All 7 Supergirl Actresses Ranked

Supergirl, the Kryptonian cousin of Superman, has captured hearts across decades with her strength, courage, and hope. From big-screen adventures to TV series and animated roles, this DC heroine has been portrayed by a talented lineup of actresses, each leaving their mark on the character.

I’m diving into the performances of seven actresses who’ve taken on the role of Kara Zor-El, ranking them based on their impact, portrayal, and how they shaped Supergirl’s legacy. Let’s explore their contributions, from the earliest to the most defining.

7. Milly Alcock

Milly Alcock stepped into the role for ‘Superman’ (2025) and will lead ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow’ (2026). Her gritty, battle-scarred Kara, inspired by the ‘Woman of Tomorrow’ comics, could bring a fresh, intense energy to the DC Universe.

Alcock’s casting, fueled by her standout performance in ‘House of the Dragon’ (2022), has sparked excitement. Early buzz suggests she’ll redefine Supergirl, making her a strong contender here. Still, we have to rank her this low, as we only saw her for a few seconds.

6. Nicholle Tom

Nicholle Tom voiced Supergirl in ‘Superman: The Animated Series’ (1996-2000), ‘The New Batman Adventures’ (1997-1999), and ‘Justice League Unlimited’ (2004-2006). Her take on Kara In-Ze, a non-cousin version from a neighboring planet, brought a youthful, rebellious edge to the character.

Tom’s voice work gave Supergirl a playful yet determined spirit, perfect for the animated format. While her performance was memorable, the secondary role in these series limits her ranking.

5. Kari Wahlgren

Kari Wahlgren lent her voice to Supergirl in ‘DC Super Hero Girls’ (2015-2018), ‘Justice League Action’ (2016-2018), and ‘Lego Dimensions’ (2015). Her portrayal captured Kara’s confident, fun-loving personality with a touch of humor.

Wahlgren’s versatility made Supergirl stand out in ensemble casts, balancing strength and charm. Her animated roles, while impactful, don’t carry the same weight as live-action performances, placing her here.

4. Sasha Calle

Sasha Calle portrayed Supergirl in ‘The Flash’ (2023), bringing a darker, more intense Kara from a universe where Superman was gone. Her brief but powerful performance showed a battle-hardened hero rediscovering her heroism.

Calle’s emotional depth and unique take were striking, but her limited screen time keeps her from climbing higher. I admire how she made the role her own in such a short appearance.

3. Laura Vandervoort

Laura Vandervoort played Supergirl in ‘Smallville’ (2001-2011), debuting in season seven as Clark Kent’s cousin. Her Kara was confident yet naive, navigating her Kryptonian roots and Earth life with emotional complexity.

Vandervoort’s chemistry with the cast and authentic portrayal shone despite limited episodes. The show’s focus on Clark held her back, but her performance remains a fan favorite.

2. Helen Slater

Helen Slater was the first live-action Supergirl in ‘Supergirl’ (1984), embodying Kara’s innocence and strength. Despite the film’s campy tone and box-office struggles, her earnest performance laid the groundwork for future portrayals.

Slater’s legacy endures through her later DC roles, like Eliza Danvers in ‘Supergirl’ (2015-2021). Her pioneering effort as the original big-screen Supergirl earns her this spot.

1. Melissa Benoist

Melissa Benoist headlined ‘Supergirl’ (2015-2021) for six seasons, delivering a heartfelt Kara Danvers who balanced optimism, vulnerability, and power. Her portrayal became the gold standard, resonating with a generation of fans.

Benoist’s ability to carry a long-running series, tackle major DC villains, and shine in Arrowverse crossovers makes her the definitive Supergirl. Her warmth and strength are unmatched.

Which Supergirl actress is your favorite, or is there another portrayal I overlooked? Drop your thoughts in the comments!