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. Considered one of New Zealand's most internationally successful actors. Named one of E! Online's "Sizzlin' Sixteen" in 2003. Is a good friend with Detroit Rock City (1999) co-star Sam Huntington. Had a production company called Velvet Morning Productions. Was shortlisted for the role of Valerie Veran in Little Nicky (2000). Friends with Natasha Lyonne. Received coaching from co-star Sarah Peirse for her role in Heavenly Creatures (1994). Was the first person to kiss Kate Winslet in a film (Heavenly Creatures (1994)). Was at one time slated to appear in an episode of "Angel" (1999), in a role written especially for her by the show's producer, Joss Whedon. Friend of Trini Alvarado.