2017 STARS Hall of Fame

Merrin Dungey

Actress & Performer
Rio Americano HS

Merrin Dungey is a dynamic actress known for her versatile roles across television, film, and stage. A graduate of Rio Americano High School, Merrin began her performance journey as a ballet dancer and ice skater before stepping into the spotlight as an actress—landing television roles while still a student in Sacramento.

She studied at UCLA, where she won the prestigious American Theater Award as a sophomore—the youngest recipient in university history—and went on to earn her degree in theater. Her early work included a one-woman show, Black Like Who?, which caught the attention of Hollywood and launched her into a successful acting career.

Merrin has appeared in dozens of acclaimed series and films, with memorable roles on Alias, The King of Queens, Malcolm in the Middle, Once Upon a Time, and Conviction, as well as in feature films like Deep Impact and Some Kind of Beautiful. Known for her intelligence, humor, and range, she continues to captivate audiences and represent San Juan Unified with pride. Find her at @realmerrindungey