Merrin Dungey
American actress Merrin Dungey is well-known for her roles on TV series, The King of Queens, Alias, and Summerland. She also made her appearances in numerous movies such as L!fe Happens, and others. Dungey was the youngest person ever to win the UCLA School of Theater's top acting prize, which she earned for her role in the play Anatol. As of 2018, Dungey has two children with her husband, Matthew Drake.
Early Life And Education Of Merrin Dungey
Merrin Dungey was born Merrin Melissa Dungey on born 6th August 1971 in Sacramento, California to Judith Dungey, and Don Dungey, a general services manager.
Dungey's sister, Channing Dungey is an American television executive and producer who in 2016 became the first black American president of ABC Entertainment Group.
During her childhood days, Dungey studied ballet, dance, and piano. She was also an accomplished ice skater. In 1989, she graduated from the Rio Americano High School in Sacramento, California. Throughout high school, she appeared in commercials and hosted her own talk show for teens.
She then went to University of California, Los Angeles, and earned a degree in Bachelor of Arts in 1993. She started acting in plays while in 5th grade and according to her “Performing is her soul."
Merrin Dungey’s Career
Merrin Dungey made her television debut in a 1995 episode of the American sitcom, Martin as Monique. She then played recurring roles on several popular series which include, Malcolm in the Middle, The King of Queens, Alias, Better Off Ted and Revenge.
Dungey debuted in the big screen, appearing in 1998 American science-fiction disaster film, Deep Impact as a minor role Sheila Bradley. The following year, she also starred in American satirical comedy film, EDtv as Ms. Seaver.
She got her first major role in 1st and 2nd season of 2001-2003 American action television series, Alias, portraying the character of Francie Calfo / Allison Doren. She shared the screen along with Jennifer Garner, Ron Rifkin, Michael Vartan, Bradley Cooper, and others. She reprised her role in the 3rd season of Alias and in the 5th season she appeared as a Special Guest.
Dungey then played in a number of TV series such as Grey's Anatomy, Better Off Ted, How To Live With Your Parents, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and You're the Worst. Side by side she also appeared in movies like The Sky Is Falling, Scream at the Sound of the Beep, and Some Kind of Beautiful among others.
As of 2018, she starred as Claire Thorpe in the American medical drama television series, The Resident alongside Matt Czuchry, Emily VanCamp, and Manish Dayal.
Moreover, Dungey also sings in a rock band called Bad Francie, named after her Alias character, Francie Calfo.
Merrin Dungey’s Net worth
Merrin Dungey is active in the entertainment industry since 1995 and has acc u mulated an impressive amount from her acting career. As per some online sources, Dungey has an estimated net of $3 million.
The television actress earns an average salary of $15,000 to $25,000 per episode so we can a s sume that she earns the similar amount. Some of her successful box-office movies are listed below,
| Movie | Role | Budget | Box-office collection | IMDB rating | Cast member |
| Deep Impact (1998) | Sheila Bradley | $80 million | $349.5 million | 6.1 | Robert Duvall Téa Leoni Elijah Wood Vanessa Redgrave |
| Chips (2017) | Joy Jackson | $25 million | $26.8 million | 6 | Dax Shepard Michael Peña Rosa Salazar Adam Brody |
Merrin Dungey’s Personal Life
Merrin Dungey is married to Matthew Drake. The couple tied the knot in May 2007 in a Mariachi style wedding ceremony in Cancun, Mexico. The couple is blessed with two daughters. Dungey gave birth to her first daughter in 2008, and the second daughter in 2001.
Besides acting, she has a pa s sion for fine art and photography.