Melissa Margaret Peterman was born July 1, 1970 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She performed for numerous plays after ther graduation from the Minnesota State University. Peterman made her film debut in 1996 in the Academy-award winning Fargo. Her other movies include How High and Recipe for Disaster. Peterman also had her television stints in shows like Running With Scissors, Just Shoot Me!, and The Pitts. The 5'9" actress is currently residing in Los Angeles with her husband, actor John Brady. Barbra Jean is played by Melissa Peterman on CW's sitcom Reba. Barbra Jean is the ditzy but energetic and lovable spouse of Reba's ex-husband Brock.