Birth Date
May 16, 1977
Age
43 years old
Nationality
New Zealand
Sun Sign
Taurus
Natural hair color
Dark Brown
Eye color
Dark Brown
Height
5 ft 7 in | 170 cm
Net Worth
$5 Million
Body Measurements
34-28-36 in | 86.5-71-91.5 cm
Weight
56 kg | 123.5 pounds
Bra Size
34C
Shoe size
8.5 US | 39 EU
Early acting career First movie Breakthrough
Melanie Jayne Lynskey was born in New Plymouth, New Zealand, on May 16, 1977, is a New Zealand actress.
Young Melanie Lynskey first started performing during her years at the New Plymouth Girls' High School, in school theater productions.
She began her professional acting career, at the age of 16.
She made her big screen debut in biographical drama film Heavenly Creatures (1994) in her breakthrough role as Pauline Parker.
She got her television debut in miniseries Rose Red (2002) in role as Rachel Wheaton.
New Movies
Lady of the Manor (2021) comedy in role as Hannah, opposite Judy Greer and Justin Long
Don't Look Up (2021) comedy in role as June, with Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence and Cate Blanchett
Best Movies
She won the New Zealand Film and Television Award for Best Actress for her role as Pauline Parker in biographical drama film Heavenly Creatures (1994).
She won the Sundance Film Festival U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Individual Performance for her role as Annie in comedy drama movie The Intervention (2016).
She was nominated for the Gotham Independent Film Award for Breakthrough Actor for her role as Amy in comedy drama film Hello I Must Be Going (2012).
She was nominated for the Gotham Independent Film Award for Best Actress for her performance as Ruth in comedy thriller movie I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore (2017).
Shattered Glass (2003) biographical drama opposite Hayden Christensen, Chloë Sevigny and Rosario Dawson
Up in the Air (2009) comedy drama with Anna Kendrick, George Clooney and Vera Farmiga
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012) science fiction romantic comedy drama opposite Steve Carell and Keira Knightley
Ever After (1998) romantic drama with Drew Barrymore, Anjelica Huston and Jeanne Moreau
Detroit Rock City (1999) teen comedy opposite Edward Furlong, James DeBello and Natasha Lyonne
The Informant! (2009) biographical crime comedy with Matt Damon, Scott Bakula and Joel McHale
But I'm a Cheerleader (1999) satirical romantic comedy opposite Natasha Lyonne and Clea DuVall
Sweet Home Alabama (2002) romantic comedy with Reese Witherspoon, Josh Lucas and Patrick Dempsey
Leaves of Grass (2009) crime comedy opposite Edward Norton, Keri Russell and Susan Sarandon
Sadie (2018) drama with Sophia Mitri Schloss and John Gallagher Jr.
TV Shows
She was nominated for the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Michelle Pierson in HBO comedy drama television series Togetherness (2015–2016).
She was nominated for the Monte-Carlo Television Festival Golden Nymph Award for Outstanding Actress (Long Fiction Program) for her role as Zara Skelton in Australian crime drama series Sunshine (2017).
She played Rose in CBS sitcom Two and a Half Men (2003-2015) in 63 episodes.
Drive (2007) Fox action drama series in role as Wendy Patrakas
Comanche Moon (2008) CBS miniseries in role as Pearl Coleman
The L Word (2008) Showtime drama series in role as Clea Mason
She voiced Becky in HBO animated sitcom The Life & Times of Tim (2010-2012).
She voiced Beatrice in animated television miniseries Over the Garden Wall (2014).
She voiced Megan / Madeline Madison in Disney XD comic science fiction animated television series Future-Worm! (2016-2018).
Girlboss (2017) Netflix comedy series in role as Gail
Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later (2017) Netflix satirical comedy series in role as Laura
Castle Rock (2019) Hulu psychological horror anthology series in role as Molly Strand
Mrs. America (2020) FX on Hulu historical drama miniseries in role as Rosemary Thomson
Young Sheldon (2021) CBS period sitcom in role as Professor Dora Ericson
Facts
Attended the New Plymouth Girls' High School.
Studied at the Victoria University of Wellington, NZ.
Has three brothers and one sister.
She won the Hollywood Film Spotlight Award in 2009.
Become a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2018.
Good friends with Clea DuVal and Natasha Lyonnel.
Featured in music video for Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers "Waiting on Love" (2015).
Supporter of PETA and HSUS.
Lives in Los Angeles, California, United States.
Relationships
She dated Andrew Howard (1999-2001).
She was married to actor Jimmi Simpson (2007-2012).
She started dating actor Jason Ritter in 2014, the couple got engaged in 2017, they have one daughter.