Mary Lynn Rajskub is an American actress, comedienne, and singer, best known for her role as a co-star of Kiefer Sutherland on the popular television series 24.
Born on June 22, 1971, in Detroit, Michigan, Rajskub comes from a family with Irish, Czech, and Polish ancestry. She graduated from Trenton High School in 1989 and then attended the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, majoring in painting.
Rajskub later transferred to the San Francisco Art Institute, where she graduated as a painter and also studied music and acting. She began her career as a stand-up comedian, performing at various clubs and restaurants.
Rajskub made her television debut in 1995 as an original cast member of the sketch comedy series Mr. Show with Bob and David. She left the show after its second season to pursue other opportunities, including a brief stint as a coffee brewer at Seattle's Best Coffee.
In 1999, Rajskub joined the cast of the TV series Veronica's Closet, playing the role of Cloe in 15 episodes. She also appeared on the NBC's Late Friday show and was a member of the comic duo "Girls Guitar Club," a group that she co-founded with another comedian.
In the 2000s, Rajskub began to venture into more dramatic roles, including her iconic role as analyst Chloe O'Brian on the hit TV series 24. She joined the show in 2003 and became a recurring cast member, eventually becoming the show's leading female.
Rajskub has also appeared in several films, including Magnolia, Man on the Moon, Road Trip, Mysterious Skin, Sweet Home Alabama, Punch-Drunk Love, Firewall, and Little Miss Sunshine. She has been recognized for her performances, including a Female Breakthrough Award in 2006 and two Screen Actors Guild Award nominations in 2005 and 2007.
In addition to her work in film and television, Rajskub is also a talented artist and has displayed and sold her paintings at various art auctions and exhibits. She is known for her passion for art and is a regular at numerous LA museums.
