Melanie Lynskey Says Husband Jason Ritter is “Sacrificing” His Acting Career for Her Success

Melanie Lynskey is praising husband Jason Ritter for putting his own acting career on hold for her success.

“He’s the most supportive person in the world,” the Yellowjackets star told People magazine about Ritter, whom she began dating in 2013 and married in 2020. “The last few years we’ve had this role of like, whoever’s job makes the most sense, whether it’s the most exciting career wise or it’s more money, we would prioritize the one that was going to help move the person’s career forward.”

Lynskey added that her success comes at the expense of Ritter’s work, as he has been “getting offered stuff all the time” but has passed on roles in support of his wife. “It’s like genuinely sacrificing,” she said.

The actress also credited the Parenthood alum for encouraging her to take on her memorable role in the first season of The Last of Us. “He was like, ‘There’s no way you’re not going to do The Last of Us. You have to do it,'” she recalled. “So it was months and months that he was just being a dad and hanging out with me, and I’m so, so, so grateful to him.”

Lynskey continued, “I think a lot of men don’t have that kind of self-esteem and that respect for their partner. I’m grateful that I have someone who does.”

The Ever After star’s career has experienced a renaissance since being cast in Showtime’s hit series Yellowjackets, which earned her two Emmy nominations and a Critics Choice Award. Besides her recent stint on The Last of Us, she’s also since starred in Hulu’s Candy and Peacock’s upcoming The Tattooist of Auschwitz.

Ritter recently made cameos on Candy and The Last of Us. He also starred in Netflix’s superhero series Raising Dion, which was canceled after two seasons in 2022.