Born May 16, 1977, in New Plymouth, New Zealand, Melanie Lynskey first drew attention when cast as real-life teenage murderess Pauline Parker in the Oscar-nominated Heavenly Creatures, directed and co-written by Peter Jackson and also starring a then-unknown Kate Winslet.

Despite a three-year hiatus spent completing high school and moving to Hollywood, Lynskey burst back onto the silver screen opposite Drew Barrymore in Andy Tennant's Ever After, an updated spin on the Cinderella fairy tale co-starring Anjelica Huston and Dougray Scott.

Supporting roles in Detroit Rock City, But I'm a Cheerleader, The Cherry Orchard and Coyote Ugly were next up, followed by a return to roots in Kiwi thriller Snakeskin, which earned Lynskey a Best Actress nomination at the New Zealand Film Awards.

After a busy two years appearing in Stephen King's Rose Red, psycho-thriller Abandon, Sweet Home Alabama with Reese Witherspoon and award-winning indie Shattered Glass, Lynskey--who now resides in LA--found herself playing Charlie Sheen's lovably insane neighbor, Rose, on CBS's Emmy-nominated Two and a Half Men. Winner of the 2004 People's Choice Award for Favorite New Comedy Series, the show has since become one of the most-watched on American television.

But that hasn't stopped Lynskey from pursuing her film career. Her most recent projects are Clint Eastwood's Flags of Our Fathers and Kurt Voelker's Park; as well as the recently-completed miniseries Comanche Moon.
Is a vegetarian. She had ambitions, prior to Heavenly Creatures, to become a film critic. Considered one of New Zealand's most internationally successful actors. She attended Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand. Named one of E! Online's "Sizzlin' Sixteen" in 2003. Has three younger brothers and one younger sister. Is a good friend with Detroit Rock City co-star Sam Huntington. Auditioned for roles in The Crucible, Scream and Cousin Bette. Has a production company called Velvet Morning Productions. She was cast as Pauline Parker in Heavenly Creatures two weeks before filming began. Co-writer Fran Walsh discovered her at the last minute whilst scouring local high schools for Parker lookalikes. Was shortlisted for the role of Valerie Veran in Little Nicky. Frequently works with past co-stars. Friends with Natasha Lyonne. She has a dog named Mouse, a chihuahua-dachshund mix. Received coaching from co-star Sarah Peirse for her role in Heavenly Creatures. Was FilmForce Celeb of the Day on October 18, 2002. Was the first person to kiss Kate Winslet in a film (Heavenly Creatures). One of her best friends is Emily Deschanel, sister of Zooey Deschanel. Was at one time slated to appear in an episode of Angel: The Series , in a role written especially for her by the show's producer, Joss Whedon. Turned down a role in Mansfield Park.