Mary Lynn Rajskub was born on June 22, 1971 in Trenton, Michigan. She graduated from the San Francisco Art Institute majoring in painting, but has also taken lessons in music and acting, and has performed as a stand-up comedian in various venues. She made her television debut in 1995, when she became part of the original cast of the sketch show Mr. Show with Bob and David. She played various characters on the show until leaving at the end of the second season.
Owing to her background as a comedian, most of Rajskub’s early screen credits involved comedy films and television shows. She made her film debut in the 1996 comedy The Truth About Cats & Dogs, although she only did voice work. Her first on-screen film role was in another comedy, the 1997 independent release Who’s the Caboose? Aside from roles in television comedies such as The Weird Al Show, NewsRadio and Shasta McNasty, she had a minor supporting role in the acclaimed comedy The Larry Sanders Show, where she played assistant talent booker Mary Lou Collins. She also had a recurring role in the Kirstie Alley sitcom Veronica’s Closet.
Rajskub continued appearing in comedies at the onset of the new millennium, but she started shifting towards more dramatic roles. Aside from roles in shows such as Good Morning, Miami, The King of Queens and Just Shoot Me!, she appeared in films like Dude, Where’s My Car?, Storytelling, Sweet Home Alabama, Legally Blonde 2 and Little Miss Sunshine. In 2003, she got a role in the action series 24, where she played the role of CTU computer analyst Chloe O’Brian. Originally a recurring player, acclaim from both audiences and critics led to her being promoted to a regular player; she eventually became the series’ primary female lead from its seventh season.
Part of the Girls Guitar Club comic duo.
Her last name is pronounced "Rice-Cub."
Is a stand-up comedian, and performs at comedy clubs around L.A.
1989 Graduate of Trenton High School, Trenton, Michigan.
Attended Detroit's College for Creative Studies, majoring in painting, before she transferred to the San Francisco Art Insitute.
Is an avid and prolific painter.
Owns a poodle named Claire.
Is of Czech and Irish origin.
2006: Little Miss Sunshine - Pageant Assistant Pam
2006: Firewall - Janet Stone
2005: Grilled - Renee
2005: Mysterious Skin - Avalyn Friesen
2003: Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde - Reena Gulani
2002: The Anniversary Party - Mary-Lynn
2002: Punch-Drunk Love - Elizabeth
2002: Sweet Home Alabama - Dorothea
2001-present: 24 - Chloe O'Brian
2000: Sunset Strip - Eileen
1999: Man on the Moon - Friday's Mary
1996-1998: The Larry Sanders Show - Mary Lou
"I have to paint at least two times a week, and there's not enough time in the day to do everything." - on art and acting
"I'm not married and I don't think that's going to work out for me. I'm not even bitter, I'm just exhausted." - on marriage and relationships