Dana Melanie Schwarz, known professionally as Dana Melanie, is a versatile American actress, writer, and producer whose career has spanned indie films, television series, and environmental activism.

She first gained widespread attention for her role as Emma Geller in the Netflix teen drama Greenhouse Academy, stepping in for the later seasons and bringing a fresh intensity to the character.

Early Life and Education

Dana Melanie Schwarz was born on March 19, 1992, in Los Angeles, California, to parents referred to as Mr. Schwarz and Mrs. Schwarz.

Details about her siblings are not publicly known.

Raised between the bustling energy of New York and the sunny sprawl of Los Angeles, she discovered her creative spark early on, starting with a New Balance sneaker commercial at age two and dance lessons by four.

Melanie attended high school but left during her senior year to pursue acting full-time, forgoing formal college education in favor of hands-on experience in the industry.

She is of Caucasian descent, her religious beliefs are not publicly known.

Career

Dana Melanie began her career as a child performer, landing her first gig in a commercial at age two before transitioning to dance and acting by eleven.

Her screen debut came in 2009 with the ensemble romantic comedy Chloe and Keith’s Wedding, where she played Madison Anderson, honing her skills in lighter fare.

Writing soon followed, as she penned scripts inspired by her surroundings, but it was her lead role as Elizabeth in the 2014 indie horror Treehouse that marked her first major feature, earning praise for her ability to carry suspenseful scenes with quiet resolve.

Early television spots, including a guest role on Criminal Minds, further built her resume, blending her training in movement with emotional depth.

Schwarz’s profile rose steadily through diverse projects like the sci-fi thriller Jurassic City in 2015 and the short film Clarity, where her supporting turn as a nuanced ally drew festival nods.

The 2017 award-winning short Waiting to Die in Bayside, Queens, as Jordyn Sherman, showcased her raw vulnerability, while her casting as Emma Geller in Greenhouse Academy’s third and fourth seasons on Netflix brought international eyes, recasting the role with a grounded intensity that resonated with fans.

Roles in Glass Jaw (2018) as Ashley Abundez and young Emily Dickinson in Wild Nights with Emily followed, earning critical acclaim for her blend of whimsy and heartache, alongside guest spots on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Schwarz’s influence grows through her multifaceted pursuits, including producing and writing features like The Sanguero with her mother’s collaboration, and her environmental advocacy via Troot and The Carbon Report.

Appearances in horror like The Accursed and series like Law & Order: SVU demonstrate her range, while her commitment to indie storytelling inspires emerging talents.

Her work continues to bridge personal narratives with broader social themes, leaving a mark on both screen and sustainability efforts.

Personal Life

Dana Melanie has kept her romantic life out of the spotlight, with no public records of marriage or long-term partners, and she appears to be single while focusing on her craft and causes.

She has no children, though she often shares glimpses of her bond with her pet dog and her supportive mother, who co-wrote the feature The Sanguero.

Filmography

Chloe and Keith’s Wedding (2009)

Treehouse (2014)

Jurassic City (2015)

Glass Jaw (2018)

Wild Nights with Emily (2018)

The Accursed (2021)

Greenhouse Academy (2019-2020)

The Tearsmith (2024)

Net Worth

Dana Melanie has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million.

Her earnings stem chiefly from acting roles in Netflix series like Greenhouse Academy and indie films such as Treehouse, bolstered by writing credits and producing ventures like The Sanguero.