Known for her standout role as Marnie Michaels on the popular HBO drama Girls, she quickly became a familiar face in modern television. Throughout her career, she’s taken on a variety of compelling roles, showcasing her range as an actress. She wrote and starred in a series of sketches for the comedy website Funny or Die, where she humorously portrayed a newlywed Kate Middleton—adding a unique flair to her already growing repertoire. In 2018, she began starring in HBO’s critically acclaimed series Patrick Melrose, further solidifying her presence in premium cable dramas. Not one to shy away from genre work, she also delivered a gripping performance in the 2019 horror film The Perfection, earning praise for her intense and nuanced portrayal.
Before fame brought her into the spotlight, she built a strong foundation through education and early creative experiences. She studied at Yale University, where she was an active member of the improvisational comedy troupe Just Add Water—a formative chapter that helped shape her comedic timing and stage confidence. Interestingly, her father, Brian Williams, began anchoring NBC Nightly News back in 1993, placing her within a well-known media family. On a personal note, in 2015 she married Ricky Van Veen, marking an important milestone in her life outside of acting. Over the years, she has continued to evolve as a performer, with each new project adding depth to her legacy.
Back in 2013, she appeared as Jillian in three episodes of The Mindy Project. It was a solid role that really let her showcase her talent, and honestly, she made the character memorable. She brought a great energy to the show, and fans couldn’t help but notice her presence every time she was on screen. Yeah, it was just a few episodes, but she definitely made the most of them.