Actor
Melanie Lynskey
- Born: 16 May 1977, New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand
- Estimated net worth: $5 million
Melanie Lynskey is a New Zealand actress known for her versatility in both comedy and drama. She gained recognition for roles in films such as 'Heavenly Creatures' and 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower.' With a distinctive voice and a knack for portraying…
Melanie Lynskey: best films and shows
About Melanie Lynskey
Melanie Lynskey is a New Zealand actress known for her versatility in both comedy and drama. She gained recognition for roles in films such as 'Heavenly Creatures' and 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower.' With a distinctive voice and a knack for portraying complex characters, she has built a respected career in film and television, particularly in indie projects and acclaimed series.
- Born
- 16 May 1977, New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand
- Height
- 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
- Spouses
- Jason Ritter (2020-present)
- Children
- 1 daughter, name not publicly known
- Parents
- Kay Lynskey, David Lynskey
- Estimated net worth
- $5 million
Fun facts about Melanie Lynskey
- Melanie Lynskey was only 15 years old when she starred in 'Heavenly Creatures' alongside Kate Winslet.
- She is a vocal advocate for body positivity and often speaks out against unrealistic beauty standards in Hollywood.
Famous Melanie Lynskey quotes
“I don't want to be a role model. I want to be a cautionary tale.”
“I think that the more we can understand about each other, the better we can be.”
“I think the best way to make a connection with someone is to be vulnerable.”
Melanie Lynskey filmography
Cast (106)
| Year | Title | Character | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Don't Say Good Luck Movie | Elizabeth Birenbaum | 7.3 |
| 2025 | Pike River Movie | Anna Osborne | 6.6 |
| 2025 | Griffin in Summer Movie | Helen | 7.0 |
| 2025 | Hollywood Squares TV | Self | 4.4 |
| 2024 | Matlock TV | Debra Palmer | 7.0 |
| 2024 | The Tattooist of Auschwitz TV | Heather Morris | 8.0 |
| 2024 | The Making of The Tattooist of Auschwitz Movie | Self | |
| 2024 | Hot Ones Versus TV | Self | 8.8 |
| 2024 | After Midnight TV | Self | 5.5 |
| 2023 | Poker Face TV | Regina Gilvary | 7.4 |
Show 96 more creditsShow fewer
| Year | Title | Character | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | The Last of Us TV | Kathleen Coghlan | 8.4 |
| 2022 | The Jennifer Hudson Show TV | Unknown character | 5.6 |
| 2022 | Candy TV | Betty Gore | 7.1 |
| 2021 | Don't Look Up Movie | June Mindy | 7.1 |
| 2021 | Yellowjackets TV | Shauna Sadecki | 7.4 |
| 2021 | Lady of the Manor Movie | Hannah | 5.6 |
| 2020 | Mrs. America TV | Rosemary Thomson | 7.4 |
| 2019 | The Kelly Clarkson Show TV | Self | 6.2 |
| 2018 | Sadie Movie | Rae | 6.8 |
| 2018 | Castle Rock TV | Molly Strand | 7.2 |
| 2018 | Summer Camp Island TV | Sun (voice) | 7.7 |
| 2017 | Sunshine TV | Zara Skelton | 8.0 |
| 2017 | The Changeover Movie | Kate Chant | 5.6 |
| 2017 | Young Sheldon TV | Dora Ericson | 8.0 |
| 2017 | Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later TV | Laura | 6.5 |
| 2017 | And Then I Go Movie | Janice | 6.3 |
| 2017 | Girlboss TV | Gail | 6.5 |
| 2017 | Little Boxes Movie | Gina | 6.2 |
| 2017 | 1 Mile To You Movie | Coach Rowan | 6.5 |
| 2017 | XX Movie | Mary (segment "The Birthday Party") | 5.0 |
| 2017 | I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore Movie | Ruth Kimke | 6.6 |
| 2016 | Easy TV | Beth | 6.0 |
| 2016 | Our Ex-Wife TV | Sara | 6.8 |
| 2016 | The Intervention Movie | Annie | 5.9 |
| 2016 | Folk Hero & Funny Guy Movie | Becky | 5.2 |
| 2016 | The Great & The Small Movie | Margaret | 5.9 |
| 2016 | Rainbow Time Movie | Lindsay | 5.3 |
| 2016 | Future-Worm! TV | Megan (voice) | 6.2 |
| 2015 | The Late Show with Stephen Colbert TV | Self - Guest | 6.1 |
| 2015 | Digging for Fire Movie | Squiggy | 5.2 |
| 2015 | Behind Over the Garden Wall Movie | Self | 8.5 |
| 2015 | The Late Late Show with James Corden TV | Self - Guest | 5.1 |
| 2015 | Togetherness TV | Michelle Pierson | 6.8 |
| 2014 | Variety Studio: Actors on Actors TV | Self | 4.2 |
| 2014 | Goodbye to All That Movie | Annie Wall | 5.0 |
| 2014 | Over the Garden Wall TV | Beatrice (voice) | 8.6 |
| 2014 | We'll Never Have Paris Movie | Devon | 4.8 |
| 2014 | Celebrity Name Game TV | Self | 5.3 |
| 2014 | Happy Christmas Movie | Kelly | 5.1 |
| 2014 | They Came Together Movie | Brenda | 5.6 |
| 2014 | The Big Ask Movie | Hannah | 5.0 |
| 2014 | Late Night with Seth Meyers TV | Self | 5.1 |
| 2014 | The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon TV | Self | 5.8 |
| 2014 | Chu and Blossom Movie | Miss Shoemaker | 4.0 |
| 2013 | Mom TV | Shannon | 7.3 |
| 2013 | A Kiwi Legend Movie | Self | |
| 2012 | Putzel Movie | Sally | 1.0 |
| 2012 | The Perks of Being a Wallflower Movie | Aunt Helen | 7.8 |
| 2012 | Hello I Must Be Going Movie | Amy | 5.9 |
| 2012 | Seeking a Friend for the End of the World Movie | Karen Amalfi | 6.6 |
| 2012 | Eye of the Hurricane Movie | Amelia Kyte | 6.8 |
| 2012 | Key & Peele TV | Fiance | 7.7 |
| 2011 | Touchback Movie | Macy | 6.6 |
| 2011 | Win Win Movie | Cindy Timmons | 6.8 |
| 2011 | Helena from the Wedding: Cast Interviews Movie | Self | |
| 2010 | Helena from the Wedding Movie | Alice | 4.1 |
| 2009 | Up in the Air Movie | Julie Bingham | 6.9 |
| 2009 | The Informant! Movie | Ginger Whitacre | 6.2 |
| 2009 | Leaves of Grass Movie | Colleen | 6.0 |
| 2009 | Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen TV | Self - Guest | 4.9 |
| 2009 | Away We Go Movie | Munch | 6.7 |
| 2008 | A Quiet Little Marriage Movie | Monique | 5.1 |
| 2008 | Show of Hands Movie | Jess | 6.7 |
| 2008 | The Life & Times of Tim TV | Becky (voice) | 7.3 |
| 2008 | Comanche Moon TV | Pearl Coleman | 7.1 |
| 2007 | Itty Bitty Titty Committee Movie | Pat (uncredited) | 5.5 |
| 2007 | Drive TV | Wendy Patrakas | 6.2 |
| 2006 | Flags of Our Fathers Movie | Pauline Harnois | 6.9 |
| 2006 | Psych TV | Emily Bloom | 7.9 |
| 2006 | Say Uncle Movie | Susan | 5.4 |
| 2006 | Park Movie | Sheryl | 4.9 |
| 2005 | It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia TV | Kate | 8.3 |
| 2005 | American Dad! TV | Sharon (voice) | 7.0 |
| 2004 | House TV | Natalie Tavares | 8.6 |
| 2004 | The Nearly Unadventurous Life of Zoe Cadwaulder Movie | Zoe Cadwaulder | 4.0 |
| 2004 | The L Word TV | Clea Mason | 7.7 |
| 2003 | Shattered Glass Movie | Amy Brand | 7.0 |
| 2003 | Two and a Half Men TV | Rose | 7.4 |
| 2003 | Claustrophobia Movie | Lauren | 3.8 |
| 2003 | Jimmy Kimmel Live! TV | Self | 5.3 |
| 2002 | Abandon Movie | Mousy Julie | 4.8 |
| 2002 | Sweet Home Alabama Movie | Lurlynn | 6.4 |
| 2002 | The Shield TV | Marcy | 8.2 |
| 2002 | Rose Red TV | Rachel Wheaton | 6.8 |
| 2002 | Shooters Movie | Marie | 5.3 |
| 2001 | Snakeskin Movie | Alice | 5.4 |
| 2001 | Foreign Correspondents Movie | Melody | 7.0 |
| 2000 | Coyote Ugly Movie | Gloria | 6.3 |
| 2000 | But I'm a Cheerleader Movie | Hilary | 7.1 |
| 2000 | Big Brother TV | Self - Actress, 'Two & a ½ Men' | 4.8 |
| 1999 | Detroit Rock City Movie | Beth Bumsteen | 6.8 |
| 1999 | The Cherry Orchard Movie | Dunyasha | 5.0 |
| 1998 | EverAfter Movie | Jacqueline de Ghent | 7.5 |
| 1996 | The Frighteners Movie | Deputy | 7.0 |
| 1994 | Heavenly Creatures Movie | Pauline Parker | 7.0 |
| 1988 | This Morning TV | Self | 5.2 |
Latest releases
- Don't Say Good Luck2026 / TMDB 7.3
- Pike River2025 / TMDB 6.6
- Griffin in Summer2025 / TMDB 7.0
- Don't Look Up2021 / TMDB 7.1
- Lady of the Manor2021 / TMDB 5.6
Questions about Melanie Lynskey
What are some of Melanie Lynskey's most successful films?
Melanie Lynskey is known for her roles in 'Heavenly Creatures,' 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower,' and 'Up in the Air.' These films showcase her range and have contributed to her reputation as a talented actress.
Has Melanie Lynskey won any awards?
Melanie Lynskey has received several accolades, including a Critics' Choice Television Award for her performance in 'Togetherness.' She has been nominated for other awards, reflecting her impactful performances throughout her career.
What was Melanie Lynskey's first film?
Melanie Lynskey's first film was 'Heavenly Creatures' (1994), where she portrayed the character Pauline Parker. This role marked her entry into the film industry and earned her critical acclaim.
What television series is Melanie Lynskey known for?
Melanie Lynskey is well-known for her role in the series 'Two and a Half Men,' where she played Rose. More recently, she starred in 'Yellowjackets,' earning widespread acclaim for her performance.
What is Melanie Lynskey's estimated net worth?
Melanie Lynskey's estimated net worth is around $5 million. This figure reflects her successful career in film and television over the years.
What is a defining characteristic of Melanie Lynskey's acting style?
Melanie Lynskey is known for her ability to portray complex characters with depth and nuance. Her distinctive voice and emotional range allow her to excel in both comedic and dramatic roles.
Is Melanie Lynskey involved in any charitable causes?
Yes, Melanie Lynskey is involved in various charitable causes, particularly those focused on mental health and body positivity. She often uses her platform to raise awareness about these important issues.
What recent projects is Melanie Lynskey working on?
Melanie Lynskey stars in the series 'Yellowjackets,' which has received critical acclaim. She is also set to appear in the upcoming film 'The Tattooist of Auschwitz,' showcasing her continued presence in the industry.