse modern origin |
| Elseworlds alternate Kara | Laura Benanti | Earth-96 | Television crossover | Inverted morality version |
| Superman: The Animated Series | Nicholle Tom | Earth-124 | Animated series | Continuity in DC Animated Universe |
| Injustice (2021 film) | Laura Bailey | Earth-22 | Animated film | Part of DC Universe Animated Original Movies |
Key distinctions: Kara Zor-El versus other Kryptonians
Supergirl is specifically Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin. Other Kryptonian characters—such as Power Girl (Kara Zor-L) or variants like Overgirl—appear in some adaptations but are not the same canonical figure. Recognizing Earth designations helps clarify which actress corresponds to which version.
Voice and motion-capture roles
In animation and video games, voice and motion-capture performers differ from live-action portrayals. Many voice actors have played the role across multiple series, while some video games use ensemble casts. When identifying Supergirl played by in games or cartoons, always check the specific title and release year.
Multiverse portrayals and alternate versions
Because the concept of the multiverse allows for variant Supergirls, different Earths may feature distinct actresses in divergent storylines. Readers should cross-reference Earth labels and medium types when comparing portrayals, as a character’s core traits can shift between interpretations.
How to identify the correct portrayal
- Determine the medium (live action, animated series, or game).
- Check for Earth designation or series era if available.
- Match the actress to the production period and continuity notes.