Geraldine Viswanathan is an Australian actress whose sharp comedic timing and emotional depth have made her one of Hollywood’s most promising young talents. Known for breaking molds and embracing roles highlighting diverse experiences, Viswanathan is steadily carving a space for herself in global cinema.
Key Information
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Geraldine Indira Viswanathan |
| Date of Birth | June 20, 1995 |
| Birthplace | Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Ethnicity | Mixed – Indian Tamil (father) and Swiss-German (mother) descent |
| Parents | Suresh Viswanathan (father, nuclear medicine doctor), Anja Raith (mother, artist and acting coach) |
| Siblings | Indira Viswanathan (sister) |
| Nicknames | Yoyo (family nickname) |
| Languages | English, fluent in Swiss German |
| Education | Attended Hunter School of the Performing Arts, Newcastle; studied International Studies and Journalism |
| Early Career | Appeared in a Kodak commercial at age 4; performed stand-up and sketch comedy in Sydney |
| Acting Debut | Film: Emo the Musical (2016); TV: Janet King (2017) |
| Breakthrough Role | Kayla in Blockers (2018) |
| Notable Works | Blockers, Hala, Bad Education, The Broken Hearts Gallery, Miracle Workers, Drive-Away Dolls, You’re Cordially Invited, Thunderbolts |
| Years Active | 2014–present |
| Hobbies & Interests | Horseback riding (started at age 2), journaling, photography, glass-cutting, animal lover |
| Comedy Group | Member of all-female sketch group “Freudian Nip” |
| Astrological Sign | Gemini |
| Inspiration | Influenced by her mother’s background in musical theatre and her maternal grandfather’s work as a filmmaker and ballet dancer |
| Cultural Connection | Embraces her Indian heritage through family traditions and cuisine; her grandmother cooks traditional South Indian dishes like biryani and sambar |
| Personal Traits | Known for her humility, versatility in acting, and advocacy for diversity in the entertainment industry |
Early Life and Background
Born on June 20, 1995, in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, Geraldine was raised in a multicultural household that fostered creativity. Her father, Suresh Viswanathan, is of Indian Tamil descent and works in nuclear medicine, while her mother, Anja Raith, a Swiss-German visual artist, infused their home with artistic expression. From a young age, Geraldine showed a flair for performance, often participating in school plays and local drama programs.
She honed her craft at the Hunter School of the Performing Arts in Newcastle. Her talent and determination led her to pursue acting seriously, and a trip to Los Angeles during her teens further reinforced her ambition to become a professional actress.
Breakthrough in Hollywood
Geraldine Viswanathan’s breakthrough came in 2018 when she starred as Kayla in the hit teen comedy Blockers. Her portrayal of a confident, outspoken high schooler was widely praised, with many critics noting her as the film’s standout performer. The success of Blockers opened doors for more nuanced and leading roles.
Later that year, she appeared in the HBO film Bad Education alongside Hugh Jackman and Allison Janney, playing a student journalist who uncovers a major school embezzlement scandal. Her performance was noted for its subtle strength and credibility.
Family Roots & Cultural Identity
Born on June 20, 1995, in Newcastle, New South Wales, Geraldine is the daughter of Suresh Viswanathan, a doctor specializing in nuclear medicine of Indian Tamil descent, and Anja Raith, a Swiss-German artist and former aspiring musical theater performer. Her parents’ diverse backgrounds provided a unique cultural tapestry that enriched her upbringing. Geraldine often credits her grandparents for instilling in her a love for South Indian cuisine, with her grandmother’s dishes like biryani and sambhar holding a special place in her heart.
Personal Life & Relationships
While Geraldine keeps much of her personal life private, she has shared glimpses into her relationships. Notably, she has mentioned spending time with her boyfriend’s family, including actress Susan Sarandon, during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, she explored new hobbies like glass-cutting, turning beer bottles into candles, a testament to her creative spirit.
Career Highlights
Geraldine’s passion for acting was evident from a young age. She attended the Hunter School of the Performing Arts in Newcastle and later moved to Los Angeles at 15 to pursue opportunities in Disney and Nickelodeon productions.
Her breakout role came in 2018 with the comedy film Blockers, where she played Kayla, earning acclaim as the film’s standout star. She continued to impress with roles in:
- Hala (2019) portrays the titular character in this coming-of-age drama.
- Bad Education (2019): Playing Rachel Bhargava, a student journalist who uncovers a school embezzlement scandal.
- The Broken Hearts Gallery (2020): Starring as Lucy, a gallery assistant navigating post-breakup life.
- 7 Days (2021): Taking on the role of Rita in this romantic comedy, where she also served as an executive producer.
- Drive-Away Dolls (2024): Co-leading alongside Margaret Qualley in this Ethan Coen-directed film.
- The Beanie Bubble (2023): Featuring in this Apple TV+ film alongside Zach Galifianakis, Sarah Snook, and Elizabeth Banks.
On television, she starred in the anthology series Miracle Workers (2019–2023), showcasing her versatility by portraying different characters each season alongside Daniel Radcliffe and Steve Buscemi.
In 2025, Geraldine joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Thunderbolts, playing Mel, the sharp assistant to Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s character, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. Her performance has sparked fan theories suggesting her character may evolve into the superhero Songbird in future MCU installments
Net Worth
As of 2024, Geraldine Viswanathan’s estimated net worth is around $2 million, accumulated through her successful acting career in film and television.
Interesting facts about Geraldine Viswanathan:
- She’s a Comedy Natural
Geraldine got her start performing sketch comedy with an all-female troupe called Freudian Nip in Sydney, where she honed her comedic timing and improvisation skills. - Multi-Cultural Heritage
Geraldine is of Indian (Tamil) and Swiss descent. She often shares that this diverse background helped shape her identity and gives her a unique perspective in Hollywood. - Breakthrough via Improv
During auditions for Blockers (2018), her improvisation impressed producers so much that they rewrote the role to suit her, which ultimately became her breakout role in the U.S. - Trilingual Talent
She speaks English, Swiss German (from her mother’s side), and is familiar with a bit of Tamil from her Indian roots. - Horseback Rider Since Childhood
Geraldine has been riding horses since she was just two years old. Her love for animals is a constant theme in her interviews and social media. - Named After Indira Gandhi
Her middle name, Indira, is in honor of India’s first and only female Prime Minister, reflecting her family’s cultural pride. - Advocate for Diversity
She actively speaks out about the need for representation in media and embraces roles that break racial or gender stereotypes. - Starred in Sundance Favorites
Her film Hala (2019), about a Pakistani-American teenager navigating cultural conflict, premiered at Sundance and was praised for its authenticity — showing her talent in serious, character-driven roles. - Art is in Her Blood
Her mother is an artist and former dancer, while her maternal grandfather was a filmmaker and ballet dancer — creativity runs in the family. - Future Marvel Star
Geraldine is set to appear in Thunderbolts (2025), marking her entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe — a major leap in her career.
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