Natasha Lyonne

Natasha Lyonne (also credited as Natasha Leon and Natasha Bianca Lyonne Braunstein) is a New York City–born American screen artist celebrated for her unmistakable raspy voice and street-smart edge. Born April 4, 1979, she began working early and steadily grew from youthful parts into complex, adult roles across film and television.

Lyonne’s breakout era arrived with a run of sharp, character-driven comedies and indies. She played Jessica in American Pie and American Pie 2, and took on standout roles such as Megan in But I’m a Cheerleader and Brooke in Party Monster. Her film credits also include Everyone Says I Love You, Krippendorf’s Tribe, Kate & Leopold, and Modern Vampires, showcasing her range from offbeat humor to heartfelt drama.

In the 2010s and beyond, Lyonne’s career surged again with acclaimed TV performances, earning major awards attention. She became a fan favorite as Nicky Nichols on Orange Is the New Black, then expanded her influence behind the camera as a co-creator, writer, director, and executive producer of Russian Doll. She later headlined Poker Face as a human lie detector, and was named among Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2023.