Kelli Garner is an accomplished American actress known for her versatility in both independent and mainstream films, as well as television and theater. Garner gained significant recognition for her portrayal of Faith Domergue in the critically acclaimed film The Aviator (2004), directed by Martin Scorsese. Her ability to embody diverse characters has made her a notable figure in the entertainment industry.

Born Kelli Brianne Garner on April 11, 1984, in Bakersfield, California, she grew up in Southern California, where she nurtured her passion for acting from a young age. She made her feature film debut at the age of 17 in Bully (2001), a thriller directed by Larry Clark that showcased her raw talent and potential. This early exposure to the film industry set the stage for her future endeavors.

Following her debut, Garner's career took off with her role in The Aviator, where she shared the screen with stars like Leonardo DiCaprio. The film not only earned multiple Academy Awards but also solidified her presence in Hollywood. In 2005, she made her New York stage debut in an off-Broadway production of Dog Sees God, which further demonstrated her range as a performer.

Throughout the mid-2000s, Garner starred in several notable projects, including the independent film Thumbsucker (2005) and the studio comedy Man of the House (2005). She showcased her dramatic chops in the comedy-drama Lars and the Real Girl (2007), where her performance was well-received. In 2008, she returned to the stage in an off-Broadway production of The Seagull, starring alongside esteemed actress Dianne Wiest.

Garner's career continued to flourish as she lent her voice to the Disney animated film G-Force (2009) and took on a lead role in the period drama Pan Am (2011-2012), where she portrayed a flight attendant navigating the complexities of the 1960s. Her filmography expanded further with a role in Horns (2014), a fantasy horror film directed by Alexandre Aja and featuring Daniel Radcliffe.

In 2015, Garner portrayed the iconic Marilyn Monroe in the television film The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe, which showcased her ability to embody complex characters. She also appeared in the series Looking (2014-2015) and starred in the NBC drama The Enemy Within (2019), which, despite a brief run, highlighted her talent as a leading actress. Garner's recent work includes a minor role in the monster film Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019).

With a career spanning over two decades, Kelli Garner has established herself as a talented and versatile actress. Known for her compelling performances across various genres, she continues to captivate audiences with her work in film and television.