Natasha Lyonne’s filmography showcases her remarkable talent for embodying complex, eccentric characters, particularly in productions that blend dark comedy with various genres. Hailing from New York, Lyonne embarked on her acting journey as a child model in the late 1980s, making her debut in the 1986 film Heartburn. Her career took a significant turn in 1996 with a co-starring role in Woody Allen’s Everyone Says I Love You, but it was the 1998 hit Slums of Beverly Hills that solidified her standing in Hollywood. Over the years, Lyonne has taken on memorable roles in numerous acclaimed films, but her performance as Nicky Nichols in Netflix’s Orange is the New Black in 2013 catapulted her to mainstream recognition.
Recognized for her unique charm and ability to tackle both comedic and dramatic roles, Natasha Lyonne continues to deliver captivating performances across various media. Here’s a look at some of her standout works in movies and television.
10 The Second Best Hospital In The Galaxy (2024-Present)
Natasha Lyonne Plays Nurse Tup
Among her voice acting endeavors, Natasha Lyonne shines in the newly released animated series The Second Best Hospital In The Galaxy, created by Cirocco Dunlap for Amazon Prime Video. This surreal sci-fi comedy revolves around alien medical professionals at a cosmic healthcare facility. In this series, Lyonne voices Nurse Tup, a cynical and meticulous character who struggles to manage her interactions with the quirky Dr. Sleech (voiced by Stephanie Hsu) and Dr. Klak (voiced by Keke Palmer).Her performance is hilariously captivating, with a refreshing reversal of her typical character dynamics.
9 Hello, My Name Is Doris (2015)
Natasha Lyonne Plays Sally
In the coming-of-age romantic comedy Hello, My Name Is Doris, directed by Michael Showalter, Natasha Lyonne plays Sally, a co-worker of the socially challenged Doris (Sally Field).Despite her limited screen time, Lyonne’s performance is impactful, showcasing her ability to complement Field’s character’s quirkiness with her own subtlety. This film exemplifies Lyonne’s versatility as an actress, demonstrating that she can adeptly navigate traditional roles while supporting more eccentric characters in the spotlight — a testament to her range and chemistry with Field.
8 Portlandia (2011-2019)
Natasha Lyonne Plays Multiple Roles
From 2011 to 2019, Lyonne appeared in the sketch comedy series Portlandia, which aired on IFC. Although her role was brief, she left an indelible mark with standout sketches such as the “SeaWorld”and “Male Dating App.”The show, which humorously critiques Portland’s hipster culture, highlights Lyonne’s innate comedic timing and her ability to bring character-driven humor to life.For fans seeking a pure comedic showcase of Lyonne’s talents, Portlandia is a delightful watch.
7 America Brown (2004)
Natasha Lyonne Plays Vera
Initially flying under the radar, America Brown has garnered a following in retrospect, largely due to Lyonne’s compelling portrayal of Vera, a significant character in a coming-of-age narrative. The film tells the story of Ricky, a teenager navigating New York after moving from Texas. Lyonne’s role, while not the lead, gives depth to the film and showcases her capability in more emotionally charged dramas, solidifying her status in indie film circuits — a true hidden gem in her career.
6 Slums Of Beverly Hills (1998)
Natasha Lyonne Plays Vivian Abromovitz
One of Lyonne’s most noteworthy performances is in Slums of Beverly Hills, where she starred as Vivian, a teen navigating the chaos of a dysfunctional family. Written and directed by Tamara Jenkins, the film balances humor and heartfelt moments expertly. The chemistry between Lyonne and her co-stars, particularly Marisa Tomei, is electric, and the film’s 81% score on Rotten Tomatoes reflects its enduring appeal.This coming-of-age comedy is a highlight in Lyonne’s early career.
5 All About Evil (2010)
Natasha Lyonne Plays Deborah Tennis
All About Evil, a dark comedy slasher directed by Joshua Grannell, features Lyonne as Deborah Tennis, a theater manager with a hidden obsession for horror and gore films. This role showcases her ability to oscillate between comedy and drama, revealing a depth of character that resonates with her later work in acclaimed series. Although the film did not achieve widespread success, it has garnered praise from genre enthusiasts for Lyonne’s compelling performance that highlights her acting range.
4 The Immaculate Conception Of Little Dizzle (2009)
Natasha Lyonne Plays Tracy
In David Russo’s The Immaculate Conception Of Little Dizzle, Lyonne plays Tracy, a role that exemplifies her talent for merging humor with deeper themes. The plot revolves around an office janitor who uncovers bizarre experiments happening at his workplace. Lyonne’s portrayal embodies the blend of quirky humor and serious commentary that defines her body of work, making this film a notable entry in her filmography.
3 Orange Is The New Black (2013-2019)
Natasha Lyonne Plays Nicky Nichols
Introducing millions to her talent, Orange Is the New Black highlighted Natasha Lyonne’s ability to portray the complex character of Nicky Nichols, a recovering addict navigating life in a women’s prison. Her compelling performance earned her critical acclaim, including an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress. Lyonne’s portrayal resonated with audiences, transforming Nicky into a beloved character and solidifying Lyonne’s status as a leading actress in television.
2 Russian Doll (2019-2021)
Natasha Lyonne Plays Nadia Vulvokov
The critically acclaimed series Russian Doll is a testament to Lyonne’s acting prowess, combining intrigue with existential themes. As Nadia Vulvokov, she navigates a twisted time loop that always leads to her untimely demise, capturing the audience’s attention with her authenticity and depth. This series earned her several awards, including Golden Globe nominations, affirming her transition from beloved supporting actress to a pivotal figure in television.
1 Poker Face (2023-Present)
Natasha Lyonne Plays Charlie Cale
Currently, Poker Face, streaming on Peacock, showcases Natasha Lyonne at her best as Charlie Cale, a waitress with an extraordinary ability to detect lies. Developed by filmmaker Rian Johnson, this murder mystery series has gained critical acclaim, with Lyonne’s performance earning her multiple awards, including the 2023 Television Critics Association Award for Individual Achievement in Comedy. The show’s compelling narrative, combined with an impressive roster of guest stars such as Adrien Brody and Chloe Sevigny, solidifies it as Lyonne’s most distinguished work to date.For fans of her craft, Poker Face is an absolute must-watch.
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