Molly Bernard

Molly Bernard is an American actress best known for her charismatic portrayal of Lauren Heller on the popular comedy‑drama series Younger and for her role as Dr. Elsa Curry in the medical drama Chicago Med. Born on April 10, 1988 in New York City, she grew up in a family with deep theatrical roots; her grandfather was the respected character actor Joseph Bernard, which gave her early exposure to the performing arts. After completing a bachelor's degree at Skidmore College, she honed her craft at the Yale School of Drama, earning an MFA in acting that prepared her for a versatile career across film, television, and stage. Bernard entered the professional world in 2000 with a supporting part in the heartfelt drama Pay It Forward, sharing the screen with Kevin Spacey and Haley Joel Osment, and quickly built a résumé that demonstrated both comedic timing and dramatic depth. Her early television work included a recurring role as Angie Sullivan on the political satire Alpha House, and she continued to expand her range with guest appearances in acclaimed series such as Transparent, where she portrayed a younger version of Judith Light's character. In 2015, the breakout role of Lauren Heller placed her alongside Sutton Foster and Hilary Duff, earning her a dedicated fan base and critical praise for her sharp, witty delivery. The same year she appeared in Nancy Meyers’ The Intern, a modest but memorable part that further showcased her adaptability. Bernard’s later projects include the indie comedy Otherhood (2019) and a two‑season stint as medical student Elsa Curry on Chicago Med, where her performance added both warmth and professionalism to the ensemble. Beyond her on‑screen accomplishments, Bernard is openly gay and married her longtime partner Hannah Lieberman in September 2021; the couple welcomed their first daughter in January 2023, marking a joyful new chapter in her personal life.