Natasha Bianca Lyonne Braunstein (/liˈoʊn/lee-OHN; born April 4, 1979) is an American actress, writer, director, and producer. Lyonne started her career as a teen actress before expanding her career, taking on mature roles in film and television. She is known for her distinctive raspy voice and "tough" persona, and the accolades she has received include nominations for five Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards. She was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine in 2023. Lyonne started her career as a child actress, making her first uncredited appearance in Heartburn (1986), recurring in Pee-wee's Playhouse (1986), and supporting in Dennis the Menace (1993). She transitioned to taking on teen roles in several independent films such as Everyone Says I Love You (1996), Slums of Beverly Hills (1998), But I'm a Cheerleader (1999), and Party Monste…
