Michelle Monaghan trained in journalism before transitioning to acting after an early career in international modeling. She made her television debut in the early 2000s and quickly moved into film, working across genres including thrillers, dramas, and action franchises. Her work spans studio features, independent productions, miniseries, and anthology television. She alternates between lead and supporting roles, often collaborating with directors and actors across mainstream and prestige platforms. In addition to recurring work in major film series, she has played central roles in both streaming and cable productions. Her continued presence in television and film reflects a balance between genre projects and dramatic character studies.