Krysten Ritter, a striking model-turned-actress, first appeared on screen as a featured extra in the Julia Roberts drama Mona Lisa Smile (2003). While that role was relatively minor, it was her portrayal of the spoiled yet compelling Gia Goodman on Veronica Mars (UPN, 2004–06; The CW, 2006–07) that truly began to draw attention to her unique screen presence.
Following that, Krysten Ritter continued to build her résumé with recurring roles on popular series such as Gilmore Girls (The WB, 2000–06; The CW, 2006–07) and ‘Til Death (Fox, 2006–2010). Around this time, she also appeared in a string of romantic comedies, often cast as the witty, offbeat best friend. Her performances in films like 27 Dresses (2008), What Happens in Vegas (2008), Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009), and She’s Out of My League (2010) further solidified her reputation as a versatile and charismatic actress.
But it was on the small screen that Krysten Ritter really began to shine. Her role as Jane, the increasingly unhinged girlfriend of Jesse Pinkman on Breaking Bad (AMC, 2008–2013), earned critical acclaim and showcased a darker, more complex side of her acting ability. The role demonstrated that she could hold her own in a show known for its intense storytelling and powerful performances.
In 2012, Krysten Ritter took on a more comedic and stylized role as one of the glamorous vampire leads in Vamps, directed by Amy Heckerling and starring opposite Alicia Silverstone. That same year, she landed her first starring television role in Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, playing the unpredictable and magnetic Chloe, a con artist with a flair for chaos. The show, though short-lived due to low ratings, was praised for its originality and served as a perfect showcase for Ritter’s comedic timing and offbeat charm.
However, it was her role as the titular character in the Marvel series Jessica Jones (Netflix, 2015– ) that finally brought Krysten Ritter the mainstream success she had long deserved. As the tough, brooding private investigator with superhuman abilities, she delivered a powerful and nuanced performance that resonated with audiences and critics alike.
With her instantly recognizable beauty and undeniable talent, Krysten Ritter has steadily climbed the Hollywood ladder, carving out a niche for herself as a compelling and versatile performer in both film and television.
Krysten Ritter has appeared in a variety of films and shows throughout her career, but one of her most well-received projects is Nightbooks, which came out in 2021. On the flip side, one of Krysten Ritter’s least critically acclaimed works is Asthma, a film she was involved with back in 2014. While Krysten Ritter is known for her versatile acting, these two projects represent the high and low points in terms of reception.