The Unusual Suspects 2012 Benefit Spotlight Series

Celebrating the Spirit of Advocacy and Volunteerism

Meet the People that Make The Unusual Suspects Possible

Melissa Peterman is an actress and comedienne who has volunteered her time as Mistress of Ceremonies for The Unusual Suspects Annual Benefit for the past three years.

How did you get involved with The Unusual Suspects?

I got involved with The Unusual Suspects through my good friend Melissa Denton, who is the program director there. The more I learned about The Unusual Suspects, the more I wanted to help. When I was asked to host their benefit 3 years ago, I immediately said yes and have been the host ever since. Their mission is important and the impact it has on the participants is enormous.

How was theatre important to you as a kid?

Theater was very important to me as a child. It opened up the mind to endless possibilities. I majored in Theater in college and have no doubt that it has changed how I look at everything.

What impact has The Unusual Suspects had on your life?

The Unusual Suspects has impacted me in several ways. The kids absolutely inspire me. I see and hear what they create and I am blown away.

Why should people support The Unusual Suspects?

People should support The Unusual Suspects because there is nothing more important than bringing the arts to young people. Giving a person a chance to express themselves and be creative is life-changing. Also I said so. It’s a GREAT PLACE!!! You'll feel good. Every dollar counts. DO IT!!!! And if your rich you better do it!

Melissa Peterman is originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota where she was in the original cast of "Tony and Tina's Wedding" in over 600 performances and a staple in the comedy and improv scene. Melissa is best known for her starring role playing "Barbra Jean" on the hit series "Reba." She is the host of the CMT"s #1 rated "The Singing Bee." The fourth season is set to premiere Friday, April 20. She is set to star in ABC Family's sitcom "Baby Daddy" which will premiere on June 20. In 2011, Melissa starred in and produced the sitcom "Working Class" for CMT with Ed Asner. It premiered to CMT's highest rated, most watched premiere in CMT History. Her first televised comedy special "Melissa Peterman:Am I The Only One?" aired on CMT. She just wrapped the independent film "40 is the New Dead." and will appear in Kevin James' next film "Here Comes the Boom" a Columbia Pictures release for October. She has appeared in many television shows included "Retired at 35," "Surviving Suburbia," "Rita Rocks," "Just Shoot Me,' "Cedric" and "Living in Abandon." Melissa has done voiceover's for "The Pitt's" and "American Dad." She starred in the independent comedy feature "Dirty Politics." Melissa stars in "Dusty Peacock," the online series created for Crackle.com, Sony Pictures online Video Network. She is currently working on her first comedy album for Big Machine Records. This past year she toured with Reba, George Strait and Lee Ann Womack. Melissa made her feature film debut as "Hooker #2" in the Coen Brothers Oscar winning film "Fargo." She is committed to many charities including Muhammad Ali's "Celebrity Fight Night," Habitat for Humanity, The Red Cross, and the non-profit Buzzworks Theatre Company. You can follow Melissa on twitter at @FOLLOWTHEBLONDE.

BACK TO TOP

THE UNUSUAL SUSPECTS THEATRE COMPANY | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2009,2010,2011
617 S. Olive Street, Suite 812 | Los Angeles, CA 90014 | Tel: 213.488.8488  Fax: 213.488.8498 | admin@theunusualsuspects.org