Brigette Lundy-Paine, the 28-year-old actor you probably know from the Netflix comedy-drama series Atypical and the science fiction comedy Bill & Ted Face the Music, is determined to pave their unique path in the industry. A veritable queer icon who helps run a fashion magazine "for weirdos" and sings with a hyper-original pop music band called Subtle Pride, Lundy-Paine started their acting career in 2015 when they were assigned minor roles in Woody Allen’s Irrational Man and the show One Bad Choice.
Since then, Lundy-Paine has worked on projects that allow them to be their most authentic self. "I’ve yet to be put in a skimpy dress and asked to stand pretty," they told Interview with pride. "I hope I never will."
Until we wait for their next film, A24's thriller I Saw the TV Glow, let’s take a look at Lundy-Paine's best work in film and television.
7. Margot vs. Lily
Nike's eight-part original web series, Margot vs. Lily (2016), not only motivates viewers to break a sweat but also beautifully captures the essence of the unique bond between sisters. The series centers around a bet between Lily (played by Samantha Marie Ware), a fitness YouTube star with 900,000 subscribers but no real-life friends, and Margot (Lundy-Paine), a party girl who isn't interested in working out. Margot challenges her sister to make three friends, and Lilly challenges Margot to start her own fitness YouTube channel. Watching them is a lot of fun.
Despite being a newcomer and playing the lead role in such a big project for the first time, Lundy-Paine brought a fresh, captivating energy to Margot vs. Lily.
6. The Glass Castle
The Glass Castle (2017) is a film adaptation of Jeannette Walls' best-selling memoir, which portrays her unconventional upbringing as part of a family of nonconformist nomads. The real, raw, and uneasy story revolves around Walls, played by Oscar-winner Brie Larson, and her parents: a wild and crazy father, Rex (Woody Harrelson), and an irresponsible painter mother, Rose (Naomi Watts). In The Glass Castle, Lundy-Paine steps into the role of Maureen Walls, the youngest of the Walls siblings, and shares the screen with Hollywood heavyweights.
5. Action Point
Starring Johnny Knoxville and a couple of his buddies from Jackass, Action Point (2018) is a comedy about reckless freedom. The film depicts the story of the crackpot owner (Knoxville) and his staff at an out-of-control amusement park, who go to great lengths to compete with a nearby corporate mega-park. Adding to the craziness is the dynamic performance of Lundy-Paine as Four Finger Annie. "She’s all woman, but a lady she’s not."
4. Bombshell
Lundy-Paine worked alongside Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, and Margot Robbie on the set of Bombshell (2019), a dramatic film about sexual harassment allegations at Fox News. In Bombshell, they play Julia Clarke, a production assistant to Theron’s Megan Kelly. Although it was a minor acting role, Lundy-Paine's performance left a lasting impression on the audience, making it clear that this talented actor is one to watch in the industry.
3. City of Ghosts
Audio drama is a purely acoustic performance. Without any visuals to aid in storytelling, it relies on the talents of exceptional actors to help the listener imagine the plot. With the leading role in a neo-noir, supernatural podcast series City of Ghosts (2021), Lundy-Paine proved how talented an actor they are. In this audio drama, Lundy-Paine breathes life into the character of Eleanor 'El' Rivkin, a misanthropic information broker who navigates a dangerous world of corruption, murder, and her own enigmatic powers in the 1990s New York.
2. Bill & Ted Face the Music
In this long-awaited sequel to the sci-fi comedy classic, Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter are no longer carefree rock-'n-rolling teens with a time machine. They are aged, and their band and marriages are on the brink of collapse. To top it all, Bill and Ted must write the song that saves the universe.
Luckily, in Bill & Ted Face the Music (2020), they have the help of their respective daughters, Wilhelmina 'Billie' Logan (Lundy-Paine) and Theadora 'Thea' Preston (Samara Weaving). Lundy-Paine’s character Billie is Keanu Reeves’ Ted daughter, and the young actor delivers a charming performance as a girl who has inherited every bit of her father's spirit.
1. Atypical
Netflix’s series Atypical (2017-2021) is a coming-of-age story like no other, following the journey of an autistic 18-year-old, Sam (played by Keir Gilchrist), as he navigates the ups and downs of teenage life. Sam’s touching quest for self-discovery sets his whole family on a life-changing path.
Lundy-Paine plays Sam’s protective sister Casey, who, at the end of season three, realizes she is bisexual. The experience of portraying a character who is exploring their gender identity was a transformative one for Lundy-Paine, who at that same time has gone through a similar period of growth. Perhaps that is why Lundy-Paine's performance as Casey is so compelling.
