Linda Cardellini Wiki: Age, Net Worth & Everything About 'Legally Blonde' Actress

Linda Cardellini is an American actress, best known for her work in "Freaks and Geeks", "ER", the movies "Legally Blonde" and the Scooby Doo series and most recently in the Netflix drama "Bloodline". Born in Redwood City, California, a city on the San Francisco peninsula in the Bay Area, it's no surprise Cardellini was attracted to the world of performance art. Cardellini's career has spanned over two decades, she's worked with some of Hollywood's most prominent stars, and she's seen consistent success since breaking onto the scene in the late 1990's. The forty-two-year-old actress has a net worth of $3 million.

At the ripe age of ten, Cardellini had her first on-stage appearance, singing in a school play. School productions became a crucial part of Cardellini's early success, giving her some much-needed experience performing in front of audience's and making her feel comfortable on stage. She appeared in numerous school productions and began taking drama classes, feeling drawn to acting from her young age. After graduating from high school in 1993, Cardellini bravely moved to Los Angeles in hopes of landing roles on television or film. In 1994 she received her first taste in the limelight, appearing on an episode of the popular game show "The Price is Right", but she wouldn't really break into the entertainment industry until two years later. In 1996 Cardellini landed her first starring role, on the Saturday morning children's series "Bone Chillers". The short lived series, based on horror fiction novels, was the foot in the door Cardellini needed. She'd go on to guest star on multiple popular prime time television shows, including "Step By Step", "Boy Meets World", and "3rd Rock From the Sun."

Cardellini more than paid her dues during the late 90's, and it all came back to her when she landed the starring role in NBC's "Freaks And Geeks." Cardellini starred as Lindsay Weir, an older sister and so-called freak in the teen dramedy set in 1980. While the program only lasted one season, it's widely considered one of the best television shows of all-time, and many believe it was canceled far too soon. It's become a cult classic. From creators Paul Feig and Judd Apatow, the show is known for being incredibly relatable and shows some of the most honest portrayals of young teens.

After "Freaks And Geeks" launched Cardellini's star into the Hollywood sky, making the transition to movies seemed to come naturally. She played a supporting role in the 2001 hit comedy "Legally Blonde" and portrayed Andy Garcia's daughter in the thriller "The Unsaid" in the same year. While she appeared in a handful of films, it was her work in "Scooby-Doo" that truly made her a household name. Bringing the character of Velma Dinkley to life, Cardellini rounded out a cast of well-known actors, starring alongside Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar and Matthew Lillard in the live action adaption of the beloved cartoon. It wasn't the most popular with critics, but fans of the iconic children's cartoon, fans of all ages, couldn't help but love it. It was a box office hit, and its success even earned it a sequel. Cardellini and the rest of the cast returned for the second film, which had similar success. Cardellini would go on to star in several films after solidifying herself as both a dramatic and comedic talent. She played supporting roles in "Brokeback Mountain" and "Grandma's Boy" and has recently been seen in "Avengers: Age of Ultron" and "Daddy's Home", proving her incredible versatility.

Between filming the "Scooby-Doo" movies, Cardellini landed the role of Sam Taggart on the longtime medical drama "ER". Taggart was a single mother and nurse, with a tendency to say exactly what was on her mind. Cardellini played the no-nonsense head nurse expertly and easily fit in with the ensemble cast. She joined the series in season ten and stayed on as the main player until it's final the fifteenth season. Once the series finale of "ER" aired in 2009, Cardellini found another niche in the world of voice-over acting. Cardellini has lent her voice to numerous animated comedies. She's voiced various characters on "Sanjay and Craig" and "Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated" and has voiced regular characters on "The Goode Family", "Regular Show" and "Gravity Falls". While lending her voice to multiple cartoons, Cardellini kept herself extremely busy on screen as well. She guest starred in three episodes of the Fox comedy "New Girl" as the main character's spontaneous older sister and played a recurring role in the drama "Mad Men." Again, Cardellini was able to show her ability as an actress, by scene-stealing in "New Girl" then turning around and appearing in a serious drama like "Mad Men." Currently, Cardellini stars as Meg Rayburn, the only sister, and family peacemaker, on the Netflix series "Bloodline". One of Netflix's many successful original shows, "Bloodline" has earned multiple award nominations, including Critic's Choice, Golden Globe, and Primetime Emmy Awards.

Throughout her career, Cardellini has been able to keep her personal life somewhat out of the public eye. After meeting him on the set of "Freaks And Geeks" Cardellini dated co-star Jason Segel for years, keeping their relationship afloat even after the show's early cancellation. Their relationship ended after five years. In 2012 Cardellini gave birth to her first child, baby girl Lilah Rose, with then-boyfriend Steven Rodriguez. Rodriguez proposed in June of 2013 and the couple has been engaged ever since.

Linda Cardellini is one of Hollywood's least talked about yet most active talents. From films to television, Cardellini has done it all. An incredible actress, Cardellini hardly gets the recognition she deserves. She's had a steady career since her debut in the late 1990's and her impressive work shows Cardellini is here to stay.