Beth Behrs, the bubbly and talented actress known for her radiant charm and impeccable comic timing, rose to fame in a big way thanks to her breakout role on the hit CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls, which premiered in 2011. Beth Behrs quickly became a household name, captivating audiences with her portrayal of Caroline Channing—a glamorous Upper East Side heiress turned Brooklyn diner waitress forced to start from scratch after her father’s financial downfall lands him in prison. Alongside co-star Kat Dennings, who played the street-smart Max Black, Beth Behrs brought heart, humor, and a touch of high-society flair to the screen, forming one of TV’s most memorable odd-couple duos.
Before she was a star, though, Beth Behrs had already been building an impressive foundation for her career. Born on December 26, 1985, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, she was raised in Lynchburg, Virginia, before relocating to Marin County, California at age 15. Her father, a college president, supported her early passion for the arts, and Beth Behrs soon found herself immersed in drama at Tamalpais High School, a program known for nurturing young talent. A performer since the age of four, she deepened her training at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, where she also developed her skills as a classically trained singer.
Her dedication paid off early—Beth Behrs was named a California Arts Scholar in 2002 and even spent a summer studying under Academy Award winner Helen Hunt at Cal Arts. She later attended UCLA, where she continued refining her craft, eventually earning a Young Musician’s Foundation Vocal Scholarship upon graduation. While still in school, she began landing small gigs in print ads and commercials, slowly gaining momentum. Her first real taste of onscreen work came with the straight-to-DVD film American Pie: The Book of Love (2009), which, while not a critical success, helped open doors in Hollywood.
From there, Beth Behrs started booking guest roles on popular TV series like NCIS: Los Angeles and Castle, proving her versatility with each appearance. She also appeared in indie films such as Route 30, Too! (2010), where she played an alien—yes, really—and took part in quirky projects like Chasing Eagle Rock (2011) and Mario Menounos’ Serial Buddies (2011), sharing the screen with legends like Christopher Lloyd and Kathy Lee Gifford. But it was her casting on 2 Broke Girls that truly changed everything.
Landing the role of Caroline over more established actresses was no small feat, but Beth Behrs made it look effortless. Her performance struck just the right balance between comedic precision and emotional authenticity, helping the show become a surprise ratings success—the highest-rated fall comedy premiere since 2001. Despite mixed early reviews, audiences couldn’t get enough of the dynamic between Max and Caroline, and Beth Behrs’ star power only grew.
Even during breaks from the show, Beth Behrs stayed busy. She lent her voice to major films like Pixar’s Monsters University (2013) and starred in the critically acclaimed indie Hello, My Name Is Doris (2016), showcasing her range beyond sitcoms. Throughout it all, Beth Behrs remained grounded, often reflecting on her journey with gratitude and humility. From Miss Marin County 2006 to Broadway hopeful to television sensation, Beth Behrs has proven time and again that she’s much more than just a pretty face—she’s a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. And with her mix of talent, drive, and charisma, there’s no doubt Beth Behrs will continue shining for years to come.
So, when it comes to Beth Behrs’s filmography, there are a few standout performances that really highlight her range. One of the most notable is Hello, My Name Is Doris from 2015, which ended up being Beth Behrs’s highest rated movie by both critics and audiences alike. It’s a heartfelt comedy-drama where Beth Behrs plays a supporting role with great charm, and it clearly resonated with viewers. On the other end of the spectrum, Beth Behrs also lent her voice to Monsters University in 2013—a fun Pixar film, for sure—but that one turned out to be Beth Behrs’s lowest rated project overall. While it was a big commercial success, its critical reception in relation to her involvement wasn’t as strong. Still, it’s interesting to see how Beth Behrs’s roles span different genres and styles, showing just how versatile she can be.