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Melanie Lynskey

Melanie Lynskey

Actor · born 16 May 1977 · New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand

Melanie Jayne Lynskey (born May 16, 1977) is a New Zealand actress. Known for her portrayals of complex women and her command of American dialects, she works predominantly in independent films. Lynskey made her film debut at age 17 portraying Pauline Parker in Heavenly Creatures (1994). She went on to establish herself as a character actress through supporting parts in Ever After (1998); But I'm a Cheerleader (1999); Coyote Ugly (2000); Sweet Home Alabama (2002); Shattered Glass (2003); Flags of Our Fathers (2006); Away We Go; Up in the Air; The Informant! (all 2009); Win Win (2011); The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012); and Don't Look Up (2021). Her starring role in Hello I Must Be Going (2012) proved to be a turning point in Lynskey's career, with subsequent lead parts in Happy Christmas (2014), The Intervention (2016), and I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore (2017) highlighting her as a prominent figure in independent cinema.

On television, Lynskey played Rose in Two and a Half Men (2003-2015), Shauna in Yellowjackets (2021-2026) and Kathleen in The Last of Us (2023).

Where to start: The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012).

As actor 57

TV shows 31

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Melanie Lynskey movie?

By viewer score, The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) at 7.8/10.

What are Melanie Lynskey’s most popular movies?

The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Don't Look Up, Up in the Air.

How many movies has Melanie Lynskey made?

57 films on TMDB, 57 as actor.

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