Mary Lynn Rajskub Biography

American actress Mary Lynn Rajskub got her start in a series of television comedies. She is most known, however, for her costarring role in one of the most dramatic and suspenseful series on air, 24.

Mary Lynn Rajskub was born June 20, 1971 in Detroit, Michigan. Her often stumbled over last name is pronounced “rice-cub.” She is of both Czech and Irish ancestry. She was raised in Trenton, Michigan but subsequently made the move to Los Angeles.

Before entering the glamorous world of entertainment, Rajskub attended the San Francisco Art Institute for painting. She then worked at the Hard Rock Café as well as the Beverly Center movie theater.

Moving from minimum wage to acting, Rajskub made her big debut in 1995 when she teamed up with David Cross and Bob Odenkirk to appear in their sketch comedy show Mr. Show with Bob and David. Appearing in only ten episodes over 1995 and 1996, it was nevertheless a great venue to launch her career.

The show was given much love by critics and audiences, but much to the shock of both, it was cancelled after four seasons. In addition to Rajskub, the show further introduced the world to Sarah Silverman, Jack Black, and Shannyn Sossamon.

After bouncing around more television and film, Rajskub appeared on The Larry Sanders Show from 1996 to 1998. Finding herself once again among a talented field of comedians, the show featured cast regulars Garry Shandling, Jeffrey Tambor, and Rip Torn.

She had a small role in the 1999 biopic Man on the Moon with leads Jim Carrey and Courtney Love before landing yet another recurring role on a television series. This time around, it was the comedy Veronica’s Closet with Kirstie Alley and Kathy Najimy.

Still not a household name, Rajskub began appearing in a series of films from Sweet Home Alabama to Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde opposite Reese Witherspoon.

She also made a splash with more independent fodder such as 2004’s Mysterious Skin with Elisabeth Shue and Joseph Gordon Levitt.

But 2003 was Rajskub’s big year. Landing the role of Chloe O Brian on the new drama series 24, the show and its cast were an instant hit. Her costars include Kiefer Sutherland, Dennis Haysbert, Elisha Cuthbert, and others.

Over the show’s successful run, Rajskub was launched into the public eye. Garnering an impressive fan base, she translated that popularity into films such as Sunshine Clearing with Amy Adams and Emily Blunt as well as the recently announced 24 film.

Outside of acting, Rajskub is an accomplished guitar player, which she uses in her comedy duo Girls Guitar Club with Karen Kilgariff.

In her personal life, she has been romantically linked to Jon Brian and her Mr. Show costar David Cross. There were even rumors that she and Rush Limbaugh were involved, but those mostly stemmed from one kiss at a discussion sponsored by Heritage Foundation.

She is currently dating personal trainer Matthew Rolph with whom she is expecting her first child.