Melanie Lynskey Biography: Melanie Jayne Lynskey born May 16, 1977 is a New Zealand actress known for her portrayal of complex characters and her ability to master American accents. She primarily works in independent films and television and has received several accolades, including three Critics’ Choice Awards and three Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Lynskey made her acting debut at 17 in Peter Jackson’s Heavenly Creatures (1994), where her performance as murderer Pauline Parker earned critical acclaim. She went on to have supporting roles in films such as Ever After (1998), But I’m a Cheerleader (1999), and Coyote Ugly (2000).
Melanie Lynskey Biography
While still in high school, Melanie Lynskey made a powerful debut in Peter Jackson’s Heavenly Creatures (1994), a critically acclaimed true crime drama. Her intense portrayal of the troubled teenage Pauline Parker, whose dangerously obsessive friendship with Kate Winslet’s character spirals out of control in 1950s Christchurch, earned her widespread praise. TIME’s Richard Corliss called her performance “perfect,” and she won a Best Actress award in New Zealand for the role. After taking a break to study at university and relocate to Los Angeles, Lynskey returned to the big screen with a role as the kind-hearted stepsister to Drew Barrymore in Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998), a feminist reimagining of the classic fairy tale. She continued to land roles in teen films and romantic comedies such as Detroit Rock City (1999), But I’m a Cheerleader (1999), Coyote Ugly (2000), Abandon (2002), and Sweet Home Alabama (2002).
Melanie Lynskey Biography Details
| Born | 16 May 1977
New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand
|
|---|---|
| Alma mater | Victoria University of Wellington |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1994–present |
| Net Worth | 5 million |
| Spouses |
Jimmi Simpson (m. 2007; div. 2014)
Jason Ritter
(m. 2020)
|
| Children | 1 |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Melanie Lynskey
Melanie Jayne Lynskey is a New Zealand actress. Known for her portrayals of complex women and her command of American accents, she works predominantly in independent films and television. She is the recipient of numerous accolades, including three Critics’ Choice Awards and nominations for three Primetime Emmy Awards.
- Born: 16 May 1977 (age 47 years), New Plymouth, New Zealand
- Spouse: Jason Ritter (m. 2020), Jimmi Simpson (m. 2007–2014)
- Height: 1.7 m
- Parents: Kay Lynskey, Tim Lynskey
- Alma mater: Victoria University of Wellington
Early Life
Lynskey was born in New Plymouth, New Zealand, to Kay, a real estate agent, and Tim, an orthopedic surgeon. Her surname is of Irish origin. As the eldest of five children, with three brothers and one sister, Lynskey played an active role in raising her siblings. She was raised in the Baptist faith. At the age of six, Lynskey’s family moved to England for a year before returning to New Zealand. Due to her father’s medical career, she moved frequently, recalling, “My dad was a medical student when I was born, so he was studying and going to different universities.
She attended New Plymouth Girls’ High School, where she was involved in drama and school plays. Shy as a child, she found acting to be a way of escaping herself: “It was so freeing, having someone give me the words to say and not being myself for a minute. It just felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders.” After high school, Lynskey spent a year and a half studying English literature at Victoria University of Wellington but dropped out to pursue her film career.
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Melanie Lynskey Facts & Wiki
Where does Melanie Lynskey live? And how much money does Melanie Lynskey earn?
| Birth Date | 16-5-1977 |
| Heritage/origin | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion – believes in God? | Christian |
| Residence | She owns a house in Los Angeles, California, United States. |
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Melanie Lynskey Net Worth, Salary 2025
| Estimated Net Worth | 5 million Dollar |
| Yearly Salary | N/A |
| Product Endorsements | Red Robin |
| Colleagues | Conchata Ferrell & April Bowlby |
| Management | Susan Smith |
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Melanie Lynskey: Single, Dating, Family & Friends
| Relationship status | Single |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Partner | Currently in no confirmed relationship |
| Ex-boyfriends or ex-husbands | Jimmi Simpson |
| More info | Was previously married and divorced |
| Expecting a baby? | She is not pregnant |
| Has any kids? | No |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
- Kay Lynskey (Mother)
- Tim Lynskey (Father)
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Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This beautiful sexy cute actress originating from New Plymouth, New Zealand has a thin body & oval face type.
| Hair color | Dark brown |
| Hair type | Straight |
| Hair Length | medium long hair |
| Hairstyle | alternative |
| Distinct feature | hair |
| Makeup Style | alternative |
| Skin Tone/Complexion | Type I: Light skin |
| Skin Type | Normal |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Does Melanie Lynskey smoke? | No, never |
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Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos & Style
| Height | 170 cm |
| Weight | 54 kilo |
| Clothing style | alternative |
| Favorite colors | red |
| Feet size | 8.5 |
| Dress size | 10 |
| Bra-size | 34B |
| Waist size | 71 |
| Buste size | 94 |
| Butt size | 91 |
| Does Melanie Lynskey have a tattoo? | Yes |