Melissa Joan Hart was born on 18th of April 1976 at Smithtown, Long Island to the couple of William Hart who was a shellfish supplier and Paula Hart, a t.v. producer. Her parents was hugely inspired by the Allman Bothers song and therefore named her daughter Melissa. Joan was named after her grandmother`s name.
She has spent her childhood working very hard hoping to make a future in television or in the entertainment industry. Her only goal and determination was to succeed in life. Her first work in professional life involved an appearance for Connecticut Gas in 1980. It was just the begining of a successful career. Her mother was the driving force behind her success.
When Melissa was starting her career her mother worked very hard so that she can get public recognition. She then moved in the T.V. studios like ABC and NBC for quality work. As a result of this she appeared in `The Adventures of Con Sawyer`, `Hucklemary Finn` in 1984 and 1985, `Kane and Abel` in 1985 and `Christmas Show` in 1986.
As she went on appearing in films she became more and more matured and the babyish look began to disappear rapidly. She became relaxed only after her appearances in the ABC and NBC productions. These productions helped her immensely in establishing her career.
Melissa Joan Hart then went on to appear in `Beside Herself`, `Imagining Brad` and the well known `The Crucible` opposite Martin Sheen. It was a brave move from Paula to make her inexperienced daughter enter the world of theater, but Paula wants her daughter to learn the hard way and to her credit Melissa is responding perfectly.