Maria Dizzia

Maria Dizzia is an American actress known for her work on stage, television, and film. She was born on December 29, 1974, in New Jersey and grew up in Pennsylvania. Dizzia graduated from Cornell University with a degree in theater and then went on to earn an MFA from the University of California, San Diego.

Dizzia began her career in theater, and her Broadway debut came in 2010 when she appeared in the Tony Award-winning play, "In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play)" by Sarah Ruhl. She played the role of Mrs. Daldry, a patient of a doctor who uses a new electrical device to treat "hysteria" in women in the late 19th century. Dizzia's performance was praised by The New York Times, which called her "excellent" and "touching."

Dizzia has also appeared in several off-Broadway productions, including "Eurydice" by Sarah Ruhl, "The Hallway Trilogy" by Adam Rapp, and "Belleville" by Amy Herzog. She has received critical acclaim for her work in these productions, and her performances have been described as "riveting," "powerful," and "heartbreaking."

In addition to her work on stage, Dizzia has appeared in several films and television shows. She had a recurring role on the HBO series "The Leftovers," playing the character of Meg Abbott, a member of a cult called the Guilty Remnant. Dizzia's performance on the show was praised by critics, and she was nominated for a Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.

Dizzia has also appeared in several films, including "Martha Marcy May Marlene," "While We're Young," and "True Story." In "Martha Marcy May Marlene," she played the role of Lucy, the sister of the main character, who is struggling to readjust to life after escaping from a cult. Dizzia's performance in the film was praised by The New York Times, which called her "terrific."

Most recently, Dizzia appeared in the Netflix series "Orange is the New Black," playing the role of Polly Harper, the best friend of the main character, Piper Chapman. She also appeared in the film "The Sound of Silence" in 2019, playing the role of Ellen, a client of a "house tuner" who treats people's emotional problems by adjusting the sounds in their homes.

Throughout her career, Dizzia has demonstrated her versatility as an actress, playing a wide range of characters in various mediums. She has received critical acclaim for her performances on stage, television, and film, and her work has been praised for its emotional depth and authenticity.

In addition to her acting work, Dizzia is also a writer and director. She co-wrote and starred in the short film "Babies," which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2014. The film explores the struggles of two women who are trying to conceive, and it was praised for its honesty and humor.

Overall, Maria Dizzia is a talented actress who has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. Her work on stage, television, and film has been consistently praised by critics, and she has demonstrated her versatility and range as an actress. With her talent and dedication, Dizzia is sure to continue making an impact in the entertainment industry for years to come.