Melanie Jayne Lynskey is a New Zealand actress, born on May 16, 1977, in New Plymouth, New Zealand. Lynskey started her acting career at the age of 16 with her debut in the film "Heavenly Creatures" directed by Peter Jackson. She has since starred in numerous films such as "Ever After," "Sweet Home Alabama," "Up in the Air," and "The Perks of Being a Wallflower."
Lynskey has also appeared in several popular television shows including "Two and a Half Men," "Castle Rock," and "Mrs. America." She has been nominated for several awards throughout her career, including a Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film "Hello I Must Be Going."
Melanie Lynskey Movies
Melanie Lynskey has appeared in many movies throughout her career. Here are some notable ones:
Heavenly Creatures (1994) - Melanie Lynskey made her film debut in this drama directed by Peter Jackson. She plays Pauline Parker, one of two teenage girls who become obsessed with each other and plan and commit a brutal murder. Lynskey's performance was critically acclaimed and won her several awards.
Ever After (1998) - In this retelling of the Cinderella story, Melanie Lynskey plays Jacqueline, one of Cinderella's stepsisters. Jacqueline is portrayed as a sympathetic character who is also mistreated by her mother, the wicked stepmother.
But I'm a Cheerleader (1999) - Melanie Lynskey plays Hilary, a fellow camper at a conversion therapy camp where the protagonist (played by Natasha Lyonne) is sent when her parents suspect she is a lesbian. Hilary is a shy and withdrawn character who develops a friendship with Lyonne's character.
Coyote Ugly (2000) - Melanie Lynskey plays Gloria, one of the roommates of the main character (played by Piper Perabo) who moves to New York City to pursue her dream of becoming a songwriter. Gloria is portrayed as a rebellious and confident character who works as a bartender at the rowdy bar Coyote Ugly.
Sweet Home Alabama (2002) - In this romantic comedy, Melanie Lynskey plays Lurlynn, the best friend of the protagonist (played by Reese Witherspoon) who returns to her hometown in Alabama to get a divorce. Lurlynn is a loyal and supportive friend who encourages Witherspoon's character to confront her past.
Win Win (2011) - Melanie Lynskey plays Cindy, the wife of a troubled man who is taken in by a high school wrestling coach (played by Paul Giamatti). Cindy is a kind and supportive wife who tries to help her husband through his struggles.
They Came Together (2014) - Melanie Lynskey plays Brenda, the best friend of Amy Poehler's character, who is the owner of a struggling candy store. Brenda is a quirky and supportive friend who encourages Amy's character to pursue a new romance.
I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore (2017) - Melanie Lynskey plays Ruth, a nursing assistant who becomes fed up with the injustice she sees in the world and takes matters into her own hands. Ruth is a quirky and determined character who is willing to take risks to make the world a better place.
Melanie Lynskey TV shows
Melanie Lynskey has also appeared in several TV shows throughout her career. Here are some notable ones:
Two and a Half Men (2003-2015) - Melanie Lynskey played the recurring character of Rose, a stalker and former girlfriend of Charlie Harper (played by Charlie Sheen). She appeared in 50 episodes of the popular sitcom.
Togetherness (2015-2016) - Melanie Lynskey starred in this HBO comedy-drama series created by Mark and Jay Duplass. She played Michelle Pierson, a frustrated wife and mother who is trying to find happiness and purpose in her life.
Comrade Detective (2017) - Melanie Lynskey had a recurring role in this comedy series that parodies Cold War-era propaganda films. She played Jane, the wife of a detective in Communist Romania.
Room 104 (2017-2020) - Melanie Lynskey appeared in two episodes of this anthology series set in a single motel room. In the episode "Ralphie", she played a woman who becomes involved in a strange and unsettling encounter with a stranger. In the episode "The Hikers", she played a woman who goes on a hike with her ex-boyfriend.
Mrs. America (2020) - Melanie Lynskey had a recurring role in this historical drama series about the fight for the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970s. She played Rosemary Thomson, a conservative housewife who opposes the feminist movement.
Yellowjackets (2021-present) - Melanie Lynskey stars in this survival thriller series about a group of women who are stranded in the wilderness after a plane crash. She plays Shauna Sheridan, a former high school soccer star who is now a struggling single mother.
Melanie Lynskey Awards
Melanie Lynskey has been recognized for her acting talent and has received several awards and nominations throughout her career. Here are some notable ones:
New Zealand Film and TV Awards (1995) - Melanie Lynskey won Best Supporting Actress for her performance in "Heavenly Creatures", her film debut.
Sundance Film Festival (2002) - Melanie Lynskey shared the Special Jury Prize for Acting with the rest of the cast of the film "The Safety of Objects".
Seattle International Film Festival (2006) - Melanie Lynskey won the Best Actress Award for her performance in the film "Show of Hands".
Nashville Film Festival (2012) - Melanie Lynskey won the Best Actress Award for her performance in the film "Hello I Must Be Going".
Critics' Choice Television Awards (2016) - Melanie Lynskey was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her performance in "Togetherness".
These are just some of the awards and nominations that Melanie Lynskey has received over the years.