Maika Monroe Biography
Maika Monroe, born Dillon Monroe Buckley on May 29, 1993, in Santa Barbara, California, is an American actress renowned for her roles in thriller and horror films.
She is the daughter of a sign language interpreter and a construction worker. Monroe changed her first name to Maika, a name she had been known by for most of her life.
Before pursuing acting, Monroe was a professional freestyle kiteboarder. She began the sport at 13, following in her father’s footsteps, and at 17, moved to Cabarete in the Dominican Republic to train full-time, completing her senior year of high school online.
Monroe made her film debut in 2012 as Cadence Farrow in “At Any Price.” She gained prominence in 2014 with leading roles in “The Guest” and the horror film “It Follows,” establishing her as a modern scream queen.
She continued her success with roles in “Independence Day: Resurgence” (2016), “Hot Summer Nights” (2017), and “Watcher” (2022).
In 2024, she starred alongside Nicolas Cage in the horror film “Longlegs,” which became the highest-grossing independent feature of that year.
Monroe was in a relationship with actor Joe Keery from 2017 to 2023.
Since 2023, she has been dating real-estate agent Dalton Gomez.
Her journey from professional kiteboarding to acting showcases her versatility and dedication, making her a notable figure in contemporary cinema.
Maika Monroe Wikipedia
- Full Name: Dillon Monroe Buckley
- Stage Name: Maika Monroe
- Date of Birth: May 29, 1993
- Age: 32 years old (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Santa Barbara, California, USA
- Nationality: American
- Height: 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters)
- Weight: ~53 kg (117 lbs)
- Profession: Actress, Former Professional Kiteboarder
- Breakout Films: It Follows (2014), The Guest (2014)
- Known For: Horror & Thriller Movies (Watcher, Longlegs, Greta)
- Net Worth: Estimated at $1.4 million (2025)
- Social Media:
- Instagram: @maikamonroe
- Twitter (X): @MaikaMonroe
- Relationship Status: Dating Dalton Gomez (since 2023)
- Fun Fact: She was a professional kiteboarder before becoming an actress!
Maika Monroe’s Age, Height, and Weight
Age:
Age is calculated based on the difference between the current year (2025) and her birth year (1993), 32 years old (as of 2025).
Height in Different Units:
- Feet & Inches: 5 feet 6 inches.
- Meters: 1.68 meters.
- Centimeters: 168 cm.
Weight in Different Units:
- Kilograms: ~53 kg.
- Pounds: ~117 lbs.
- Grams: 53,000 grams.
Maika Monroe’s Early life
Maika Monroe was born Dillon Monroe Buckley on May 29, 1993, in Santa Barbara, California, USA. She is the daughter of a sign language interpreter and a construction worker.
Growing up, she had a passion for sports, particularly kiteboarding.
At the age of 13, Monroe began practicing freestyle kiteboarding, following in her father’s footsteps.
By the time she was 17, she moved to Cabarete, Dominican Republic, to train as a professional kiteboarder.
During this time, she completed her high school education online while pursuing her sports career.
Despite her love for kiteboarding, Monroe eventually transitioned into acting, a decision that led to her successful career in Hollywood.
Maika Monroe Career
Early Career & Film Debut (2012-2013):
Maika Monroe made her film debut in 2012 in the drama film At Any Price, where she played Cadence Farrow alongside Zac Efron and Dennis Quaid.
Around this time, she also appeared in the 2013 drama Labor Day, co-starring Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin.
Breakthrough & Rise to Fame (2014-2016):
Monroe gained widespread recognition in 2014 with her roles in:
- The Guest: A psychological thriller where she played Anna Peterson opposite Dan Stevens.
- It Follows: A critically acclaimed horror film where she starred as Jay Height, which established her as a modern-day “scream queen”.
Following her horror success, she starred in Independence Day: Resurgence (2016), a sequel to the 1996 blockbuster Independence Day.
Continued Success & Diverse Roles (2017-Present):
After her breakout, Monroe continued working in a mix of horror, thriller, and drama films:
- Hot Summer Nights (2017): A crime drama with Timothée Chalamet.
- Tau (2018): A sci-fi thriller where she played a woman trapped by an AI system.
- Greta (2018): A psychological thriller starring alongside Chloë Grace Moretz.
- Watcher (2022): A suspenseful thriller in which she played a woman being stalked.
Recent Projects & Success (2023-Present)
In 2024, Monroe starred in Longlegs, a horror film alongside Nicolas Cage. The film became the highest-grossing independent horror movie of the year, further cementing her status in the genre.
Legacy & Impact:
Maika Monroe has built a strong reputation as a leading actress in horror and thriller films, earning comparisons to classic “scream queens” like Jamie Lee Curtis.
Despite starting as a professional kiteboarder, she has successfully transitioned into Hollywood, proving her versatility as an actress.
Maika Monroe Achievements
Breakthrough & Critical Acclaim:
- 2014: It Follows became a cult horror classic, with Monroe’s performance as Jay Height earning widespread praise. Many critics called it one of the best horror performances of the decade.
- 2014: The Guest also received positive reviews, further establishing her in the thriller genre.
Awards & Nominations:
- Fangoria Chainsaw Awards (2015): Nominated for Best Actress (It Follows).
- Empire Awards (2016): Nominated for Best Female Newcomer (It Follows).
- Saturn Awards (2016): Nominated for Best Actress (It Follows).
Box Office Success:
- 2016: Independence Day: Resurgence grossed $389 million worldwide.
- 2024: Longlegs became the highest-grossing independent horror film of the year, solidifying her position as a modern scream queen.
Cultural Impact:
Monroe is often credited with revitalizing modern horror through her performances in It Follows, Watcher, and Longlegs.
She is regarded as a modern “scream queen”, similar to Jamie Lee Curtis and Neve Campbell.
NOTE: Although Monroe has yet to win major industry awards, her impact on horror and thriller cinema is undeniable.
She continues to build a strong career with critically acclaimed performances and successful films.
Maika Monroe’s Personal Life
Relationships:
- Joe Keery (2017–2023): Monroe was in a long-term relationship with actor Joe Keery, best known for his role as Steve Harrington in Stranger Things. The couple was frequently seen together at events but reportedly split in 2023.
- Dalton Gomez (2023–Present): Since 2023, Monroe has been dating Dalton Gomez, a real estate agent who was previously married to singer Ariana Grande.
Hobbies & Interests:
- Kiteboarding: Before acting, Monroe was a professional freestyle kiteboarder. She trained in Cabarete, Dominican Republic, and even considered pursuing it as a career.
- Traveling: Due to her passion for kiteboarding, Monroe has spent a lot of time near the ocean and enjoys traveling to beach destinations.
- Photography & Art: She has expressed interest in photography and creative arts, often sharing aesthetically pleasing pictures on social media.
Lifestyle & Personality:
Monroe is known to be private about her personal life, rarely sharing details in interviews.
She prefers a laid-back, adventurous lifestyle, often spending time outdoors rather than in the Hollywood spotlight.
Despite her success in horror films, she has admitted in interviews that she gets scared easily when watching horror movies herself.
Maika Monroe’s Legacy
1. Modern Scream Queen:
Maika Monroe is widely regarded as one of the defining “scream queens” of modern horror cinema, following in the footsteps of legends like Jamie Lee Curtis (Halloween) and Neve Campbell (Scream).
Her breakout role in It Follows (2014) set a new standard for indie horror films, influencing many psychological horror projects that followed.
2. Revitalizing Indie Horror:
Monroe has been instrumental in the resurgence of elevated horror, starring in critically acclaimed films like:
- It Follows (2014): One of the most celebrated horror films of the decade.
- Watcher (2022): A psychological thriller that earned her praise for her subtle yet gripping performance.
- Longlegs (2024): A major box office success, becoming the highest-grossing independent horror film of the year.
3. Versatility in Genre Films:
Though best known for horror, Monroe has successfully branched out into:
- Thrillers (The Guest, Greta)
- Sci-Fi (Tau, Independence Day: Resurgence)
- Dramas (Hot Summer Nights, At Any Price)
This ability to shift between genres has made her a respected and sought-after actress.
4. Breaking Hollywood Stereotypes:
Unlike many rising stars, Monroe chose indie and genre films over traditional big-budget Hollywood roles.
Her career path has inspired young actors to embrace unique, character-driven performances rather than chasing mainstream stardom.
5. Cultural Influence
It Follows has been analyzed in film studies for its unique take on supernatural horror, with Monroe’s performance playing a key role.
Her work in Longlegs has solidified her as a horror icon, drawing comparisons to legendary horror performances.
NOTE: Maika Monroe’s legacy is built on her contributions to modern horror, independent cinema, and genre filmmaking.
While she may not have the mainstream recognition of some Hollywood stars, she is celebrated by horror fans and film critics alike for her bold career choices and unforgettable performances.
Maika Monroe’s net worth
As of 2025, Maika Monroe’s net worth is estimated to be $1.4 million. This marks an increase from previous estimates, such as the $1 million reported by Celebrity Net Worth.
Her financial growth can be attributed to her successful acting career, particularly her acclaimed roles in films like It Follows and The Guest, as well as her continued presence in the thriller and horror genres
Maika Monroe Trivia
1. Real Name: Her birth name is Dillon Monroe Buckley, but she changed it to Maika, which she had been called since childhood.
2. Professional Kiteboarder: Before acting, she was a professional freestyle kiteboarder and even moved to Cabarete, Dominican Republic, at 17 to train full-time.
3. First Film Role: She made her film debut in At Any Price (2012), starring alongside Zac Efron and Dennis Quaid.
4. Breakout Horror Role: It Follows (2014) made her a modern scream queen, and the film is considered one of the best horror movies of the 2010s.
5. Scared of Horror Movies: Despite starring in multiple horror films, she has admitted that she gets scared easily while watching them.
6. Independence Day Role: She played Patricia Whitmore in Independence Day: Resurgence (2016), taking over the role from Mae Whitman, who played the character in the original 1996 film.
7. Celebrity Crush: In interviews, she has mentioned having a huge admiration for Leonardo DiCaprio.
8. Worked with Nicolas Cage: In Longlegs (2024), she starred alongside Nicolas Cage in a horror thriller that became the highest-grossing indie horror film of the year.
9. Passion for Photography: Outside of acting, she has a love for photography and art, often capturing cinematic shots in her free time.
10. Private Personality: Unlike many celebrities, she keeps her personal life low-key, rarely sharing details outside of her work.
Maika Monroe Social Media
- Instagram: @maikamonroe
- X (formerly Twitter): @MaikaMonroeX (formerly Twitter)
- Facebook: Maika MonroeLog in or sign up to view
FAQs
1. Who is Maika Monroe?
Maika Monroe is an American actress known for her roles in horror and thriller films, earning her the title of a modern scream queen.
She gained fame for her breakout performance in the critically acclaimed horror film It Follows (2014).
2. What is Maika Monroe’s age, height, and weight?
- Age: 31 years old (born May 29, 1993)
- Height: 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters)
- Weight: Approximately 53 kg (117 lbs)
3. What is Maika Monroe’s Nationality and Ethnicity?
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Caucasian (of English, Scottish, Irish, and German descent)
4. What is Maika Monroe’s real name?
Her real name is Dillon Monroe Buckley, but she changed it to Maika, a name she had been called since childhood.
5. What is Maika Monroe famous for?
She is best known for her roles in horror and thriller films, especially It Follows (2014), The Guest (2014), and Longlegs (2024).
6. Was Maika Monroe an athlete before acting?
Yes! She was a professional freestyle kiteboarder and moved to the Dominican Republic at 17 to train full-time.
7. How old is Maika Monroe?
She was born on May 29, 1993, making her 31 years old (as of 2024).
8. What is Maika Monroe’s height and weight?
She is 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) tall and weighs about 53 kg (117 lbs).
9. What was Maika Monroe’s breakout role?
Her breakthrough came in 2014 with the horror film It Follows, where she played Jay Height, cementing her as a modern scream queen.
10. What are Maika Monroe’s most famous movies?
Some of her best-known films include:
- It Follows (2014)
- The Guest (2014)
- Independence Day: Resurgence (2016)
- Watcher (2022)
- Longlegs (2024)
11. What is Maika Monroe’s net worth?
As of 2025, her net worth is estimated to be around $1.4 million.
12. Who is Maika Monroe dating?
She was in a relationship with actor Joe Keery (2017-2023). Since 2023, she has been dating Dalton Gomez, a real estate agent.
13. Does Maika Monroe use social media?
Yes! She is active on:
- Instagram: @maikamonroe
- Twitter (X): @MaikaMonroe
14. How did Maika Monroe and Joe Keery meet?
Maika Monroe and Joe Keery (Stranger Things actor) met in 2017 at a Hollywood party and later worked together on the film After Everything (2018).
Their on-screen chemistry in the movie sparked a real-life romance, and they began dating shortly after.
The couple was often seen together at red carpet-events, film premieres, and fashion shows, gaining popularity among fans for their low-key but supportive relationship.
However, after nearly six years of dating, reports surfaced in late 2023 that they had quietly broken up.
Conclusion
Maika Monroe has established herself as a modern scream queen and a talented actress in the horror and thriller genres.
With her breakout role in It Follows and other successful films like The Guest, Watcher, and Longlegs, she has proven her versatility and dedication to independent and genre filmmaking.
Beyond acting, Monroe has an adventurous background as a professional kiteboarder, showing her fearless and unique personality.
Her career choices, preference for indie films, and ability to captivate audiences make her one of the most exciting actresses of her generation.
As she continues to take on challenging roles, Monroe’s legacy in horror and thriller cinema will only grow, making her a standout figure in modern Hollywood.
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