Melanie Lynskey

Melanie Jayne Lynskey is a New Zealand actress, famous for her portrayals of complex female characters and her skill in American accents. She predominantly works in independent films and television and has received several awards, including three Critics' Choice Awards and nominations for three Primetime Emmy Awards. Lynskey made her film debut at 17 in Peter Jackson's Heavenly Creatures (1994), gaining critical acclaim for her portrayal of murderer Pauline Parker. Subsequently, she took on supporting roles in Ever After (1998), But I'm a Cheerleader (1999), and Coyote Ugly (2000). After moving to the US, Lynskey became a recognizable character actress through parts in Sweet Home Alabama (2002), Shattered Glass (2003), Flags of Our Fathers (2006), and many others. Her starring role in Hello I Must Be Going (2012) marked a turning point in her career, leading to main roles in Happy Christmas (2014), The Intervention (2016), and I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore (2017). On TV, she gained recognition for her role as Rose on the CBS sitcom Two and a Half Men (2003–2015) and HBO's Togetherness (2015–2016). In 2022 and 2023, Lynskey received Primetime Emmy nominations for her role as Shauna on Showtime's Yellowjackets. She is married to actor Jason Ritter, and they have one child.*