Natasha Lyonne Bio
Natasha Bianca Lyonne Braunstein (born April 4, 1979) is an American actress, director, comedian, producer, writer, and tech executive. Lyonne started her career as a child actress before expanding her career taking on mature roles in film and television, for which she was nominated for five Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards, and named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine in 2023.
Early Life and Background
Natasha Lyonne was born in New York City to Orthodox Jewish parents Ivette Buchinger and Aaron Braunstein, a boxing promoter, race car driver, and radio host. Her mother was born in Paris to Hungarian-Jewish Holocaust survivor parents. Lyonne has humorously remarked that her family consists of her father’s side from Flatbush and her mother’s side from Auschwitz. She spent her early years in Great Neck, New York, and later moved to Israel for a year and a half, where she began her interest in acting by participating in the Israeli children’s film April Fool. After her parents divorced, she returned to the United States with her mother and older brother, Adam. Lyonne attended the Ramaz School, a private Jewish school, but was expelled in her sophomore year for selling marijuana. She later moved to Miami and briefly attended Miami Country Day School. Ultimately, she did not graduate from high school, leaving before her senior year to attend a film program at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, which she left due to financial constraints.
Path to Hollywood
Lyonne began her career in the entertainment industry at a young age, signing with the Ford Modeling Agency and landing a recurring role on Pee-wee’s Playhouse at just seven years old. Her film debut came in 1986 with a small part in Heartburn. She gained recognition for her role as Polly in Dennis the Menace (1993) and later starred in the independent coming-of-age comedy Slums of Beverly Hills (1998), which earned her critical acclaim. Lyonne’s breakout role came in 1999 with the satirical romantic comedy But I’m a Cheerleader, which has since developed a cult following. She also appeared in the American Pie film series, which grossed over $230 million at the box office.
Natasha Lyonne Career
Early Career (1986–1999)
Natasha Lyonne’s early career was marked by a series of notable performances in both film and television. After her initial roles in children’s programming and films, she transitioned into more mature roles, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Her performance in Slums of Beverly Hills garnered positive reviews, and she became a recognizable face in independent cinema. Lyonne’s role in American Pie solidified her status as a rising star in Hollywood.
Breakthrough (2013–2019)
Lyonne’s breakthrough came with her portrayal of Nicky Nichols in the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black, which aired from 2013 to 2019. Her performance earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series in 2014. Lyonne’s work on the series was widely praised, and she received multiple Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy Series. Following this success, she co-created, wrote, directed, and executive produced the Netflix series Russian Doll, which premiered in 2019 and earned her three Primetime Emmy nominations.
Notable Works and Milestones
Natasha Lyonne’s signature works include her roles in Orange Is the New Black and Russian Doll, both of which have received critical acclaim and numerous awards. Her ability to blend humor with deeper emotional themes has made her a standout talent in the industry.
Natasha Lyonne Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Natasha Lyonne has received several award nominations, including five Primetime Emmy nominations for her performances in various projects, showcasing her talent and versatility as an actress.
Natasha Lyonne Awards Won
Natasha Lyonne has won several awards, including the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy Series for her role in Orange Is the New Black, highlighting her contributions to the series and her collaborative spirit with fellow cast members.
Natasha Lyonne Family
Natasha Lyonne is the daughter of Aaron Braunstein and Ivette Buchinger. She has an older brother named Adam. Lyonne has been open about her estrangement from her biological family and has developed a chosen family through her friendships in the industry.
Personal Life
Natasha Lyonne has been in a relationship with Bryn Mooser since 2022. She was previously married to comedian Fred Armisen from 2014 to 2022. Lyonne has been candid about her struggles with addiction and has been in recovery since 2006. She has also undergone open-heart surgery in 2012 to correct heart valve damage. As of 2023, she resides in New York City and owns a residence in Los Angeles. In 2025, she is set to star in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film The Fantastic Four: First Steps, further expanding her impressive career.
