Melanie Lynskey and her brown eyes.

Birth Name: Melanie Lynskey
Height: 5' 10 "
Birth Date: 16 May 1977
Birth Place: New Plymouth, New Zealand.
Hair: Brunette
Eye: Brown
Occupation: Actress
Education: New Plymouth Girls High School
Nationality: New Zealander
Claim to Fame: Heavenly Creatures (directed by Peter Jackson)

Melanie Lynskey was born in New Plymouth, New Zealand on the 16th of May, 1977. Whilst at New Plymouth Girls High School, she was picked by Frances Walsh and Peter Jackson to play the lead in 'Heavenly Creatures'. In spite of giving a critically acclaimed performance, Lynskey's film career didn't get off the ground until, three years later, she re-emerged in the 1998 re-telling of the Cinderella story, 'Ever After'. Since then, she has managed to build up an impressive body of film work, including 'But I'm A Cheerleader', 'Coyote Ugly' and the yet-to-be-seen 'Snakeskin'. She will soon be seen in 'Abandon' & 'Sweet Home Alabama'. Lynskey is currently living in Los Angeles.

Trivia

Is a vegetarian.

She had ambitions, prior to Heavenly Creatures (1994), to become a film critic.

Considered one of New Zealand's most internationally successful actors.

She attended Victoria University in Wellington.

Was named one of E!'s Sizzlin' Sixteen" in 2003.

Has three younger brothers and one younger sister

Is a good friend with Detroit Rock City (1999) co-star Sam Huntington.

Auditioned for roles in The Crucible (1996), _Scream (1996)_ and Cousin Bette (1998).

Has a production company called Velvet Morning Productions.

She was cast as Pauline Parker in Heavenly Creatures (1994) two weeks before filming began. Co-writer Fran Walsh discovered her at the last minute while scouring local high schools for Parker lookalikes.

Was considered for the role of Valerie in Little Nicky (2000).

Frequently works with past co-stars

Friends with Natasha Lyonne.

She has a dog named Mouse, a chihuahua-dachshund mix.

Sarah Peirse coached her as a newcomer for Heavenly Creatures (1994).

Was FilmForce Celeb of the Day on October 18, 2002.

Was the first person to kiss Kate Winslet in a film (Heavenly Creatures (1994)).

One of her best friends is Emily Deschanel, sister of Zooey Deschanel.

Was at one time slated to appear in an episode of _"Angel" (1999/I)_ , in a role written especially for her by the show's producer, Joss Whedon.

Turned down a role in Mansfield Park (1999).

Personal quotes

"I think the hardest thing was to go back to school. It's a pretty catty environment at an all-girls school and things happened. For example, 60 Minutes came to do a story on me and followed me around for a day. At school, you just don't need that. And then I would have to go to New York or Sydney for a week and take time out. And, while they were amazing experiences, it was hard because I had these two completely separate lives. I think a lot of people resented that. It put me outside of them a bit."

"I don't think I'll ever be a movie star."

"You always see those movies that have amazing casts, and it's funny to be in one of them. It's a list of all these fantastic people--and, oh, me as well."

Attached Images

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