‘The Pitt’ Star’s Wildly Different Role Will SHOCK You!

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On “The Pitt,” Taylor Dearden embodies Dr. Melissa “Mel” King, a second-year emergency-medicine resident at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center. In this role, Dr. Mel displays compassion while attending to patients, demonstrating both her kindness and competence. Notably, Dearden’s previous roles contrast significantly with her portrayal of Dr. Mel, particularly as Orphelia Mayer in the short-lived MTV series “Sweet/Vicious,” which follows two college students who take matters into their own hands to combat campus sexual offenders.

Ophelia and Dr. Mel present markedly distinct physical appearances – Ophelia sports an uncommon green tresses and wit with a sarcastic edge, while Dr. Mel embodies a more wholesome, optimistic demeanor. However, beneath these differences, they both share a heartfelt compassion and care for others.

Taylor Dearden Played Ophelia Mayer in ‘Sweet/Vicious’

The series previously known as “Little Darlings, Sweet/Vicious” debuted on MTV on November 15, 2016. This show centered around Jules Thomas (played by Eliza Bennett), a student and sorority member at Darlington University, and Ophelia Mayer, a stoner from a wealthy background also attending Darlington. After Jules is assaulted and Ophelia saves her, they join forces to fight against sexual violence on campus.

As a passionate movie reviewer, I found myself captivated by the 10-episode series featuring Jules and Ophelia. These two women, while starkly different in personality and looks, share an unwavering commitment to justice. They embarked on a crusade, delving deep into the dark underbelly of a sorority, exposing a shocking scandal involving pornography and hazing. Their mission led them to out several sexual offenders, bringing these hidden predators to light. Through their tireless efforts, they strive to bring justice to those who have been wronged.

Unfortunately, poor audience ratings led to the cancellation of the series “Sweet/Vicious” following its initial season. Despite a compelling 10-episode narrative that tackled pertinent issues, the show failed to garner enough support, as expressed by MTV in 2017.

“We’re immensely proud of this critically acclaimed series, but it’s disheartening that such an influential show didn’t reach a broader audience. From day one, Sweet/Vicious resonated with us for its strong female protagonists and a message close to our hearts. We’re grateful the series sparked essential conversations about sexual assault.

Taylor Dearden Described Jules and Ophelia as Unlikely but Relatable “Superheroes”

In the captivating series ‘Sweet/Vicious’, I found myself drawn to the intriguing dynamic between Jules and Ophelia. Jules, my earnest rebel, is all about fighting for a higher purpose. On the other hand, Ophelia, her quick-witted counterpart, often serves as a voice of reason amidst the chaos, even though she might come across as just another sarcastic sidekick. It’s fascinating to see how these two complement each other in their adventures!

Jules is a sorority sister struggling to come to terms with an assault that has significantly shaken her life, while Ophelia is a laid-back individual known for her sharp wit and hacking abilities. Despite their seemingly unconventional backgrounds, they make an unlikely yet endearing and intriguing team as superheroes.

For Taylor Dearden, one of the factors that drew her to playing Ophelia was the heroic aspect of the role. In an interview with Nylon, she shared that it was “a production by women, for women… It’s rooted in understanding, empathy, and enthusiasm – or the struggle to make things right.

In this manner, “Sweet/Vicious” was both relevant and non-exploitative, addressing a common female experience in an authentic way. Characters Jules and Ophelia served as heroines within their narrative. However, as Dearden noted, “this is something unique and intriguing – a concept that should not be replicated excessively.” The underlying message being, it’s a superhero-like story, albeit dealing with more grounded topics compared to traditional superhero narratives, so it does straddle a line.

Taylor Dearden Sees Herself in Dr. Mel King From ‘The Pitt’

Dr. Melissa “Mel” King from The Pitt bears no resemblance or similar behavior to Ophelia from Sweet/Vicious. Unlike Ophelia’s tough and cynical demeanor, Dr. Mel exhibits kindness, optimism, and a charming vulnerability. Similar to how Dearden could empathize with the experiences of Ophelia and Jules in Sweet/Vicious, the actress sharing a personal connection with Dr. Mel.

Dr. Mel from The Pitt is not like Ophelia from Sweet/Vicious; she’s more caring and hopeful. Just as Dearden understood what Ophelia and Jules went through in Sweet/Vicious, the actress playing Dr. Mel also had a personal experience related to her character.

In addition, Dr. Mel shares the trait of being neurodivergent, a characteristic that resonates with Dearden. She shared this information with Decider back in February 2025.

As someone who is neurodivergent, specifically with severe ADHD, I believe my traits are uniquely mine. When people learn that ADHD falls under the autism spectrum, many non-ADHD individuals might react with surprise (“Ohhhhh“), and this resonates particularly with autistic individuals who find common ground with ADHD individuals. In my experience, I haven’t often encountered characters portraying ADHD, but given our shared spectrum, it seems fitting, and it feels right to me.

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2025-05-07 01:18