Quick Facts
Biography
Melissa Anschutz is an American actress and model recognized for her appearances in 40 Nights (2016), Wild Faith (2018), The Christ Slayer (2019), and Lost Heart (2020). For her work on The Christ Slayer, she was nominated for "Best Actress" award at the 2019 International Christian Film Festival.
Biography
Anschutz, a Michigan-native, is a graduate of Central Michigan University (CMU) and Western Michigan University (WMU).
She made her screen debut in 2008 playing the role of Susan in "Adam and Evil" episode of television crime/mystery/suspense anthology series Lee Martin's The Midnight Hour. She played two other characters (Tina and Jadine) in two episodes of the series in 2009. Also in 2009, she starred as Cloe in J. Alan Carr's fantasy horror The City That Never Sleeps.
In 2009, she earned her SAG eligibility.
In 2012, Anschutz portrayed a wedding planner in Paula van der Oest's drama The Domino Effect, starring Manish Dayal, John Sessions, and Theo James. In 2016, she was cast in one of the primary roles, of Mary, in Jesse Low's 40 Nights. 40 Nights won "Most Inspirational" award and a nomination for "Best Picture" award at the 2017 International Christian Film Festival.
After Elder Island (2016) and Wild Faith (2018), Anschutz starred as Mother Mary in Nathaniel Nose's The Christ Slayer, alongside Carl Weyant, Josh Perry, and DJ Perry. The film is the third and final installment—after 40 Nights (2016) and Chasing the Star (2017)—of The Quest Trilogy, a series of films, written, produced, and often starring actor DJ Perry. For her work, Anschutz was nominated for the Best Actress award at the 2019 International Christian Film Festival.
Most recently, in October 2020, Anschutz was seen portraying the character of Hannah Howard in Jesse Low's comedy-drama Lost Heart, alongside Don Most, Victoria Jackson, and Christine Marie. The same month, she was also seen in a short film Smoke and Mirrors(directed by Nathaniel Nose.)
Anschutz's current projects are The Sons of Summer and Cindy Jansen's drama Chasing the Rain, in which she will share the screen with Matt Lanter, Hallee Hirsh, and William Russ.
As a model, Anschutz has appeared in commercials for such brands as Chazzano Coffee, Quality Car Care, Meijer, and S2 Games.
Anschutz currently also serves as a producer for Collective Development Inc. , a motion picture production company based in Lansing, Michigan.