Natasha Lyonne

Natasha Lyonne is an American actress, writer, television director, and producer. Her early career saw her in roles in films such as "Everyone Says I Love You," "Slums of Beverly Hills," and "American Pie." Her portrayal of Nicky Nichols on the Netflix series "Orange Is the New Black" elevated her recognition and earned her two Screen Actors Guild Awards. Lyonne's influence extends beyond acting; she co-created, wrote for, directed, and served as an executive producer of the Netflix series "Russian Doll" and currently stars in Peacock's "Poker Face."

Lyonne began her career as a child actor, signed by the Ford Modeling Agency, and made her film debut in "Heartburn" in 1986. Her roles in films like "The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle," "All About Evil," and "Antibirth" further established her presence in the industry. Her directorial debut came in 2017 with the short film "Cabiria, Charity, Chastity" for fashion brand KENZO, and she has since directed episodes of "Russian Doll," "Poker Face," "Orange is the New Black," "Shrill," and "High Fidelity." Lyonne co-founded the production company Animal Pictures with Maya Rudolph and has been open about her addiction and recovery journey, serving as an inspiration to many.

In addition to her film and television work, Lyonne has also seen success on stage. She made her New York stage debut in the 2008 production of Mike Leigh's "Two Thousand Years" at the Acorn Theatre and has received positive reviews for her performances in other productions. Her work has been recognized by Time Magazine, naming her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2023. Lyonne's contributions to the entertainment industry extend to her advocacy for equality, for which she was awarded the Human Rights Campaign's Ally for Equality Award in 2015. This breadth of experience, combined with her unique voice and the open discussion of her personal journey, position Lyonne as a compelling figure in the entertainment industry.