Introduction
Erin Moriarty has steadily built a name for herself in Hollywood, becoming one of the most recognized young actresses in television and film. Known primarily for her role as Starlight in Amazon Prime Video’s hit series The Boys, Moriarty has shown versatility across different genres, from superhero action to psychological thrillers and heartfelt dramas. Her filmography includes indie films, major productions, and a variety of television appearances that have solidified her reputation as a talented and dynamic actress.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Erin Moriarty’s movies and TV shows, exploring her journey from early career roles to her rise as a prominent actress in the entertainment industry.
Early Career and First TV Appearances
Erin Moriarty began her career with guest appearances in well-known television series, gradually gaining attention for her talent. Some of her earliest TV roles include:
1. One Life to Live (2010)
Moriarty made her television debut in the long-running soap opera One Life to Live, where she played the role of Whitney Bennett. Though it was a minor part, it marked the beginning of her career and introduced her to the world of acting.
2. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2011)
The young actress appeared in an episode of Law & Order: SVU, one of the most successful crime procedural dramas. She played a character named Dru, a victim entangled in a criminal case. This guest appearance showcased her ability to handle intense dramatic roles.
Breakthrough Roles in TV
3. Red Widow (2013)
In 2013, Moriarty landed a recurring role in the ABC drama Red Widow, where she portrayed Natalie Walraven, the daughter of the main character played by Radha Mitchell. The series, which followed a woman trying to protect her family from the dangerous world of organized crime, allowed Moriarty to display emotional depth and gain more recognition.
4. True Detective (2014)
Moriarty had a small but memorable role in HBO’s True Detective Season 1. She played Audrey Hart, the rebellious teenage daughter of Woody Harrelson’s character, Marty Hart. Though her screen time was limited, her performance added to the complexity of the show’s narrative and further established her as a promising young actress.
Movie Career and Rise to Prominence
5. The Kings of Summer (2013)
One of Moriarty’s first major movie roles came in the critically acclaimed indie film The Kings of Summer. The coming-of-age comedy-drama followed three teenage boys who run away from home to live in the woods. Moriarty played Kelly, the love interest of the main character, which helped introduce her to a wider audience.
6. Blood Father (2016)
In Blood Father, Erin Moriarty starred alongside Mel Gibson in an action-thriller where she played Lydia, a troubled young woman on the run from dangerous criminals. Her performance as the estranged daughter of Gibson’s character was widely praised for its intensity and emotional weight. The film showcased her ability to hold her own in action-packed roles.
7. Captain Fantastic (2016)
Moriarty had a supporting role in Captain Fantastic, a drama starring Viggo Mortensen about a father raising his children in an unconventional way. Though she had limited screen time, the film was well-received, further adding to her growing list of impressive projects.
8. The Miracle Season (2018)
This sports drama saw Moriarty in the role of Kelley Fliehler, a high school volleyball player dealing with the tragic loss of a teammate. The film was based on a true story and was praised for its uplifting and emotional themes. Moriarty’s portrayal of resilience and determination in the film made it a standout performance in her career.
9. Monster Party (2018)
In this horror-thriller, Moriarty played one of the lead roles as Alexis Dawson. The film, centered around a robbery gone wrong in a house full of serial killers, combined suspense, gore, and psychological twists. Moriarty’s performance in the film demonstrated her ability to take on darker and more intense roles.
Breakout Role: The Boys (2019-Present)
10. The Boys (2019–Present)
Erin Moriarty’s most famous role to date is that of Annie January, also known as Starlight, in The Boys, an Amazon Prime Video original series based on the comic book series of the same name. The show presents a dark, satirical take on superheroes, exploring corruption, power, and moral dilemmas.
As Starlight, Moriarty plays a young, idealistic superhero who joins The Seven (a corrupt group of corporate-backed superheroes) and soon discovers the dark truths behind their public image. Her character is a fan favorite due to her strong-willed nature, emotional vulnerability, and ability to stand up against oppression. The show has been a massive success, and Moriarty’s performance has been widely praised, making her a household name.
Other Notable Films and TV Appearances
11. Driven (2018)
In this crime drama film, Moriarty played Katy Connors, a supporting character in a story about the rise and fall of a car magnate involved in a government scandal.
12. Catching Dust (2023)
Moriarty took on the lead role in Catching Dust, a psychological drama exploring themes of personal transformation and isolation. This project marked her continued interest in tackling complex characters.
13. The Boys Presents: Diabolical (2022)
This animated anthology spin-off of The Boys featured Moriarty reprising her role as Starlight in voice form. The series expanded the universe of The Boys, offering fans more insight into its characters.
Future Projects and What’s Next for Erin Moriarty
As her career continues to grow, Erin Moriarty is likely to take on more challenging roles in both film and television. With the ongoing success of The Boys, she remains a central figure in the superhero genre while exploring other genres such as thriller, horror, and drama.
Given her talent, versatility, and increasing industry recognition, audiences can expect to see more of Moriarty in leading roles across different projects. Whether it’s mainstream blockbusters or critically acclaimed indie films, her future in Hollywood looks bright.
Conclusion
From her early television appearances to her breakout role as Starlight in The Boys, Erin Moriarty has demonstrated remarkable growth as an actress. Her filmography includes a mix of TV dramas, action-packed films, indie hits, and critically acclaimed performances. With her ability to take on emotionally complex and physically demanding roles, Moriarty is a rising star in Hollywood, and fans eagerly await her next projects.
Whether you know her from The Boys or one of her many film roles, one thing is certain—Erin Moriarty’s career is only just beginning, and she is set to shine even brighter in the years to come.