Before Cleopatra Coleman became a familiar face in Hollywood movies and American TV shows, she was just another dreamer chasing her big break. What makes her story so inspiring is how she didn’t shoot to fame overnight — she built her career step by step, one solid performance at a time.
Cleopatra Coleman first showed up on screen back in 2004, and since then, she’s been everywhere — from Netflix hits to major Hollywood films. Like a lot of talented Aussie stars, she kicked off her journey in Australian TV shows, slowly carving her name in the industry before heading to the United States to chase bigger roles and global fame.
Now, with a career that’s been running strong for over 20 years, Cleopatra Coleman has proven she’s not just another pretty face in the entertainment world. She’s done it all — drama, sci-fi, comedy, you name it. Every role she’s taken has shaped her journey and shown off her crazy range as an actress.
So, if you’re a fan of Hollywood success stories, female empowerment, and celebrity career growth, Cleopatra Coleman’s rise is one you’ll definitely want to know about. From her early TV gigs to starring in big-budget films, her story is all about hard work, persistence, and that classic “never give up” energy that defines real success.
1. Silversun
Cleopatra Coleman landed her very first big acting gig in 2004 on the Australian kids’ sci-fi show Silversun — and honestly, that’s where it all started for her. She played Zandie Brokow, one of the teenage crew members aboard the spaceship Star Runner. The wild part? She was just 16 years old when the show premiered on June 28, 2004.
The series followed a bunch of young astronauts on a mission to colonize a new planet — super futuristic and pretty cool for its time. For Cleopatra, though, Silversun was more than just another TV show. It was her first taste of what it’s like to be part of something big, to work long hours, and to deliver on a consistent, demanding role — all while still a teenager.
That early experience helped her sharpen her acting chops and taught her the kind of discipline every actor needs in this business. And even though Silversun didn’t blow up worldwide, it was the perfect launchpad for her career. The show’s science fiction vibes also foreshadowed her future roles in sci-fi movies and Hollywood thrillers.
So yeah, Silversun might not be a household name, but for Cleopatra Coleman, it was the start of everything — the role that kicked open the door to Australian television, set her up for her Hollywood breakthrough, and showed that she was built for the long game.
2. Step Up Revolution
Way before Cleopatra Coleman became a familiar face in Hollywood movies and Netflix shows, she got her first taste of international fame with Step Up Revolution (2012). Yep — the fourth movie in the insanely popular Step Up franchise was actually her big-screen debut.
In the film, Cleopatra played DJ Penelope, a cool, music-loving member of “The Mob,” a Miami dance crew that used epic street performances as a form of art and protest. Her role wasn’t the biggest, but it was a total vibe — and more importantly, it gave her a solid foot in the door of global cinema.
Being part of a major franchise like Step Up meant people from all over the world got to see her on screen for the first time. It was that one project that helped her cross over from Australian television to the Hollywood spotlight, showing she could hold her own alongside a diverse, high-energy cast.
Even though Step Up Revolution was packed with dance battles and flashy choreography, Cleopatra managed to stand out with her charm and presence. It was the first step in her journey toward becoming one of those underrated yet powerful Hollywood actresses who always leave an impression, no matter how big or small the role.
3. The Last Man on Earth
For a lot of American TV fans, Cleopatra Coleman really became a familiar face when she showed up as Erica Dundee on the hit Fox comedy series The Last Man on Earth. Starring Will Forte, the show took a hilarious (and sometimes dark) look at what life might be like if almost everyone on Earth vanished — leaving just a few quirky survivors to deal with the chaos of a post-apocalyptic world.
Cleopatra’s character, Erica, was an Australian political staffer who somehow survived the virus that wiped out humanity. She brought a grounded, witty, and totally relatable energy to the show — the kind of character that balances out all the weirdness.
Running for four seasons, The Last Man on Earth was both a critical success and a fan favorite. It gave Coleman massive exposure in the U.S. entertainment industry and officially put her on the map as one of those actresses who can do it all — comedy, drama, sci-fi, you name it.
This role didn’t just boost her visibility; it proved her range. From Australian TV beginnings to holding her own in an ensemble cast on prime-time American television, Cleopatra Coleman showed she could blend right in — and still stand out.
4. In the Shadow of the Moon
By the late 2010s, Cleopatra Coleman was no longer just a rising star — she was officially making waves in Hollywood. One of her biggest moments came when she landed a major role in the Netflix sci-fi thriller In the Shadow of the Moon, playing the mysterious and powerful Rya.
The movie follows Thomas Lockhart (played by Boyd Holbrook), a Philadelphia cop obsessed with catching a strange, time-traveling killer who keeps showing up every nine years. The twist? That killer turns out to be Rya — Coleman’s character — whose story ends up being the emotional and moral core of the entire film.
Even though In the Shadow of the Moon got mixed reviews, Cleopatra Coleman’s performance was one of the movie’s biggest standouts. Critics and fans alike praised her for bringing depth, mystery, and intensity to a complex role that could’ve easily fallen flat in the wrong hands.
Sharing the screen with heavy hitters like Bokeem Woodbine and Michael C. Hall, Cleopatra held her own effortlessly, proving she’s not just another pretty face but a serious actress with range and screen presence.
This film cemented her place in the sci-fi genre and showed the world that she’s got that rare mix of talent, charisma, and quiet power that makes a performance unforgettable.
5. Infinity Pool
In Brandon Cronenberg’s 2023 sci-fi body horror Infinity Pool, Cleopatra Coleman took on the role of Em Foster, the elegant yet emotionally distant wife of Alexander Skarsgård’s character. Her performance was subtle but powerful — the kind that sneaks up on you. Em is wealthy, composed, and slowly unravels as the story dives deep into the dark, twisted world Cronenberg is famous for.
By this point in her career, Cleopatra Coleman had already proven she wasn’t afraid to take risks — and Infinity Pool was another bold move. Instead of sticking to safe, mainstream roles, she went full-on indie, stepping into a film that’s unapologetically weird, provocative, and visually intense.
Sharing the screen with heavyweights like Mia Goth and Alexander Skarsgård, Coleman held her ground effortlessly, showing that she could match their intensity without losing her own quiet edge. It’s not her first time playing in the horror genre, but this film showed just how fearless she’s become as an actress — always ready to explore strange worlds, complex characters, and deep psychological tension.
With Infinity Pool, Cleopatra Coleman once again reminded everyone why she’s one of the most underrated yet versatile talents in Hollywood — someone who thrives in independent films, psychological thrillers, and sci-fi horror that push creative boundaries.
6. Cobweb
After her chilling role in Infinity Pool, Cleopatra Coleman kept the horror streak going with another creepy gem — Cobweb. In this film, she plays Miss Devine, a caring substitute teacher who starts to worry about one of her students, Peter (played by Woody Norman), when strange, unsettling things begin happening around him.
Even though Cobweb wasn’t a massive box office hit, Cleopatra totally stood out. Her performance gave the story heart and tension — that perfect balance horror movies need. She brought a calm, grounded energy that made the supernatural chaos feel even scarier.
With this role, it became clear that Cleopatra’s got serious “Scream Queen” potential. She knows how to bring depth and emotion to horror, not just screams and jump scares. It’s the kind of performance that makes you think, “Yeah, she’s built for this genre.”
And while Cobweb might’ve flown under the radar compared to big studio horror films, it still did something important — it solidified Cleopatra Coleman’s steady rise in Hollywood. From indie horror to Netflix thrillers, she’s proving she can shine in any setting, any genre, and make even the darkest stories unforgettable.
7. Rebel Moon Films
In Zack Snyder’s epic Rebel Moon saga, Cleopatra Coleman steps into one of her most powerful roles yet — Devra Bloodaxe. Her character is a fierce, strategic leader in the rebellion against the brutal Imperium, a regime that rules the galaxy with an iron fist. Devra isn’t just a fighter; she’s the political mind and emotional center of the resistance, balancing strategy, loyalty, and compassion in a world built on chaos.
Teaming up with her brother Darrian Bloodaxe (played by Ray Fisher), Coleman’s Devra co-leads the rebel army, proving she’s as commanding on screen as any of Snyder’s larger-than-life heroes. Her performance brings a real sense of humanity and strength to a story that’s packed with action, mythology, and jaw-dropping visuals.
This role marked a huge milestone in Cleopatra Coleman’s career — her first major studio film, backed by Netflix and directed by one of Hollywood’s most visionary filmmakers. Both movies, Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire (2023) and Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver (2024), were created with a combined $166 million budget, making them one of the biggest sci-fi projects she’s ever been part of.
For Cleopatra, Rebel Moon wasn’t just another gig — it was a moment that showcased her evolution from indie darling to full-fledged Hollywood sci-fi powerhouse. She proved that she can hold her own in a massive cinematic universe while still delivering depth, emotion, and fire in every scene.
8. Black Rabbit
In Netflix’s new crime thriller Black Rabbit, Cleopatra Coleman takes on the role of Estelle, an interior designer with more secrets than style tips. On the surface, she’s the creative force behind the luxe New York City nightclub Black Rabbit, but there’s way more to her than meets the eye. Estelle isn’t just some hired designer — she’s deeply connected to the club’s inner circle, working closely with Jake Friedken (played by Jude Law) and romantically linked to Wes (Sope Dirisu), one of the club’s key investors.
Sharing the screen with heavy hitters like Jude Law and Jason Bateman, Cleopatra completely holds her ground. Her performance brings quiet sophistication mixed with mystery — the kind of energy that keeps you guessing what her real motives might be.
Black Rabbit is one of Coleman’s biggest Netflix originals yet, and it continues to show how far she’s come as an actress. Even though she hasn’t bagged a major award nomination just yet, her growing list of Hollywood and streaming platform roles proves that her star power is on the rise.
From sci-fi blockbusters like Rebel Moon to intense thrillers like Black Rabbit, Cleopatra Coleman has mastered the art of picking roles that challenge her — and that’s exactly why audiences and casting directors are paying attention.