Michelle Meyrink
Michelle Meyrink (born 1 September 1962) is a Canadian former actress, educator, and acting instructor. She gained recognition during the 1980s for playing quirky teenage characters in cult classic films such as Real Genius (1985), Revenge of the Nerds (1984), and Valley Girl (1983).
| Michelle Meyrink | |
|---|---|
| File:Meyrink webp | |
| Michelle Meyrink in the 1980s | |
| Born | 1 September 1962 |
| Birthplace | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation | Actress (retired) · Teacher · Acting coach |
| Known for | Real Genius · Revenge of the Nerds · Valley Girl |
| Website | |
Early life
Meyrink was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, and began her acting career in the early 1980s, appearing in television and feature films throughout that decade.
Acting career
Meyrink's breakthrough came with roles portraying offbeat teenage girls in several popular films:
- Valley Girl (1983) – as Suzi Brent, in a cult romantic comedy set in Los Angeles
- The Outsiders (1983) – as Marcia, friend of Cherry Valance in the Francis Ford Coppola–directed drama
- Revenge of the Nerds (1984) – as Judy, a prominent female character among the nerd fraternity
- Real Genius (1985) – as Jordan Cochran, a socially awkward genius with sharp wit in a collegiate sci‑fi comedy
She continued acting through the late 1980s in films including Joy of Sex (1984), One Magic Christmas (1985), Nice Girls Don't Explode (1987), Tonight's the Night (1987 TV movie), and Permanent Record (1988) in which she played M.G., her final film role.
Life after Hollywood
Following Permanent Record, Meyrink chose to step away from acting in 1989, stating that she sought a more meaningful personal path beyond Hollywood. She embraced Zen Buddhism, spending time in the Dominican Republic before settling back in Vancouver. In 1996, she met her future husband, John Dumbrille, at the Zen Centre of Vancouver, and they have been married since 1998 with three children.
In 2013, she founded Actorium, an acting school in Vancouver inspired by the Loft Studio approach, offering training to aspiring performers based on her own experiences in both Hollywood and Zen-influenced personal growth.
Personal life
Meyrink lives in Vancouver with her husband John Dumbrille and their three children. Her family and spiritual journey were featured in a 2004 episode of the Canadian series Quiet Mind, which showcased their commitment to Zen practice.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | The Outsiders | Marcia | Feature film |
| 1983 | Valley Girl | Suzi Brent | Cult comedy |
| 1984 | Revenge of the Nerds | Judy | Comedy classic |
| 1984 | National Lampoon's Joy of Sex | Leslie Hindenberg | Comedy ensemble |
| 1984 | Family Ties | Jane | TV guest appearance |
| 1985 | Real Genius | Jordan Cochran | Lead teenage genius role |
| 1985 | One Magic Christmas | Betty | Holiday drama |
| 1987 | Tonight's the Night | Steffi | TV movie |
| 1987 | Nice Girls Don't Explode | April Flowers | Offbeat comedy |
| 1988 | Permanent Record | M.G. | Final film role |
Legacy
Michelle Meyrink remains best known for her memorable roles in 1980s teen and college comedies. Her portrayal of Jordan Cochran in Real Genius is widely cited as a standout example of female comedic timing in that era. Her transition from acting to Zen-inspired personal development and teaching reflects a significant personal transformation that garnered interest both within and outside entertainment circles.
External links
- IMDb profile
- TMDb profile
- TV Insider profile