Linda Cardellini
Encyclopedia
Linda Edna Cardellini is an American television and film actress. She is best known for her roles as high school student Lindsay Weir on Freaks and Geeks
, as Velma Dinkley
in the live-action Scooby-Doo
films, and as Samantha Taggart
on ER
.
, the daughter of Lorraine (née Hernan) and Wayne David Cardellini. She made her first public appearance at age 10 when she sang in a school play. Subsequent to that performance, she acted in several school productions, and started attending drama lessons. She graduated from nearby Mountain View
's Catholic St. Francis High School
in 1993, then moved to Los Angeles to seek roles in television and film.
's Saturday morning live-action children's series, Bone Chillers
. Following this, she made guest appearances on prime-time programs such as Step by Step, Clueless
, 3rd Rock from the Sun
, and Boy Meets World
as Lauren, a girl that came between the show's star couple. Cardellini co-starred in the AMC
mini-series "The Lot" in 1999, and spent the summer in Europe as part of a touring production of Lancelot, a 14th century Dutch tragedy.
Cardellini had her first major success when she landed one of the starring roles in the NBC
series Freaks and Geeks
, which debuted during the 1999–2000 season. As Lindsay Weir, an honor student in the midst of an identity crisis, the actress earned positive response that subsequently catapulted her to fame. Cardellini starred in the live-action adaptation of Scooby-Doo
in 2002, in which she brought to life the cartoon character of Velma Dinkley. She would later reprise the role of Velma in 2004's Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
. She joined the cast of the hospital drama ER
in 2003 as Samantha Taggart, a free-spirited nurse. Cardellini acted for six seasons on ER, until the series finale, "And in the End...", and with the cast won the TV Land
ensemble Icon Award in 2009.
Her other film work includes roles in Dead Man on Campus, Legally Blonde
, Brokeback Mountain
(for which she was nominated for the ensemble Gotham
and Screen Actors Guild
awards), and a starring role in the Happy Madison
film Grandma's Boy as Samantha. She was the voice of Ursula in the role-playing
video game, Gladius
, and played the voice of Bliss Goode on the Fox animated series The Goode Family
. In 2007, Cardellini was chosen to play lovelorn Clara in the CBS
miniseries Comanche Moon
, a prequel to 1989's Lonesome Dove
.
In 2010 and 2011 Cardellini returned to the stage with the Dr. God comedy group in Los Angeles and San Francisco, appeared in Kill the Irishman and Super, and starred in the independent film Return
.
She appeared with cast members and producers of Freaks and Geeks
and Undeclared
at the Paley Center for Media PaleyFest on March 12, 2011.
's College of Communication
and Fine Arts
, graduating in 2001 with a degree in theatre arts.
Cardellini dated her Freaks and Geeks co-star Jason Segel
for a few years following the show's cancellation. She enjoys art (especially that of Margaret Keane
) and takes martial arts classes.
On October 18, 2011, Cardellini and her boyfriend, Steven Rodriguez, announced that they are expecting their first child in 2012.
TV Movies
Television
Video games
Freaks and Geeks
Freaks and Geeks is an American teen comedy-drama television series, created by Paul Feig and executive produced by Judd Apatow, that aired on NBC during the 1999–2000 television season...
, as Velma Dinkley
Velma Dinkley
Velma Dace Dinkley is a fictional character in the American television animated series Scooby-Doo. She is prone to losing her glasses. She is usually seen wearing a baggy orange sweater, short pleated skirt , knee socks, and Mary Janes...
in the live-action Scooby-Doo
Scooby-Doo
Scooby-Doo is an American media franchise based around several animated television series and related works produced from 1969 to the present day. The original series, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!, was created for Hanna-Barbera Productions by writers Joe Ruby and Ken Spears in 1969...
films, and as Samantha Taggart
Samantha Taggart
Samantha "Sam" Taggart is a fictional character on the NBC prime time drama ER. She is played by actress Linda Cardellini. Linda Cardellini's addition into the main cast opening credits was in the 5th episode of season 10.- Precursor :...
on ER
ER (TV series)
ER is an American medical drama television series created by novelist Michael Crichton that aired on NBC from September 19, 1994 to April 2, 2009. It was produced by Constant c Productions and Amblin Entertainment, in association with Warner Bros. Television...
.
Early life
Cardellini was born in Redwood City, CaliforniaRedwood City, California
Redwood City is a California charter city located on the San Francisco Peninsula in Northern California, approximately 27 miles south of San Francisco, and 24 miles north of San Jose. Redwood City's history spans from its earliest inhabitation by the Ohlone people, to its tradition as a port for...
, the daughter of Lorraine (née Hernan) and Wayne David Cardellini. She made her first public appearance at age 10 when she sang in a school play. Subsequent to that performance, she acted in several school productions, and started attending drama lessons. She graduated from nearby Mountain View
Mountain View, California
-Downtown:Mountain View has a pedestrian-friendly downtown centered on Castro Street. The downtown area consists of the seven blocks of Castro Street from the Downtown Mountain View Station transit center in the north to the intersection with El Camino Real in the south...
's Catholic St. Francis High School
Saint Francis High School (Mountain View)
Saint Francis High School, founded in 1954 by the Brothers of Holy Cross, is a Roman Catholic, co-educational, college preparatory secondary school located in Mountain View, CA. The Brothers of Holy Cross serve both on the faculty and on the Board of Directors...
in 1993, then moved to Los Angeles to seek roles in television and film.
Career
Cardellini received her first big break in 1996 when she landed a starring role as Sarah on ABCAmerican Broadcasting Company
The American Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network. Created in 1943 from the former NBC Blue radio network, ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Company and is part of Disney-ABC Television Group. Its first broadcast on television was in 1948...
's Saturday morning live-action children's series, Bone Chillers
Bone Chillers
Bone Chillers is a formerly popular series of children's horror fiction novels and TV show created and authored by Betsy Haynes.-Synopsis:...
. Following this, she made guest appearances on prime-time programs such as Step by Step, Clueless
Clueless (TV series)
Clueless is a television series spun off from the 1995 teen film of the same name . The series originally premiered on ABC on September 20, 1996 as a part of the TGIF lineup during its first season...
, 3rd Rock from the Sun
3rd Rock from the Sun
3rd Rock from the Sun is an American sitcom that aired from 1996 to 2001 on NBC. The show is about four extraterrestrials who are on an expedition to Earth, which they consider to be a very insignificant planet...
, and Boy Meets World
Boy Meets World
Boy Meets World is an American comedy-drama series that chronicles the events and everyday life lessons of Cory Matthews, played by Ben Savage, a kid from suburban Philadelphia who grows up from a young boy to a married man. The show aired for seven seasons from 1993 to 2000 on ABC, part of the...
as Lauren, a girl that came between the show's star couple. Cardellini co-starred in the AMC
AMC
AMC may refer to:* AMC , a short-lived British steam car manufactured in London in 1910*AMC Networks, an American media company** AMC , originally American Movie Classics, a cable television channel owned by AMC Networks...
mini-series "The Lot" in 1999, and spent the summer in Europe as part of a touring production of Lancelot, a 14th century Dutch tragedy.
Cardellini had her first major success when she landed one of the starring roles in the NBC
NBC
The National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago...
series Freaks and Geeks
Freaks and Geeks
Freaks and Geeks is an American teen comedy-drama television series, created by Paul Feig and executive produced by Judd Apatow, that aired on NBC during the 1999–2000 television season...
, which debuted during the 1999–2000 season. As Lindsay Weir, an honor student in the midst of an identity crisis, the actress earned positive response that subsequently catapulted her to fame. Cardellini starred in the live-action adaptation of Scooby-Doo
Scooby-Doo (film)
Scooby-Doo is a 2002 American comedy film based on the Hanna-Barbera television cartoon series Scooby-Doo about a group of young detectives and their talking dog. It is the first installment in the Scooby-Doo live action film series...
in 2002, in which she brought to life the cartoon character of Velma Dinkley. She would later reprise the role of Velma in 2004's Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed is a 2004 film, and sequel to 2002's Scooby-Doo based on the Hanna-Barbera series classic, Scooby-Doo. It is the second installment in the Scooby-Doo Live-Action film series. It was directed by Raja Gosnell, who also directed the first film, and was written by James...
. She joined the cast of the hospital drama ER
ER (TV series)
ER is an American medical drama television series created by novelist Michael Crichton that aired on NBC from September 19, 1994 to April 2, 2009. It was produced by Constant c Productions and Amblin Entertainment, in association with Warner Bros. Television...
in 2003 as Samantha Taggart, a free-spirited nurse. Cardellini acted for six seasons on ER, until the series finale, "And in the End...", and with the cast won the TV Land
TV Land
TV Land is an American cable television network launched on April 29, 1996. It is owned by MTV Networks, a division of Viacom, which also owns Paramount Pictures, and networks such as MTV and Nickelodeon...
ensemble Icon Award in 2009.
Her other film work includes roles in Dead Man on Campus, Legally Blonde
Legally Blonde
Legally Blonde is a 2001 American comedy film directed by Robert Luketic, written by Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith, and produced by Marc E. Platt...
, Brokeback Mountain
Brokeback Mountain
Brokeback Mountain is a 2005 romantic drama film directed by Ang Lee. It is a film adaptation of the 1997 short story of the same name by Annie Proulx with the screenplay written by Diana Ossana and Larry McMurtry...
(for which she was nominated for the ensemble Gotham
Gotham Awards
The Gotham Awards is an annual ceremony of awards presented to the makers of independent films which takes place in New York City...
and Screen Actors Guild
Screen Actors Guild
The Screen Actors Guild is an American labor union representing over 200,000 film and television principal performers and background performers worldwide...
awards), and a starring role in the Happy Madison
Happy Madison
Happy Madison Productions is an American film/television production company founded by actor/comedian Adam Sandler in 1999 that is best known for comedy films. Happy Madison takes its name from the films Happy Gilmore and Billy Madison, two box office successes starring Sandler himself, both...
film Grandma's Boy as Samantha. She was the voice of Ursula in the role-playing
Role-playing game
A role-playing game is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal acting, or through a process of structured decision-making or character development...
video game, Gladius
Gladius (video game)
The game was rated as one of the "best Xbox games most people never played" by Official Xbox Magazine.-External links:*...
, and played the voice of Bliss Goode on the Fox animated series The Goode Family
The Goode Family
The Goode Family is an American animated sitcom, which originally aired on ABC from May 27, 2009 to August 7, 2009. The series was created by Mike Judge and follows the life of an environmentally responsible, albeit obsessive, family...
. In 2007, Cardellini was chosen to play lovelorn Clara in the CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
miniseries Comanche Moon
Comanche Moon (TV miniseries)
Comanche Moon is a television miniseries that is an adaptation of the novel of the same name. It aired on CBS beginning Sunday, January 13, and continuing Tuesday, January 15, and Wednesday, January 16, 2008.-Cast:* Val Kilmer as Inish Scull...
, a prequel to 1989's Lonesome Dove
Lonesome Dove
Lonesome Dove is a 1985 Pulitzer Prize–winning western novel written by Larry McMurtry. It is the first published book of the Lonesome Dove series, but the third installment in the series chronologically...
.
In 2010 and 2011 Cardellini returned to the stage with the Dr. God comedy group in Los Angeles and San Francisco, appeared in Kill the Irishman and Super, and starred in the independent film Return
Return (2011 film)
Return is a 2011 independent film about an American reservist, wife and mother returning home from her tour of duty in the Middle East. The film was written and directed by Liza Johnson, and stars Linda Cardellini, Michael Shannon and John Slattery...
.
She appeared with cast members and producers of Freaks and Geeks
Freaks and Geeks
Freaks and Geeks is an American teen comedy-drama television series, created by Paul Feig and executive produced by Judd Apatow, that aired on NBC during the 1999–2000 television season...
and Undeclared
Undeclared
Undeclared is an American sitcom that aired on Fox during the 2001–02 season.- Premise :The half-hour comedy was Judd Apatow's follow-up to his earlier television series Freaks and Geeks, which also lasted for one season...
at the Paley Center for Media PaleyFest on March 12, 2011.
Personal life
Cardellini attended Loyola Marymount UniversityLoyola Marymount University
Loyola Marymount University is a comprehensive co-educational private Roman Catholic university in the Jesuit and Marymount traditions located in Los Angeles, California, United States...
's College of Communication
Communication studies
Communication Studies is an academic field that deals with processes of communication, commonly defined as the sharing of symbols over distances in space and time. Hence, communication studies encompasses a wide range of topics and contexts ranging from face-to-face conversation to speeches to mass...
and Fine Arts
Fine art
Fine art or the fine arts encompass art forms developed primarily for aesthetics and/or concept rather than practical application. Art is often a synonym for fine art, as employed in the term "art gallery"....
, graduating in 2001 with a degree in theatre arts.
Cardellini dated her Freaks and Geeks co-star Jason Segel
Jason Segel
Jason Jordan Segel is an American television and film actor, screenwriter, composer, puppeteer and musician, known for his work with producer Judd Apatow on the short-lived television series Freaks and Geeks and Undeclared, the films Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Knocked Up, I Love You, Man,...
for a few years following the show's cancellation. She enjoys art (especially that of Margaret Keane
Margaret Keane
Margaret Keane is an American artist. She is an illustrator and painter, and mainly draws women and children in oil or mixed media. Her works are instantly recognizable from the doe-eyed children that are depicted in the drawings.-Biography:Margaret D. H...
) and takes martial arts classes.
On October 18, 2011, Cardellini and her boyfriend, Steven Rodriguez, announced that they are expecting their first child in 2012.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Good Burger Good Burger Good Burger is a 1997 American comedy film by Tollin/Robbins Productions and Nickelodeon Movies, released by Paramount Pictures, directed by Brian Robbins, and starring Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell... |
Heather | |
| 1998 | Dead Man on Campus | Kelly | |
| 1998 | Strangeland Strangeland Strangeland is an American horror film released in 1998. The movie was directed by John Pieplow and written by Dee Snider. The film focuses on the body modification underground culture's rituals.-Plot:... |
Genevieve Gage | |
| 1999 | Melissa | ||
| 2001 | Legally Blonde Legally Blonde Legally Blonde is a 2001 American comedy film directed by Robert Luketic, written by Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith, and produced by Marc E. Platt... |
Chutney | |
| 2001 | Shelly Hunter | ||
| 2002 | Scooby-Doo Scooby-Doo (film) Scooby-Doo is a 2002 American comedy film based on the Hanna-Barbera television cartoon series Scooby-Doo about a group of young detectives and their talking dog. It is the first installment in the Scooby-Doo live action film series... |
Velma Dinkley Velma Dinkley Velma Dace Dinkley is a fictional character in the American television animated series Scooby-Doo. She is prone to losing her glasses. She is usually seen wearing a baggy orange sweater, short pleated skirt , knee socks, and Mary Janes... |
|
| 2002 | Certainly Not a Fairytale | Adelle/Writer | Short |
| 2004 | Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed | Velma Dinkley Velma Dinkley Velma Dace Dinkley is a fictional character in the American television animated series Scooby-Doo. She is prone to losing her glasses. She is usually seen wearing a baggy orange sweater, short pleated skirt , knee socks, and Mary Janes... |
|
| 2004 | Jiminy Glick in Lalawood Jiminy Glick in Lalawood Jiminy Glick in Lalawood is a 2004 comedy film. It stars Martin Short as Jiminy Glick, a movie critic who is involved in a murder case at the Toronto International Film Festival.-Storyline:... |
Natalie Coolidge | |
| 2004 | LolliLove LolliLove LolliLove is a mockumentary co-written by, directed by and starring Jenna Fischer. The film satirizes a hip, misguided Southern California couple who decide to make a difference in the lives of the homeless by giving them lollipops with a cheery slogan on the wrapper.-Production:The film stars... |
Linda | |
| 2005 | Brokeback Mountain Brokeback Mountain Brokeback Mountain is a 2005 romantic drama film directed by Ang Lee. It is a film adaptation of the 1997 short story of the same name by Annie Proulx with the screenplay written by Diana Ossana and Larry McMurtry... |
Cassie | |
| 2005 | American Gun American Gun American Gun is a 2005 film produced by Participant Productions, IFC Films, IFC First Take, and Spirit Dance Entertainment. It was written in 2001 by Steven Bagatourian and Aric Avelino and directed by Avelino as his directorial debut.... |
Mary Ann Wilk | |
| 2006 | Grandma's Boy | Samantha | |
| 2008 | Julie Ingram | ||
| 2011 | Kill the Irishman | Joan Madigan | |
| 2011 | Super | Pet Store Employee | |
| 2011 | All-Star Superman All-Star Superman (film) All-Star Superman is a direct-to-video animated film based on the acclaimed comic book series All-Star Superman by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely. The film is the tenth in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies line released by Warner Premiere and Warner Bros. Animation and the first in the... |
Nasthalthia "Nasty" Luthor | |
| 2011 | Return Return (2011 film) Return is a 2011 independent film about an American reservist, wife and mother returning home from her tour of duty in the Middle East. The film was written and directed by Liza Johnson, and stars Linda Cardellini, Michael Shannon and John Slattery... |
Kelli |
TV Movies
- Dying to Live (1999)
Television
- Bone ChillersBone ChillersBone Chillers is a formerly popular series of children's horror fiction novels and TV show created and authored by Betsy Haynes.-Synopsis:...
as Sarah (8 episodes, 1996) - 3rd Rock from the Sun3rd Rock from the Sun3rd Rock from the Sun is an American sitcom that aired from 1996 to 2001 on NBC. The show is about four extraterrestrials who are on an expedition to Earth, which they consider to be a very insignificant planet...
as Lorna (1 episode, 1997) - Pacific PalisadesPacific Palisades (TV series)Pacific Palisades is an American soap opera that aired on Fox during prime time from April to July 1997. Produced by Aaron Spelling, the show was cancelled after just thirteen episodes despite a last-minute attempt to increase ratings by casting Joan Collins.-Plot summary:Set in the Los Angeles...
as Sara (2 episodes, 1997) - CluelessClueless (TV series)Clueless is a television series spun off from the 1995 teen film of the same name . The series originally premiered on ABC on September 20, 1996 as a part of the TGIF lineup during its first season...
as Oddrey (1 episode, 1997) - Step by Step as Cassie Evans (1 episode, 1997)
- Promised LandPromised Land (1996 TV series)Promised Land is an American drama series which aired on CBS from 1996 to 1999. It was a spin-off from another series, Touched by an Angel.-Plot:...
as Amber (1 episode, 1998) - Kenan & KelKenan & KelKenan & Kel is an American teen sitcom produced by Tollin/Robbins Productions that originally aired on Nickelodeon from July 1996 to July 2000. The show starred friends and then-All That cast members Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell. Sixty-two episodes and a made-for-TV movie were produced over four...
as Becky (1 episode, 1998) - Guys Like UsGuys Like UsGuys Like Us is a short-lived American sitcom that aired on UPN from October 5, 1998 to January 18, 1999. The series starred Bumper Robinson, Maestro Harrell, and Chris Hardwick.-Synopsis:...
as Jude (6 episodes, 1998–1999) - Boy Meets WorldBoy Meets WorldBoy Meets World is an American comedy-drama series that chronicles the events and everyday life lessons of Cory Matthews, played by Ben Savage, a kid from suburban Philadelphia who grows up from a young boy to a married man. The show aired for seven seasons from 1993 to 2000 on ABC, part of the...
as Lauren (4 episodes, 1998–1999) - The LotThe LotThe Lot was a 30 minute drama series that aired for 2 seasons and 16 episodes on the AMC from 1999 to 2001. It profiled the fictional studio Sylver Screen Pictures during the 1930s and the pursuits of its classic stars...
as June Parker (1 episode, 1999) - Freaks and GeeksFreaks and GeeksFreaks and Geeks is an American teen comedy-drama television series, created by Paul Feig and executive produced by Judd Apatow, that aired on NBC during the 1999–2000 television season...
as Lindsay Weir (18 episodes, 1999–2000) - The Twilight Zone as Ali Warner (1 episode, 2003)
- Robot ChickenRobot ChickenRobot Chicken is an American stop motion animated television series created and executive produced by Seth Green and Matthew Senreich along with co-head writers Douglas Goldstein and Tom Root. Green provides many voices for the show...
as Various (2 episodes, 2005–2008) - Human GiantHuman GiantHuman Giant is a sketch comedy show on MTV, starring writer/performers Aziz Ansari, Rob Huebel, Paul Scheer and directed primarily by Jason Woliner.The show has completed two seasons. The status of a third season is unknown...
as Melody Richards (1 episode, 2007) - Comanche MoonComanche Moon (TV miniseries)Comanche Moon is a television miniseries that is an adaptation of the novel of the same name. It aired on CBS beginning Sunday, January 13, and continuing Tuesday, January 15, and Wednesday, January 16, 2008.-Cast:* Val Kilmer as Inish Scull...
as Clara Forsythe (3 episodes, 2008) - ERER (TV series)ER is an American medical drama television series created by novelist Michael Crichton that aired on NBC from September 19, 1994 to April 2, 2009. It was produced by Constant c Productions and Amblin Entertainment, in association with Warner Bros. Television...
as Nurse Samantha TaggartSamantha TaggartSamantha "Sam" Taggart is a fictional character on the NBC prime time drama ER. She is played by actress Linda Cardellini. Linda Cardellini's addition into the main cast opening credits was in the 5th episode of season 10.- Precursor :...
(126 episodes, 2003–2009) - CupidCupid (2009 TV series)Cupid is a television series that premiered on ABC on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at 10:02 PM Eastern/9:02 PM Central. The series is a revival of sorts of the network's 1998 series of the same name, changing its primary setting from Chicago to New York City....
as Masseuse (1 episode, 2009) - The Goode FamilyThe Goode FamilyThe Goode Family is an American animated sitcom, which originally aired on ABC from May 27, 2009 to August 7, 2009. The series was created by Mike Judge and follows the life of an environmentally responsible, albeit obsessive, family...
as Bliss Goode (13 episodes, 2009) - Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated as Hot Dog Water (2 episodes, 2011)
- Person of InterestPerson of Interest (TV series)Person of Interest is an American crime drama television series broadcasting on CBS. It is based on a screenplay developed by J. J. Abrams and Jonathan Nolan. The series was officially picked up by CBS on May 13, 2011, and debuted on September 22, 2011. On October 25, 2011 the show was picked up...
as Dr. Megan Tillman (1 episode, 2011)
Video games
- GladiusGladius (video game)The game was rated as one of the "best Xbox games most people never played" by Official Xbox Magazine.-External links:*...
(2003) - Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004)
External links
- Linda Cardellini at NBCNBCThe National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago...
(ER show) - Linda Cardellini on stage with Dr. God. Vimeo.com, Neil Garguilo.