At 16 years of age, Melanie Lynskey captivated audiences with her astonishing debut in 'Peter Jackson , for which she received a Critics' Choice Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Became a vegetarian at the age of 10. However, she now eats seafood, so has to call herself a "pescetarian" (which she thinks sounds "pretentious").
Has three younger brothers and one younger sister.
She attended New Plymouth Girls High School, and later studied at Victoria University of Wellington, NZ.
Named one of E! Onlines "Sizzlin Sixteen" in 2003.
Auditioned for roles in The Crucible , Scream and Cousin Bette .
She was discovered by Fran Walsh during an exhaustive search for a teenage actress to play Pauline Parker in Heavenly Creatures , just two weeks before filming was due to commence.
Almost landed the role of Valerie (played by Patricia Arquette ) in Little Nicky , and was considered for Cameron Diaz s role in Gangs of New York .
Frequently works with past co-stars.
Friends with Clea DuVall and Natasha Lyonne , both of whom she worked with in But Im a Cheerleader .
She has a dog called Mouse, a chihuahua-dachshund mix, which she named after her character in Abandon .
Received coaching from co-star Sarah Peirse for her debut in Heavenly Creatures .
Was the first person to kiss Kate Winslet in a film ( Heavenly Creatures ).
Close friend Emily Deschanel was a bridesmaid at her wedding.
Friends with Joss Whedon.
She had just turned 18 when she made a cameo appearance in The Frighteners , which was her second collaboration with Peter Jackson (the first being Heavenly Creatures ).
Supporter of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and HSUS (The Humane Society of the United States).
(September 25, 2012) Filed for divorce from her husband of five years, Jimmi Simpson , after five months of separation.
(1999-2000) Lived in London with Andrew Howard , whom she met during the filming of The Cherry Orchard .
One of her best friends is Michael Weston , whom she met during the making of Coyote Ugly (he played her husband in the film). Twelve years later, Westons real-life father - John Rubinstein - played her characters dad in Hello I Must Be Going .
Showgirls is one of her favorite movies, along with Blue Velvet , Kicking and Screaming , Naked and Wet Hot American Summer .
Has appeared in three films (to date) with her friend Gillian Jacobs ; Helena from the Wedding , Seeking a Friend for the End of the World and Teddy Bears .
The directors shed most like to work with are Noah Baumbach , Jane Campion , Michael Haneke and Nicole Holofcener.
Turned down a role in Mansfield Park for fear of typecasting - shed already played a similar part in EverAfter .
Her father is an orthopedic surgeon and her mother is a real estate agent.
Her favorite authors are Margaret Atwood and Milan Kundera.
Her surname, "Lynskey", is Irish.
Announced to Hollywood Today Live on Thursday, February 16, 2017, that she is engaged to her boyfriend of four years, actor Jason Ritter.
Filmed her first topless scene at the age of 16 opposite Kate Winslet, who was 19, while filming Heavenly Creatures.
It put me outside of them a bit.
The most beautiful people to me are those who seem at peace within,themselves and give of themselves generously. Also I think eyeliner is,magic.
