Krysten Ritter

Krysten Alyce Ritter (born December 16, 1981) is an American actress. She came to prominence starring as Jane Margolis in the AMC drama series Breaking Bad (2009–2010), a role she reprised in the spinoff film El Camino (2019). She gained further recognition for her lead roles in the ABC sitcom Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 (2012–2013) and as the title character in the Netflix superhero series Jessica Jones (2015–2019) and the Netflix miniseries The Defenders (2017), both set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Krysten Ritter
Ritter in 2016
Born
Krysten Alyce Ritter

(1981-12-16) December 16, 1981 (age 42)
OccupationActress
Years active2001–present
Height5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)[1]
PartnerAdam Granduciel (2014–present)
Children1

In film, Ritter appeared in the romantic comedies 27 Dresses (2007), What Happens in Vegas (2008), Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009), and She's Out of My League (2010). She wrote, co-produced, and starred in the comedy Life Happens (2011), which was followed by roles in the horror comedy Vamps (2012), the comedy drama Listen Up Philip (2014), the biographical drama Big Eyes (2014), the comedy drama The Hero (2017), and the dark fantasy Nightbooks (2021).

Ritter also had roles in the UPN noir mystery series Veronica Mars (2005–2006) and its 2014 film continuation, the CW comedy drama series Gilmore Girls (2006–2007), and the HBO limited series Love & Death (2023).

Early life edit

Ritter was born on December 16, 1981,[2] in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania,[3] the daughter of Garry Ritter and Kathi Taylor.[4] She was raised in rural Shickshinny, Pennsylvania, where her mother, stepfather, and sister live; her father lives in nearby Benton.[5] She is of German, Scottish, and English descent.[6] She graduated from Northwest Area High School in 2000.[citation needed]

Career edit

Modeling edit

Ritter was scouted by a modeling agent at the age of 15 at her local shopping center, the Wyoming Valley Mall, during a modeling event. In a Philadelphia Style magazine interview, Ritter said she was "tall, gawky, awkward, and really, really skinny." While in high school, she traveled to New York City and Philadelphia to model, and signed with the Elite Model Management agency and Wilhelmina Models.[5] Ritter moved to New York and established an international modeling career, appearing in print ads and on television. She did magazine, catalog, and runway work in Tokyo, New York City, Paris, and Milan.[7]

Acting edit

An audition Wilhelmina had placed her in for a Wendy's television commercial helped Ritter transition into acting. Her "outgoing and bubbly and funny" performance personality had entertained the casting people, she told Philadelphia Style.[5] She won bit parts in films starting in 2001, and played a 1950s art history student in Mona Lisa Smile in 2003. In 2006, she appeared in All This Intimacy, a two-act, Off-Broadway play by Rajiv Joseph, at the Second Stage Theatre.[8] (Ritter later starred in the 2011 premiere of Zach Braff's play All New People, also at Second Stage, co-starring Anna Camp, David Wilson Barnes and Justin Bartha and directed by Peter DuBois.)[9]

Ritter's early guest starring and recurring roles on television included Gia Goodman, the daughter of Mayor Woody Goodman (Steve Guttenberg) on the second season of Veronica Mars; Rory Gilmore's friend, Lucy, on Gilmore Girls for eight episodes in 2006–07; and the first iteration of Allison Stark on the Fox sitcom 'Til Death (a role eventually played by four different actresses through the show's run).

Ritter at the premiere of 27 Dresses in 2008

She was cast as a young Carol Rhodes in an episode of The CW's teen drama series Gossip Girl, titled "Valley Girls," broadcast May 11, 2009. The episode was a backdoor pilot for a proposed spin-off series, set in 1980s Los Angeles; intended to chronicle the teenage years of character Lily van der Woodsen.[10] Ritter described Carol, Lily's sister, as "the outcast" and "an '80s Sunset Strip rocker" to Access Hollywood.[11] The series was not picked up by the network for the 2009–10 season,[12] by which time Ritter appeared as Jane Margolis in the second season of Breaking Bad.[10]

Ritter continued working in film, often cast in romantic comedies as the lead character's best friend. After supporting roles in What Happens in Vegas and 27 Dresses (both 2008), she co-starred with Isla Fisher in Confessions of a Shopaholic. For She's Out of My League, shot over three months in Pittsburgh in 2008, she played Patty, the cynical best friend of Alice Eve's character, Molly.[7] Ritter also starred in How to Make Love to a Woman, based on the book by adult film star Jenna Jameson; and co-starred (with Jason Behr) in the 2009 independent film The Last International Playboy, as Ozzy, a drug addict.[13]

Also in 2009, Ritter sold a television pilot she wrote based on her experiences as a model, titled Model Camp;[14] and appeared in and directed the comedy web series Woke Up Dead, also featuring Jon Heder.[15]

Ritter starred in 2010 as the sharp and quirky Lily in the Starz television series Gravity, alongside Ivan Sergei, Ving Rhames and Rachel Hunter.[16] The comedy-drama centers on a group of outpatient suicide survivors.[17] She also played the manager of an Irish band[16] in the 2011 comedy Killing Bono, a film directed by Nick Hamm and based on the book Killing Bono: I Was Bono's Doppleganger, about the early days of U2.[18] Beginning in January 2010, the film shoot lasted for six weeks in locations from Belfast to London.[19]

Ritter starred in and co-wrote (with director Kat Coiro) the 2011 independent comedy Life Happens, with Kate Bosworth and Rachel Bilson. The film is about two best friends dealing with the pregnancy and subsequent motherhood of Ritter's character.

That same year, Ritter appeared alongside Alicia Silverstone and Sigourney Weaver in the comedy horror film Vamps, written and directed by Amy Heckerling. She plays a Manhattan socialite turned into a vampire.

Ritter at the 2017 San Diego Comic-Con

In February 2011, Ritter landed the lead role in the ABC situation comedy Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23. She starred as Chloe, a New York City party girl and con artist who attempts to rip off her new roommates after they move in, but befriends and mentors one of the applicants.[20][21] The series was canceled on January 22, 2013, after two seasons.[22]

Ritter went on to star in two NBC television comedy pilots in 2013 and 2014 that were not picked up as network series. She played Nora in the pilot for Assistance, based on the play by Leslye Headland.[23][24] Her casting as aerospace engineer Dr. Mary Kendricks in the astronaut-themed comedy Mission Control was announced by the network in February 2014;[25][26] but on October 15, NBC said it was not moving forward with the show.[27]

A July 9, 2013, press release stated Ritter would star in Jake Hoffman's directorial debut, Asthma, about the indie rock scene in New York City.[28]

On December 5, 2014, Ritter was cast to star in the Marvel Television series Jessica Jones in the title role, as a former superhero turned private investigator. About her casting, executive producer and show-runner Melissa Rosenberg stated that Ritter "brings both the hard edge and the vulnerability the role demands".[29] Ritter revealed she read the comic book to prepare for the role and expressed her delight on working with women.[30] All 13 episodes of the first season premiered on Netflix on November 20, 2015.[31] Ritter later reprised the role on The Defenders alongside Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock / Daredevil, Mike Colter as Luke Cage and Finn Jones as Danny Rand / Iron Fist, and returned for the second season of Jessica Jones in 2018.[32] She directed an episode in the third season of Jessica Jones, marking her directorial debut.[33]

Other ventures edit

Ritter and her childhood friend William Thomas Burnett formed the indie rock duo Ex Vivian, for which Ritter sings and plays guitar.[34] Their self-titled debut album was released in 2012 on Burnett's WT Records.[35] Ritter's debut novel, a psychological thriller titled Bonfire, was released on November 7, 2017, by Crown Archetype.[36]

Personal life edit

Ritter moved from Brooklyn to Los Angeles in 2007.[37] She promotes animal rights, posing for PETA ad campaigns, including a campaign warning pet owners of the dangers of leaving animals in vehicles during the summer, and another against SeaWorld keeping orcas in captivity.[38][39][40] She is an avid knitter,[41] and has appeared on the cover of Vogue Knitting.[42]

Ritter is currently in a relationship with musician Adam Granduciel.[43][44] Their son was born on July 29, 2019.[45]

Filmography edit

Film edit

YearTitleRoleNotes
2001Someone Like YouModelUncredited
2002Freshening UpGirl on couchShort film
2002GarmentoPoncho model
2003The LookMara
2003Mona Lisa SmileArt History student
2005SlingshotBeth
2007Heavy PettingInnocent bystander
2008The Last International PlayboyOzzy
200827 DressesGina the goth
2008What Happens in VegasKelly
2009GlockBerettaShort film
2009Confessions of a ShopaholicSuze Cleath-Stuart
2010She's Out of My LeaguePatty
2010How to Make Love to a WomanLauren
2011Killing BonoGloria
2011Life HappensKimAlso writer and co-producer
2011MargaretShopgirl
2012BuzzKillNicole
2012VampsStacy Daimer
2012RefugeAmy
2014Listen Up PhilipMelanie
2014Veronica MarsGia Goodman
2014AsthmaRuby
2014Search PartyChristy
2014Big EyesDeAnn
2017The HeroLucy Hayden
2019El Camino: A Breaking Bad MovieJane Margolis
2021NightbooksNatacha
2024Sonic the Hedgehog 3TBAPost-production

Television edit

YearTitleRoleNotes
2004WhoopiBrynnEpisode: "The Squatters"
2004One Life to LiveKay4 episodes
2004Law & OrderTracy WarrenEpisode: "Everybody Loves Raimondo's"
2004Tanner on TannerSaleswoman2 episodes
2005Jonny ZeroQuinnEpisode: "Pilot"
2005–2006Veronica MarsGia Goodman8 episodes
2006The Bedford DiariesErin Kavenaugh2 episodes
2006–2007Gilmore GirlsLucy8 episodes
2006–2007'Til DeathAllison Stark5 episodes
2006JusticeEvaEpisode: "Christmas Party"
2007Big DayEllenEpisode: "The Ceremony"
2009–2010Breaking BadJane Margolis9 episodes
2009Gossip GirlYoung Carol RhodesEpisode: "Valley Girls"
2010GravityLily ChampagneMain role
2011Love BitesCassieEpisode: "Firsts"
2012–2013Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23ChloeMain role
2013Robot ChickenDana Polk (voice)Episode: "Immortal"
2013The Cleveland ShowGina (voice)Episode: "California Dreamin' (All the Cleves Are Brown)"
2013The Eric Andre ShowHerselfEpisode: "Krysten Ritter; Dominic Monaghan"
2014The BlacklistRowan/Nora MillsEpisode: "Lord Baltimore"
2015–2019Jessica JonesJessica JonesMain role
2016Comedy Bang! Bang!HerselfEpisode: "Krysten Ritter Wears a Turtleneck and Black Boots"
2017The DefendersJessica JonesMain role
2022The SimpsonsSheila Redfield (voice)Episode: "Meat Is Murder"
2023Love & DeathSherry ClecklerMain role
2024Orphan Black: EchoesLucy / Young Dr. Eleanor MillerMain role

As director edit

YearTitleNotes
2019Jessica JonesEpisode: "A.K.A. You're Welcome"
2021The Girl in the Woods4 episodes

Web edit

YearTitleRoleNotes
2009Woke Up DeadCassie22 episodes

Audio edit

YearTitleRoleNotesRef.
2018Modern LoveHerselfEpisode: "R We D8ting?"[46]
2021The Coldest CasePatti HarneyAudible Original[47]
2023Hunting GameEsme "Es" CompranAudible Original[48]

Music videos edit

YearTitleArtistRole
1999"Waffle"SevendustExtra
2000"Could I Have This Kiss Forever"Whitney HoustonExtra
2017"Holding On"The War on DrugsConcept

Discography edit

  • Ex-Vivian (2012)

Bibliography edit

  • Ritter, Krysten (2017). Bonfire (Hardcover ed.). Crown Archetype. ISBN 978-1-5247-5984-1.

Accolades edit

YearAwardCategoryNominated workResultRef.
2012Teen Choice AwardsChoice TV: VillainDon't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23Nominated[49]
2015TVLine's Performer of the WeekJessica Jones
Episode: "AKA You're a Winner!"
Won[50]
20166th Critics' Choice Television AwardsBest Actress in a Drama SeriesJessica JonesNominated[51]
Dorian AwardsTV Performance of the Year – ActressNominated[52]
Webby AwardsSpecial Achievement: Best ActressWon[53]
42nd Saturn AwardsBest Actress on TelevisionNominated[54]
201844th Saturn AwardsBest Supporting Actress on TelevisionMarvel's The DefendersNominated[55]
201945th Saturn AwardsBest Actress in a Streaming PresentationJessica JonesNominated[56]

References edit

  1. ^ Brodesser-Akner, Taffy (October 17, 2012). "Krysten Ritter Talks to Playboy About Being a Bitch, Model Career". Playboy. Archived from the original on June 20, 2019. Retrieved June 27, 2019. I'm five-foot-nine.
  2. ^ Naoreen, Nuzhat (December 7, 2012). "Monitor: Dec. 14, 2012". Entertainment Weekly. No. 1237. p. 26. Archived from the original on October 8, 2016. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
  3. ^ Feinberg, Scott (July 5, 2012). "Krysten Ritter, Star of Raunchy ABC Comedy, on Playing Everyone's Favorite 'B----' (Video)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 8, 2019. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
  4. ^ "Trust us, this actress is different". Times Leader. April 8, 2012. Archived from the original on June 1, 2019. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
  5. ^ a b c Schaffer, Sarah (January–February 2009). "The Real Thing". Philadelphia Style. p. 66. Archived from the original on March 5, 2009. Retrieved March 24, 2012.
  6. ^ "Krysten Ritter". Entertainmentwise. Archived from the original on November 17, 2019. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
  7. ^ a b Thompson, Bob (March 9, 2010). "Krysten Ritter explores her dark side". The Vancouver Sun. Archived from the original on March 13, 2010. Retrieved March 8, 2014.
  8. ^ Stasio, Marilyn (July 27, 2006). "Review: 'All This Intimacy'". Variety. Archived from the original on May 12, 2014. Retrieved May 11, 2014.
  9. ^ "Barnes, Bartha, Camp & Ritter Set for Zach Braff's All New People at Second Stage". Broadway.com. May 26, 2011. Archived from the original on April 24, 2019. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
  10. ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (February 6, 2009). "Krysten Ritter joins "Gossip Girl" spinoff". Reuters. Archived from the original on April 24, 2019. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
  11. ^ "'Gossip Girl' Spin-Off Star: 'I Feel Like A Million Bucks!'". Access Hollywood. February 6, 2009. Archived from the original on February 9, 2009. Retrieved February 24, 2009.
  12. ^ "Spotted: 'Gossip Girl' Spin-Off Officially Dumped By The CW". Access Hollywood. May 21, 2009. Archived from the original on December 11, 2009. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
  13. ^ Catsoulis, Jeanette (June 12, 2009). "Parties and Pain". The New York Times. Archived from the original on August 19, 2017. Retrieved May 11, 2014.
  14. ^ McCombs, Emily (February–March 2009). "Broadcast". Bust. p. 9.
  15. ^ Kaufman, Amy (October 6, 2009). "'Woke Up Dead' looks for life on Crackle website". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on April 24, 2019. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
  16. ^ a b Rosenblum, Emma (April 18, 2010). "Force of Attraction". New York. Archived from the original on June 27, 2010. Retrieved April 21, 2010.
  17. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (October 14, 2009). "New series "Gravity" pulls in four actors". Reuters. Archived from the original on January 29, 2016. Retrieved May 11, 2014.
  18. ^ McNary, Dave (December 13, 2009). "Ritter ready for 'Killing Bono'". Variety. Archived from the original on May 12, 2014. Retrieved December 15, 2009.
  19. ^ "Nick Hamm Starts 'Killing Bono'". Irish Film and Television Network. January 6, 2010. Archived from the original on December 31, 2014. Retrieved May 11, 2014.
  20. ^ Hibberd, James (February 4, 2011). "Krysten Ritter lands 'Bitch' role in ABC comedy pilot – EXCLUSIVE". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on April 24, 2019. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
  21. ^ "Freshman Season Of 'Don't Trust The B in Apt.23' Wraps Tonight". Hollywood Outbreak. May 23, 2012. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved May 24, 2012.
  22. ^ "ABC Evicts "Apartment 23" After Two Seasons". The Futon Critic. January 22, 2013. Archived from the original on September 18, 2023. Retrieved July 10, 2014.
  23. ^ Goldberg, Lesley (February 15, 2013). "'Apartment 23's' Krysten Ritter to Star in NBC's 'Assistance' Adaptation". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on May 1, 2013. Retrieved June 4, 2013.
  24. ^ Goldberg, Lesley (January 6, 2014). "Craig Robinson Comedy Gets Series Order at NBC". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on April 24, 2019. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
  25. ^ Ausiello, Michael (February 20, 2014). "Pilot Scoop: Krysten Ritter Orbiting NBC's Astronaut Comedy Mission Control". TVLine. Archived from the original on July 29, 2022. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
  26. ^ Hibberd, James (May 11, 2014). "NBC reveals fall TV schedule: Thursday comedy shakeup". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on August 11, 2016. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
  27. ^ Hibberd, James (October 15, 2014). "NBC dumps Krysten Ritter sitcom before it premieres". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on April 24, 2019. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
  28. ^ Patten, Dominic (July 9, 2013). "Krysten Ritter To Star in Jake Hoffman Directorial Debut 'Asthma'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 24, 2019. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
  29. ^ Strom, Marc (December 5, 2014). "Krysten Ritter to Star in Marvel's A.K.A. Jessica Jones". Marvel.com. Archived from the original on December 9, 2014. Retrieved December 5, 2014.
  30. ^ Erbland, Kate (December 12, 2014). "Krysten Ritter, Marvel's New Jessica Jones, Is Currently "Devouring" the Comics". Cosmopolitan. Archived from the original on December 13, 2014. Retrieved December 13, 2014.
  31. ^ Petski, Denise (September 10, 2015). "Marvel's 'Jessica Jones' Gets Premiere Date on Netflix, Releases Teaser". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on September 11, 2015. Retrieved September 19, 2015.
  32. ^ Li, Shirley (March 7, 2018). "Everything you need to know before watching Marvel's Jessica Jones season 2". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on July 19, 2018. Retrieved March 11, 2018.
  33. ^ Petski, Denise (June 27, 2018). "Marvel's 'Jessica Jones' Star Krysten Ritter To Make Directorial Debut in Season 3". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on June 27, 2018. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  34. ^ Koday, Dan (January 22, 2009). "Style Q&A: Krysten Ritter from Confessions of a Shopaholic". Seventeen. Archived from the original on March 23, 2012. Retrieved February 25, 2009.
  35. ^ Beta, Andy (July 18, 2012). "Krysten Ritter Gets Intimate on Her Debut Album". MTV News. Archived from the original on October 9, 2017. Retrieved October 8, 2017.
  36. ^ Serrao, Nivea (February 15, 2017). "Krysten Ritter to write psychological thriller". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on April 24, 2019. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
  37. ^ Kurutz, Steven (November 20, 2008). "Unfettered Actress's Well-Furnished Lair". The New York Times. Archived from the original on June 6, 2012. Retrieved February 24, 2009.
  38. ^ "Krysten Ritter: Do Whatever It Takes to Be an Angel for Animals". People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Archived from the original on September 26, 2013. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
  39. ^ Malec, Brett (August 27, 2013). "See Krysten Ritter's Hot New PETA Ad!". E! News. Archived from the original on August 31, 2013. Retrieved August 29, 2013.
  40. ^ Kelli Bender, "Exclusive: Krysten Ritter Stars in New Anti-SeaWorld PETA Campaign," People Archived April 16, 2018, at the Wayback Machine, August 4, 2016.
  41. ^ Cusumano, Katherine (August 19, 2017). "Krysten Ritter, The Defenders and Jessica Jones Star, Knits a Lot, Everywhere". W. Archived from the original on June 26, 2019. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
  42. ^ Faircloth, Kelly (March 2, 2018). "Vogue Knitting Cover Girl Krysten Ritter Teaches Stephen Colbert the Art of the Craft". Jezebel. Archived from the original on July 8, 2019. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
  43. ^ "Krysten Ritter and Partner Adam Granduciel Split After 7 Years Together". In Touch Weekly. September 29, 2021. Archived from the original on July 10, 2022. Retrieved July 10, 2022.
  44. ^ Charlton, Lauretta (June 16, 2017). "Watch a Tribute to the "Loving" Decision by the War on Drugs". The New Yorker. Archived from the original on July 8, 2019. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
  45. ^ Koerner, Allyson (August 8, 2019). "Krysten Ritter's Baby Name Will Make Comic Fans So Happy, According To A New Report". Bustle. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 10, 2019.
  46. ^ "Modern Love Podcast: Krysten Ritter Reads 'R We D8ting?'". The New York Times. April 4, 2018. Archived from the original on January 4, 2023. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
  47. ^ "Hear Aaron Paul and Krysten Ritter reunite in clip from James Patterson's new audio drama". Entertainment Weekly. March 11, 2021. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  48. ^ Patterson, Sarah. "Gripping game of cat and mouse: New Candice Fox podcast coming soon". Radio Today. Archived from the original on November 9, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
  49. ^ "Teen Choice Awards 2012". Teen Choice Awards. Archived from the original on September 12, 2012. Retrieved April 3, 2013.
  50. ^ "Performer of the Week: Krysten Ritter". TVLine. December 26, 2015. Archived from the original on February 26, 2016. Retrieved June 4, 2016.
  51. ^ Rosen, Christopher (January 17, 2016). "Critics' Choice Awards 2016 winners: Spotlight, Mad Max, Leonardo DiCaprio, and more". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on January 18, 2016. Retrieved January 18, 2016.
  52. ^ Kilday, Gregg (January 12, 2016). "'Carol' Earns Multiple Mentions as Dorian Award Nominees Are Unveiled". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on May 7, 2016. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  53. ^ "2016 Webby Award Winner Krysten Ritter". Webby Awards. May 16, 2016. Archived from the original on June 17, 2016. Retrieved May 22, 2016.
  54. ^ Mueller, Matthew (February 24, 2016). "Saturn Awards 2016 Nominees Announced". Comicbook.com. Archived from the original on February 25, 2016. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
  55. ^ McNary, Dave (March 15, 2018). "'Black Panther,' 'Walking Dead' Rule Saturn Awards Nominations". Variety. Archived from the original on March 16, 2018. Retrieved March 15, 2018.
  56. ^ Mancuso, Vinnie (July 16, 2019). "'Avengers: Endgame', 'Game of Thrones' Lead the 2019 Saturn Awards Nominations". Collider. Archived from the original on July 16, 2019. Retrieved July 16, 2019.

External links edit