Natasha Lyonne Wiki, Height, Age, Family, Husband, Net Worth and Career

Natasha Lyonne officially known as Natasha Bianca Lyonne Braunstein, born on April 4, 1979, in New York City. She is a notable American actress in television, theater, and film, widely acclaimed for her character in the coming-of-age comedy American Pie. She is also featured in the well-received Netflix series Orange Is The New Black, where her role earned her a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series in 2014.

Who is Natasha Lyonne?

Natasha Lyonne officially known as Natasha Bianca Lyonne Braunstein, is a prominent actress, producer, and director from the United States. She rose to fame for her recurring role as Nicky Nichols in the highly acclaimed Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black,” which aired from 2013 to 2019. As of 2023, Natasha Lyonne’s estimated wealth stands at $5 million.

Natasha Lyonne Wikipedia/Biography

Natasha Lyonne officially known as Natasha Bianca Lyonne Braunstein, born on April 4, 1979, in New York City. She is a versatile American actress, filmmaker, writer, and producer. As of 2024 her estimated net worth is around $5 million, accumulated through her acting and producing endeavors. Much of Lyonne’s fame stems from her role in the immensely popular Netflix comedy series Orange Is the New Black.

She is well-known for portraying Nicky Nichols in Orange Is the New Black and for her character Nadia Vulvokov in Russian Doll, which she co-created and also serves as a producer. Lyonne was born into a family rich in creativity. Though her parents’ divorce made her childhood challenging, she excelled academically.

After completing her education, she began landing acting roles. Over time, she earned and was nominated for various awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance. Lyonne has received multiple Emmy Award nominations for her contributions to television, including a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.

Making her film debut in 1986, Lyonne has featured in numerous films such as Heartburn, Dennis the Menace, Everyone Says I Love You, Slums of Beverly Hills, Detroit Rock City, Scary Movie 2, The Grey Zone, Kate & Leopold, Blade: Trinity, All About Evil, Sleeping with Other People, Hello, My Name Is Doris, Antibirth, Yoga Hosers, Show Dogs, Honey Boy, Ad Astra, Irresistible, The United States vs. Billie Holiday, and DC League of Super-Pets.

She is also recognized for her character Jessica in the American Pie franchise. In 2023, she took on the lead role in the mystery series Poker Face.

Nickname	Natasha
Gender	Female
Age	46 years old
Date of Birth	April 4, 1979
Full Name	Natasha Bianca Lyonne Braunstein
Profession	Actress
Nationality	American
Birthplace	New York, New York, United States
Religion	Judaism
Zodiac Sign	Aries
Net Worth	$5 Million

Natasha Lyonne Age

Natasha Lyonne was born on April 4, 1979, making her 44 years old as of 2023. She grew up in New York and currently lives in Los Angeles, California. She identifies as American with Ashkenazi Jewish heritage.

Natasha Lyonne Height and Weight

Natasha Lyonne stands at 5 feet 3 inches, which is equivalent to 161 centimeters, and weighs 132 pounds or 61 kilograms. Her body measurements are 36-27-35 inches, translating to 91.5-68.5-89 centimeters, and her bra size is 34B with a B cup.

Body Measurements	36-27-35 inches
Bodytype	Average
Height	5 feet 3 inches (1.61 m)
Weight	61 kg (135 lbs)
Hair Color	Blonde
Eye Color	Green

Natasha Lyonne Early Life and Education

Natasha Lyonne was delivered into the world as Natasha Bianca Lyonne Braunstein on April 4, 1979, in New York City. She was raised in an Orthodox Jewish family alongside her mother Ivette, father Aaron and her elder brother Adam. The family spent Natasha’s initial eight years in Great Neck, New York, before relocating to Israel for a year and a half.

During her time in Israel, Lyonne participated in creating the children’s movie “April Fool” and developed a passion for acting. Following her parents’ separation, Natasha and Adam moved back to New York City with Ivette, where Lyonne enrolled in a private Jewish institution known as Ramaz School. She was expelled for being caught selling marijuana on school premises, leading Ivette to move the family to Miami.

Natasha continued her education at Miami Country Day School but left prior to completing her diploma to join a film program at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. However, she withdrew from Tisch before completing her first year because she was unable to pay the tuition fees.

Natasha Lyonne Personal Life

Natasha Lyonne was in a relationship with Edward Furlong from 1998 until 1999 and had a relationship with Adam Goldberg from 2001 until 2004. In 2014, she started dating Fred Armisen, known for his work on “Saturday Night Live” and “Portlandia.” Lyonne directed Armisen in the short film “Cabiria, Charity, Chastity” released in 2017, and they have appeared together in “Documentary Now!” and “Portlandia.”

In 2001, Natasha faced legal troubles when she was arrested in Miami for DUI and fleeing an accident scene. As a result, her driving licence was revoked, and she was given six months of probation along with 50 hours of community service; she also had to pay $1,000 in fines and court costs and attend a MADD victim’s panel.

Lyonne resided in an apartment complex owned by actor Michael Rapaport, but he evicted her in 2005 due to ongoing complaints from neighbors. In 2005, Natasha was hospitalized due to a heart infection, a collapsed lung, and hepatitis C; during this period, she was also undergoing methadone therapy to address her heroin addiction. The heart infection led to damage to her heart valve, necessitating open-heart surgery to repair it in 2012.

Natasha Lyonne Public Image

Natasha Lyonne has graced the fronts of various magazines such as Backstage, Bust, Diva, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, The Hollywood Reporter, Interview, Nylon, Out, Paper, Variety, Venus, and TheWrap. Commenting on her “tough guy” image in a 2023 interview, Lyonne remarked, “I’ve borrowed from De Niro throughout my life.

While I hold a deep admiration for Bette Davis, Mae West, and Gena Rowlands, I’ve often felt a connection with figures like Peter Falk, Joe Pesci, and Jimmy Cagney all those guys. By the time I crafted Russian Doll, I envisioned a character that embodied both feminine and masculine elements.”

Lyonne has been regarded as a “lesbian icon” for her portrayals of queer characters in projects like Orange Is the New Black and But I’m a Cheerleader, alongside her support for the LGBT community. In recognition of her efforts, she received the Ally for Equality Award from the Human Rights Campaign in 2015.

Style and Influences

On her approach to directing, Lyonne has voiced her displeasure with the “lack of complexity” in contemporary filmmaking, stating that she prefers to counter this trend by “filling the frame with rich information.” She added, “I believe there’s a risk in suggesting that brightly lit, polished narratives that are straightforward are true storytelling.”

She emphasizes the importance of thorough research for a compelling story: “Consume as many books, films, and songs as possible to truly grasp the tales you’re sharing.” John Cassavetes, Peter Falk, Lou Reed, Nora Ephron, and Delia Ephron have been named by Lyonne as significant influences in her professional journey. Among her top film performances are Giulietta Masina in Nights of Cabiria, Gena Rowlands in A Woman Under the Influence, David Thewlis in Naked, and Roy Scheider in All That Jazz.

Natasha Lyonne Parents, Family and Siblings

Natasha Lyonne was delivered into the world as Natasha Bianca Lyonne Braunstein on April 4, 1979, in New York City. She is the child of Ivette Buchinger and Aaron Braunstein. Her father works as a boxing promoter and race car driver and has ties to radio hosting, and he is distantly related to cartoonist Al Jaffee. Natasha comes from a Jewish background and was raised in an Orthodox household.

Until she turned eight, Natasha spent her early years in the Great Neck region of New York City before moving to Israel. A year and a half later, her parents divorced. Eventually, she and her brother returned to the United States with their mother. Natasha attended The Ramaz School in New York City, where her academic achievements earned her scholarships.

She faced expulsion from the school for dealing marijuana. Following that, she relocated to Miami with her mother and enrolled in Miami Country Day School. Ultimately, Natasha did not finish her education and chose to leave school to participate in a film program at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.

Natasha Lyonne Husband and Marriage

Natasha Lyonne is currently unmarried, but she has been in a relationship with Fred Armisen, known for his work on Saturday Night Live, since 2014. She has been associated with various past relationships and is speculated to identify as bisexual. There was a brief romance between Lyonne and Dominican actress Maria Celedonia, and from January 1998 until June 1999, she was involved with actor Edward Furlong.

Additionally, she had a romantic connection with actor Adam Goldberg from 2001 to 2004. In 2005, she shared a short-lived relationship with actor Michael Rappaport. Presently, Lyonne is involved with Fred Armisen, who is not only an actor but also a singer, screenwriter, and comedian.

Natasha Lyonne Boyfriend, Dating and Divorce

Natasha Lyonne is an attractive individual with a charming appearance. In 1998, she was involved with Edward Furlong, but their relationship ended the following year in 1999. Later, in 2001, she formed a connection with Adam Goldberg, lasting a few years until they separated in 2004. Between 1999 and 2002, she also dated Clea DuVall.

Currently, she is in a romantic relationship with Fred Armisen, who works as an actor, comedian, and musician. Reports suggest they began their relationship in 2014 and have since grown very close. The couple can often be seen together at public events and award shows and appear to have a strong connection. Fans of the pair are optimistic that a marriage announcement may be on the horizon, leading them towards a shared future.

Natasha Lyonne Dating History

• María Celedonio – Her earliest relationship was with actress María Celedonio, a Dominican, early in her career.

• Edward Furlong (1998-1999) – Lyonne was in a relationship with actor Edward Furlong, which lasted nearly a year from January 1998 until June 1999.

• Adam Goldberg (2001-2004) – The pair met in 2001 and subsequently began a romantic relationship that continued until 2004.

• Michael Rapaport (2005) – In 2005, Natasha had a brief romantic involvement with actor Michael Rapaport for a few months.

• Fred Armisen (2014-2022) – In 2014, Natasha began dating Fred Armisen, who is a screenwriter, comedian, and actor. The couple announced their breakup in April 2022 after nearly eight years together, as confirmed by Natasha Lyonne.

Edward Furlong (1998-1999)

Adam Goldberg (2001-2004)

Michael Rapaport (2005)

Fred Armisen (2014-Present)

Natasha Lyonne Career/Professional Journey

Lyonne journey in modeling kicked off at the tender age of six, leading to opportunities with various brands. She landed the part of “Opal” in “Pee-Playhouse.” Additionally, her film credits include “Heartburn,” “Dennis the Menace,” and “A Mann Named Sarge.” However, after these early roles, her career faced a pause.

She was cast in Woody Allen’s romantic hit, “Everyone Says I Love You,” at the age of sixteen. Critics lauded her performance in this film. Over the subsequent 10 years, Lyonne appeared in numerous films such as “Detroit Rock City,” “The Grey Zone,” “Blade: Trinity,” and “Scary Movie 2.”

Indie cinema featured Lyonne in significant roles in films like “Slums of Beverly Hills” and “But I’m a Cheerleader.” She was drawn to independent films because they offered her a greater variety of characters compared to conventional studio productions. Following her role in “Everyone Says I Love You,” she made guest appearances on prominent television shows, including “Will and Grace” on NBC.

In 1999, Lyonne became involved in the “American Pie” film franchise. These movies helped her gain nationwide recognition, particularly among younger audiences. Her interest in theater blossomed after she enrolled at New York University to study philosophy and film. She took part in various theatrical productions across New York and beyond. Some of the plays she appeared in include “Women Behind Bars,” “Two Thousand Years,” and “Love, Loss, and What I Wore.”

After her stint on “Will and Grace,” Lyonne featured in several shows such as “Weeds,” “New Girl,” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” She also secured a role in the acclaimed Netflix series “Orange is the New Black,” participating in every season produced thus far. In 2014, Lyonne was cast in the NBC comedy “Old Soul.” She also lent her voice to the character “Smoky Quartz” in the Cartoon Network series, Steven Universe.

In the 2019 film “Honey Boy,” she appeared alongside Shia LaBeouf and Lucas Hedges. That same year, she was cast in the American comedy-drama web series “Russian Doll.” During the seventh and final season of “Orange Is the New Black,” Lyonne took on the role of director for one of the episodes. She has voiced characters in shows such as “The Simpsons” and “Big Mouth.”

Lyonne has faced numerous legal issues due to her struggles with alcohol and drugs. In the early 2000s, she dealt with alcoholism and was arrested for driving under the influence. Additionally, in 2005, her landlord evicted her for her aggressive behavior. She has also encountered health challenges. In 2005, Lyonne was diagnosed with Hepatitis C, a heart infection, and lung damage.

She spent several months hospitalized and underwent open-heart surgery to repair the harm done to her heart by the infection. In 2014, Natasha Lyonne began a relationship with Fred Armisen, an actor from Saturday Night Live, but they announced their breakup in April 2022. Lyonne felt that her parents took advantage of her by having her work at just six years old. While many young actresses might view an early opportunity in performance as a blessing, Natasha Lyonne regarded it as unjust.

1986–1999: Beginnings and film breakout

Lyonne began her career at an early age when she was signed by the Ford Modeling Agency. At just seven years old, she was cast in the recurring role of Opal on Pee-wee’s Playhouse, appearing from September to December in 1986. That same year marked her film debut, where she played a minor role in the comedy-drama Heartburn directed by Mike Nichols.

Reflecting on her childhood acting experiences, Lyonne remarked, “I had to start acting like a professional and managing my career by the age of six. By ten, I was already disillusioned with the industry… I don’t believe my parents fully understood the implications. Their choices were shaped by a blend of hope and lack of knowledge.”

Following her supporting role as Polly in Dennis the Menace (1993), at the age of 16, Lyonne was cast in the musical comedy Everyone Says I Love You (1996), directed by Woody Allen, where she played D.J., the daughter of the central character Joe, portrayed by Allen. This opportunity led to a leading role in the independent coming-of-age film Slums of Beverly Hills (1998), which earned her acclaim for her performance as Vivian Abromowitz.

Michael O’Sullivan from The Washington Post noted, “Lyonne excellently portrays Vivian’s mix of confusion, curiosity, disgust, and longing regarding her physical and emotional experiences. After portraying various daughters in films, Lyonne truly demonstrates her abilities as an actress here, showing her individuality rather than merely being someone’s young girl.”

In 1999, Lyonne played the role of Megan Bloomfield, a teenager grappling with her sexuality, in the satirical romantic comedy But I’m a Cheerleader. Although it received mixed reviews at its release, the film played a significant role in highlighting the dangers of conversion therapy and has since gained a cult status. That same year, she took on a minor yet pivotal role as Jessica in American Pie (1999), a character she would reprise in two subsequent sequels, a film that earned over US$230 million globally.

Other notable performances in 1999 included her portrayal of Christine in Detroit Rock City and a leading role in Freeway II: Confessions of a Trickbaby. The latter, a sequel to the 1996 original, was criticized for its graphic content and explicitness, yet Lyonne’s interpretation of the teenage prostitute Crystal Van Meuther was acknowledged for its gritty, tough representation.

2000–2010: Mainstream and Independent Films

In the acclaimed 2000 TV film If These Walls Could Talk 2, Lyonne took on the role of Jeanne, a college activist advocating for lesbian rights. Following that, she was featured in the well-received Holocaust-themed film The Grey Zone (2001), and she maintained a consistent presence in the early 2000s, working on popular projects like Scary Movie 2, Kate & Leopold (both released in 2001) and Blade: Trinity (2004).

Alongside these mainstream roles, she also acted in smaller films like Zig Zag (2002), Die, Mommie, Die!, and Party Monster (both released in 2003), Madhouse (2004), and My Suicidal Sweetheart (2005). Subsequently, she starred in the 2009 experimental dark comedy The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle, which The Austin Chronicle described as “relentlessly bizarre, audacious, and frenetic.”

Her performance as Debbie Tennis, a deranged serial killer, in the 2010 horror spoof All About Evil garnered significant praise, with Film Threat stating correctly acknowledges Lyonne as the star she is, showing us glimpses of the darkness within that made Freeway 2: Confessions of a Trick Baby the ultimate cult classic of the 20th century,” noting that “her talent for unleashing torrents of intensity is prominently showcased here.”

Lyonne made her debut on the New York stage in the 2008 rendition of Mike Leigh’s Two Thousand Years at the Acorn Theatre. She was a member of the original cast from October 2009 to March 2010 in Love, Loss, and What I Wore, an off-Broadway production by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron, adapted from Ilene Beckerman’s book.

In 2010, Lyonne received acclaim for her role in Kim Rosenstock’s comedy Tigers Be Still at the Roundabout Theatre Company, with Charles Isherwood writing in The New York Times: “Ms. Lyonne a pure delight in the undeniably funniest character, the grief-stricken Grace, so engulfed in self-pity that she has abandoned any semblance of propriety.” Lyonne starred in the 2011 staging of Tommy Nohilly’s Blood from a Stone at the Acorn Theatre. The subsequent year, she took part in a charity performance of Women Behind Bars.

Natasha Lyonne 10 Best Movie & TV Roles

Natasha Lyonne rose to prominence through the American Pie franchise, but she later demonstrated her range in productions such as Poker Face and Russian Doll, the latter of which she co-created, as well as in Orange is the New Black.

Following her breakout role, Natasha began to secure notable roles in films and TV shows, portraying Tamara Jenson in “Fast Sofa” and Megan in “Scary Movie 2” in 2001. That same year, she also appeared in “The Grey Zone” and “Kate & Leopold.”

Her acting career began with her roles in the 2002 films “Comic Book Villains,” “Zig Zag,” and “Night at the Golden Eagle.” She then went on to feature in “Party Monster” (2003), “Blade: Trinity” (2004), “Robots” (2005), and 2009’s “The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle.”

1. ‘Poker Face’ (2023)

Poker Face represents yet another success for Lyonne, serving as both a murder mystery and a project she oversees as an executive producer. In this series, she takes on the role of Charlie, a character who previously capitalized on her exceptional skill to gauge honesty in others, raking in substantial winnings at the poker table. However, a chain of incidents leads her to flee.

During her journey, she encounters various individuals and applies her remarkable ability to unravel mysteries. In this performance, Lyonne adopts a more understated approach compared to some of her arguably more exaggerated roles, which enhances her watching appeal. Despite the grim narrative, she still injects a quotient of humor into the storyline.

2. ‘Russian Doll’ (2019)

In a contemporary interpretation of Groundhog Day, Lyonne stars in this mystery-infused comedy-drama that she helped to create and also executive produce. She portrays Nadia, a game designer who unexpectedly dies on her birthday only to awaken again the same day. She finds herself trapped in a loop, experiencing her demise in various forms and attempting to outsmart fate.

The second season sees Nadia journeying back in time to revisit her birth and relive moments with her mother. This role showcases one of Lyonne’s most impressive and captivating performances, requiring a blend of intrigue, dramatic elements, and comedic nuances. Lyonne handles it exceptionally well, captivating viewers with each episode, each moment, and every twist that emerges.

3. ‘Portlandia’ (2011 – 2018)

Lyonne has also ventured into sketch comedy with multiple roles throughout the run of this lengthy series from 2015 until 2018. Portlandia parodies the quirky hipster culture prevalent in Portland, Oregon. Each episode highlights various characters and situations, ranging from frustrated diners at a trendy restaurant to a failed solo theater production.

4. ‘Orange is the New Black’ (2013 – 2019)

As one of Netflix’s inaugural original series and hailed as one of the standout TV dramedies of the 2010s, Orange is the New Black features a diverse ensemble of mainly female characters incarcerated in a minimum-security women’s prison. The plot revolves around Piper, a young woman from a wealthy background who finds herself serving a sentence for assisting her drug-dealing girlfriend.

Lyonne commands attention in every scene as Nicky Nichols, a character battling drug addiction and striving for redemption with support from Red, another inmate who serves as her confidante and maternal figure. Through Lyonne’s signature blend of sarcasm, toughness, and brashness, she adds depth to the character by revealing her more vulnerable aspects.

5. ‘The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle’ (2009)

Dory, a devoutly religious individual, faces unemployment as an IT manager and transitions into a custodial position. Just as he begins adjusting to this new role, he and his colleagues find out that they are being unwittingly used as test subjects for the company’s projects.

Lyonne portrays Tracy, a product researcher at the fictional malevolent corporation Corsica, who vacillates on the ethics of testing cookies that seem to be making workers ill and causing hallucinations. The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle is a peculiar and eccentric film blending elements of darkness and humor, two genres that align with Lyonne’s style.

6. All About Evil (2010)

In this darkly humorous slasher film, Lyonne portrays Deborah, a character who endures a grave electrocution while performing in the ’80s. Fast forward sixteen years, she still runs her family’s dilapidated theater, primarily screening exploitation and horror films. In a bizarre twist, Deborah begins producing snuff films for excitement and showcases them at this rundown venue.

This character offers a more wild dimension to Lyonne’s acting, as she embodies a vicious, torturous, disturbed, and deranged individual. Although All About Evil didn’t achieve commercial success, it nonetheless contributed to Lyonne’s reputation within the low-budget slasher film community, gaining her recognition from audiences and critics who admire the quirky and complex nature of this campy genre.

7. Hello, My Name is Doris (2015)

Within this romantic comedy-drama, Doris is a peculiar and reserved woman in her sixties who finds herself attracted to a younger colleague and decides to pursue that interest. While the workplace romance doesn’t unfold as ideally as she dreams, the pursuit itself and the takeaway about embracing life fully at any age remains optimistic.

Lyonne plays a minor supportive character named Sally in Hello, My Name is Doris, one of Doris’s colleagues. She blends in as a typical office worker, which marks a shift from Lyonne’s usual attention-demanding, gritty roles. She handles the feminine part with grace, demonstrating that Lyonne is capable of roles beyond addicts, lawbreakers, and tough characters.

8. Slums of Beverly Hills (1998)

In one of Lyonne’s early films, she leads this comedy-drama about a dysfunctional household, portraying 14-year-old Vivian as a nomad alongside her struggling family. They find a solution to their financial woes when a well-off uncle agrees to cover their living expenses in exchange for looking after his adult daughter, who has fled a rehabilitation center.

Amidst this, Vivian takes on much of the child care responsibilities while grappling with her identity during a pivotal time in her adolescence. Even as a teenager she displayed the subtle comedic talent that she adeptly showcases today in more mature roles through clever sarcasm and witty remarks that have become hallmarks of her career.

9. American Brown (2004)

This coming-of-age drama from 2004 might not be widely recognized, yet American Brown garnered positive reception from its audience. It narrates the journey of Ricky, a young quarterback from West Texas who seeks to escape his troubled circumstances by moving in with an old childhood friend turned priest in New York City. The film also features two women whose lives significantly influence theirs.

Lyonne portrays Vera, one of the two women mentioned earlier. As a free-spirited waitress, she forms a friendship with Ricky, who believes she could assist him in discovering purpose in his life. Although her part is minor, Lyonne, along with the rest of the cast, receives acclaim for effectively handling intense scenes that delve into significant themes such as guilt and redemption.

10. ‘G.B.F.’ (2013)

G.B.F. (Gay Best Friend) is a youth comedy that revolves around two high school students who remain in the shadows regarding their sexuality. One of them resolves to come out during prom, motivated not by personal truth but by the desire to impress a prominent girl from one of the school’s elite groups.

He believes this action will elevate his social status since, according to teen magazines, having a gay best friend is currently trendy. This film serves as a delightful LGBTQ+ experience to appreciate during Pride Month, yet it is enjoyable throughout the entire year.

In a more subdued character portrayal, Lyonne takes on the role of Ms. Hoegel, a teacher at the high school. She observes the interactions among the students and is unsettled by how the girls treat the young boy as if he were a trophy. This role reveals a gentler, more responsible aspect of Lyonne compared to the numerous carefree characters she typically embodies.

Natasha Lyonne, Elizabeth Olsen, and Carrie Coon Are His Three Daughters

His Three Daughters tells a story centered around pre-mourning. In this latest film by writer-director Azazel Jacobs (French Exit), three siblings return to their father’s house to brace themselves for impending sorrow, as he faces declining health and dwindling time. While waiting at his side, past grievances resurface, putting stress on the sisters’ relationships.

What is His Three Daughters about?

His Three Daughters offers a gripping, engaging, and emotional exploration of familial bonds, featuring Carrie Coon, Elizabeth Olsen, and Natasha Lyonne as sisters united by their father’s deteriorating condition.

Who in the cast of His Three Daughters?

The cast of His Three Daughters features:

• Natasha Lyonne (Russian Doll, Poker Face)
• Elizabeth Olsen (Martha Marcy May Marlene, Kodachrome)
• Carrie Coon (The Leftovers, The Nest)

Ahead, Lyonne, Olsen, and Coon share insights about the intricate work involved in establishing such private chemistry among themselves, collaborating with Jacobs to refine their roles, and their enthusiasm for competing in the Spelling Bee.

Natasha Lyonne: When I learned that Aza envisioned me for the role of Rachel, I thought, ‘That’s interesting. I’m the laid-back character?’ I faced numerous challenges regarding this. I truly contemplated if this role would push me creatively. Aza and I had a brief discussion about it. Ultimately, I opted to fully embrace that facet of the character. My thoughts turned to why someone would smoke excessively and what that implied for Rachel.

Carrie Coon: I was extremely honored that someone would create a character keeping me in mind, especially Aza. My spouse, actor and playwright Tracy Letts, had collaborated with Aza on The Lovers. We shared a long-standing friendship, and I was unsure if he viewed me in that light. An additional delightful aspect was that Aza personally hand-delivered the script.

He insisted on avoiding digital submissions, reflecting the entire nature of the filmmaking journey, from inception to completion. The thoughtful approach behind it was genuinely exhilarating, and I appreciated it deeply.

Elizabeth Olsen: Aza and I first collaborated around six years back, and we’ve maintained our friendship while brainstorming numerous projects together. So, he has quite an understanding of who I am. Upon reading the script, I was taken aback to learn he envisioned me as Christina, as I had anticipated being seen as Katie.

We engaged in many discussions regarding this, not because I think I should only take roles that mirror my true self, but out of curiosity about his perspective on me being suitable for Christina. While she does exhibit similarities to my character, it’s strangely not how I perceive myself, particularly in terms of being accommodating and a mediator. However, Aza sees me that way, which I found intriguing.

Orange Is the New Black

In 2013, Natasha Lyonne assumed the part of Nicky Nichols, a prisoner in a women’s correctional facility, in the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black. In a 2020 interview with Rolling Stone, she stated, “In Orange Is the New Black, I truly had the chance to embody the kind of New York, male, Seventies actor I aspired to be, complete with an arc, a narrative, and a robust interior thought process.” In the third season, her character experiences the same heart surgery that Lyonne underwent in 2012.

When the character reveals her surgical scar, it showcases Lyonne’s genuine scar. The show earned Lyonne a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series in both 2015 and 2017. While working on Orange Is the New Black, she directed an episode and made guest appearances on Portlandia multiple times from 2015 to 2018, as well as in Girls and Inside Amy Schumer, both in 2015, and Documentary Now! in 2019.

Russian Doll

In 2019, Natasha Lyonne co-created the series Russian Doll alongside actress and writer Amy Poehler and playwright Leslye Headland. She also played the lead role of Nadia Vulvokov, a tough New Yorker trapped in a time loop. Several episodes were also directed by her. The series received critical acclaim and was well-loved by viewers, leading Lyonne to be nominated for Emmys for both acting and writing. It was picked up for a second season, which debuted in 2022.

Natasha Lyonne Film Career

Natasha Lyonne made her debut with a non-credited appearance in the 1986 film “Heartburn,” and by the late 1990s, she had featured in roughly twelve additional films, such as “Dennis the Menace” (1993), “Modern Vampires” (1998), and “Detroit Rock City” (1999). In 1996, she took on a leading role in Woody Allen’s “Everyone Says I Love You,” and in 1999, she portrayed Jessica in the smash hit “American Pie,” which earned a whopping $235.5 million globally.

Natasha reprised her character in “American Pie 2” (2001) and “American Reunion” (2012), both of which also surpassed $200 million in earnings at the box office. In 2001, Lyonne parodied “The Exorcist” in “Scary Movie 2” and starred alongside Meg Ryan and Hugh Jackman in “Kate & Leopold.” Subsequently, she featured in “Party Monster” (2003), “Blade: Trinity” (2004), and “The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle” (2009).

In the 2010 film “All About Evil,” Lyonne played a librarian with serial killer tendencies, appeared as herself in “He’s Way More Famous Than You” (2013), and shared the screen with Kristen Wiig and Annette Bening in “Girl Most Likely” (2013). In 2015, she took leading roles in “Addicted to Fresno,” “Sleeping with Other People,” “Hello, My Name Is Doris,” “Bloomin Mud Shuffle,” and “Horror,”

In 2016, she starred in seven films including Kevin Smith’s “Yoga Hosers,” the horror title “Antibirth” and the short narrative “The Realest Real.” More recently, Natasha has been seen in the films “A Futile and Stupid Gesture” (2018), “Ad Astra” (2019), and “Irresistible” (2020).

Year	Title	Role
1986	Heartburn	Rachel’s Niece
1989	April Fool	Natasha
1990	A Man Called Sarge	Arab Girl
1993	Dennis the Menace	Polly
1996	Everyone Says I Love You	Djuna “DJ” Berlin
1998	Slums of Beverly Hills	Vivian Abromowitz
	Krippendorf’s Tribe	Shelly Krippendorf
	Modern Vampires	Rachel
1999	American Pie	Jessica
	Detroit Rock City	Christine Sixteen
	Freeway II: Confessions of a Trickbaby	Crystal “White Girl” Van Meuther	Also associate producer
	But I’m a Cheerleader	Megan Bloomfield
	The Auteur Theory	Rosemary Olson
2001	Plan B	Kaye
	Fast Sofa	Tamara Jenson
	Scary Movie 2	Megan Voorhees
	American Pie 2	Jessica
	The Grey Zone	Rosa
	Kate & Leopold	Darci
2002	Comic Book Villains	Judy Link
	Zig Zag	Jenna the Working Girl
	Night at the Golden Eagle	Amber
2003	Die, Mommie, Die!	Edith Sussman
	Party Monster	Brooke
2004	America Brown	Vera
	Madhouse	Alice
	Blade: Trinity	Sommerfield
2005	Robots	Loretta Geargrinder (voice)
	My Suicidal Sweetheart	Grace
2008	Tricks of a Woman	Sally
2009	The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle	Tracy
	Jelly	Mona Hammel
	Goyband	Fani
	Running Away with Blackie	Motel Clerk	Short film
	Outrage: Born in Terror	Molly
	Heterosexuals	Ellia
2010	All About Evil	Deborah Tennis
2011	4:44 Last Day on Earth	Tina
	Night Club	Mrs. Keaton
2012	American Reunion	Jessica
2013	7E	Yael
	He’s Way More Famous Than You	Herself
	The Rambler	Cheryl
	G.B.F.	Ms. Hogel
	Girl Most Likely	Allyson
	Clutter	Lisa Bradford
2014	Loitering with Intent	Kaplan
2015	Addicted to Fresno	Martha Jackson
	Sleeping with Other People	Kara
	Hello, My Name Is Doris	Sally
	Bloomin Mud Shuffle	Jock
	#Horror	Emma
2016	Yoga Hosers	Tabitha Collette
	The Intervention	Sarah
	Darby Forever	The Baddest Girl	Short film
	Antibirth	Lou	Also producer
	Adam Green’s Aladdin	Mom
	The Realest Real	Herself	Short film
	Jack Goes Home	Nancy
2017	Girlfriend’s Day	Miss Taft
	Handsome	Det. Fleur Scozzari
	Cabiria, Charity, Chastity	Jules	Short film; Also producer, writer, and director
2018	A Futile and Stupid Gesture	Anne Beatts
	Family	Rebecca the Juggalette
	Show Dogs	Mattie
	Doulo	Rena	Short film
2019	Honey Boy	Mrs. Lort
	Ad Astra	Tanya Pincus
	Uncut Gems	Boston Player Personnel (voice)
2020	Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics	Herself
	Irresistible	Tina De Tessant
2021	The United States vs. Billie Holiday	Tallulah Bankhead
2022	Sirens	None
	Crush	None	Producer
	DC League of Super-Pets	Merton (voice)
	Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery	Herself	Cameo
2023	His Three Daughters	Rachel
2024	An Almost Christmas Story	Pat (voice)
2025	Smurfs	TBA (voice)
	The Fantastic Four: First Steps	TBA	Post-production
	The Bad Guys 2	Doom (voice)	In production

Natasha Lyonne Television Career

In 1986, Natasha Lyonne appeared as Opal in six episodes of “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” and she wouldn’t return to television until 2000, when she made a guest appearance on “Will & Grace” and took a leading role in the television movie “If These Walls Could Talk 2.” She subsequently guest-starred in “Grounded for Life” (2002), “The Knights of Prosperity” (2007), “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (2011), “Girls” (2015), and “Inside Amy Schumer” (2015; 2016).

In 2013, Natasha started portraying Nicky Nichols, an inmate struggling with addiction, on “Orange Is the New Black,” where she appeared in 81 episodes spanning seven seasons and took on directing duties for the seventh season episode titled “The Hidey Hole.” In 2019, she took the lead as Nadia Vulvokov, a character who dies repeatedly, in “Russian Doll.”

The show’s highly acclaimed inaugural season garnered 13 Primetime Emmy nominations, securing wins for Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series (Half-Hour), Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Program (Half-Hour), and Outstanding Contemporary Costumes. Lyonne has also lent her voice to various animated projects, including Smoky Quartz in “Steven Universe” (2016; 2019), Sophie in “The Simpsons” (2016; 2019), Gaz Digzy in “Ballmastrz: 9009” (2018–present), and both Nadia Vulvokov and Suzette in “Big Mouth” (2018–2020).

Year	Title	Role
1986	Pee-wee’s Playhouse	Opal
2000	Will & Grace	Gillian
	If These Walls Could Talk 2	Jeanne	Television film
2001	Night Visions	Bethany Daniels
2002	Grounded for Life	Gretchen
2007	The Knights of Prosperity	Female Co-Star
2009	Loving Leah	Esther
2011	New Girl	Gretchen
	Law & Order: Special Victims Unit	Gia Eskas	Episode: “Educated Guess”
2012	Weeds	Tiffani
2013	NTSF:SD:SUV::	Mrs. Barbato
2013–2019	Orange Is the New Black	Nicky Nichols
2015	Girls	Rickey
	Comedy Bang! Bang!	Katie	Episode: “Dax Shepard Wears a Heather Grey Shirt and Black Blazer”
	Sanjay and Craig	Chido (voice)	Episode: Bike-o Psycho
2015–2016	Inside Amy Schumer	Various
2015–2018	Portlandia	Various
2016	The $100,000 Pyramid	Herself
2016–2019	Steven Universe	Smoky Quartz (voice)
2016–2022	The Simpsons	Sophie Krustofsky (voice)
2018–2023	Ballmastrz: 9009	Gaz Digzy (voice)
2018	Corporate	Gretchen
	Animals.	VHS Copy of Can’t Hardly Wait (voice)	Episode: Stuff
2018–2022	Big Mouth	Suzette; Nadia Vulvokov (voice)
2019–2022	Russian Doll	Nadia Vulvokov
2019	Documentary Now!	Carla Meola
	RuPaul’s Drag Race	Herself	Episode: “L.A.D.P.!”
	An Emmy for Megan	Herself	Episode: “New Minimum Length”
	Explained	Narrator (voice)	Episode: “Pirates”
	Steven Universe Future	Smoky Quartz (voice)	Episode: “Guidance”
	Cake	Gretchen	Episode: “Cache Flow”
	John Mulaney & the Sack Lunch Bunch	Herself	Television special
2020	Shrill	None
	Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens	Woman in Hair Salon	Episode: “Not Today”; Director: “Paperwork”
	High Fidelity	None	Director: “Weird… But Warm”
	Crossing Swords	Norah (voice)	Episode: “Eat Plague Love”
	Bless the Harts	Debbie Donatello (voice)	Episode: “Violet’s Secret”
	Sarah Cooper: Everything’s Fine	None	Director
2021	Ten Year Old Tom	Irene (voice)
2022	Saturday Night Live	Herself (host)
	Loot	None	Executive producer
2023–present	Poker Face	Charlie Cale
2023	The Eric Andre Show	Herself
	HouseBroken	Various voices	2 episodes
2024–present	The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy	Nurse Tup (voice)
2024	Fantasmas	Suzanna

Awards & Achievements

In 1999, she was nominated for a ‘Chicago Film Critics Association Award’ in the category of ‘Most Promising Actress.’ Additionally, she garnered a ‘Teen Choice Award’ nomination for ‘Breakout Performance.’ These nominations were in recognition of her work in the film ‘Slums of Beverly Hills.’

The following year, in 2000, Lyonne was honored with the ‘Young Hollywood Award’ for ‘Best Ensemble Cast’ due to her participation in the film ‘American Pie.’ At the ‘Monaco International Film Festival,’ Lyonne earned the ‘Best Supporting Female Actor’ award for her role in the movie ‘Tricks of Love.’

In 2014, Lyonne secured her initial ‘Primetime Emmy Award’ nomination for her role in ‘Orange is the New Black.’ By 2017, she received a nomination for the ‘Best Actress Award’ at the ‘Fangoria Chainsaw Awards’ for her performance in the American-Canadian psychedelic body horror film ‘Antibirth.

Natasha Lyonne Net Worth

Natasha Lyonne is an American performer, filmmaker, scriptwriter, and producer with an estimated net worth of $5 million. She began her modeling career in the first grade and made her acting debut in the 1986 show “Pee-wee Playhouse.” Since then, she has participated in over 100 film and television projects, including titles like “Slums of Beverly Hills” (1998), “American Pie” (1999), “But I’m a Cheerleader” (1999), “Scary Movie 2” (2002), “New Girl” (2011), and “Weeds” (2012).

Natasha portrayed Nicky Nichols in the Netflix series “Orange is the New Black” from 2013 to 2019, and she currently plays Nadia Vulvokov in Netflix’s “Russian Doll,” which launched in 2019. She developed “Russian Doll” alongside Amy Poehler and Leslye Headland, actively contributing as a writer, director, and producer for the show.

Natasha also boasts a notable theater background, having acted in productions such as Mike Leigh’s “Two Thousand Years,” Nora and Delia Ephron’s “Love, Loss, and What I Wore,” Kim Rosenstock’s “Tigers Be Still,” and Tommy Nohilly’s “Blood From a Stone.” Additionally, she has directed episodes for “Orange Is the New Black” (2019), “Shrill” (2020), “Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens” (2020), and “High Fidelity” (2020), along with the Netflix special “Sarah Cooper: Everything’s Fine” (2020).

Social Media Account

Natasha Lyonne actively shares images and videos on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. She frequently updates her followers about her day-to-day life on social media. On Instagram, Natasha has amassed 2 million followers, solidifying her status as a well-known figure in the online world. In 2023, her total wealth is estimated at approximately $6 million.

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