Meredith Kathleen Hagner, born May 31, 1987, has established herself as one of the most versatile and compelling actresses of her generation, seamlessly navigating between soap operas, prestige dramas, and quirky independent comedies. She first captured the attention of audiences and critics alike with her breakout role as Liberty Ciccone on the long-running CBS soap opera As the World Turns, a part she played from 2008 to 2010. Her nuanced performance as the troubled young woman earned her a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series in 2009, marking her as a rising talent to watch. Following her departure from the soap, Hagner proved her range by landing a series regular role on the FX drama Lights Out in 2011, before transitioning to comedy with the TBS sitcom Men at Work from 2012 to 2014.

Hagner's career reached new heights with her critically acclaimed portrayal of Portia Davenport in the dark comedy series Search Party, which aired on TBS and later HBO Max from 2016 to 2022. Her performance as the self-absorbed yet strangely endearing socialite earned widespread praise from critics and cemented her status as a standout in the ensemble cast. During this period, she also showcased her dramatic abilities in the Facebook Watch series Strangers from 2017 to 2018, and demonstrated her comedic timing in the Quibi series Dummy in 2020. Her television work continued to flourish with a series regular role in the Apple TV+ black comedy crime series Bad Monkey in 2024, opposite Vince Vaughn, further solidifying her reputation as an actress capable of elevating any project she joins.

On the big screen, Hagner has built an impressive filmography that highlights her remarkable versatility. She made her mark in independent cinema with roles in Hits in 2014 and Folk Hero & Funny Guy in 2016, before venturing into more mainstream territory. Her performance in the political satire The Oath in 2018 showcased her ability to handle sharp, provocative material, while her role in the superhero horror film Brightburn in 2019 demonstrated her skill in genre pieces. Perhaps her most widely seen film role came in the acclaimed romantic comedy Palm Springs in 2020, starring alongside Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti, which became a breakout hit during the pandemic era and earned her significant recognition. In 2025, she appeared in the romantic comedy You're Cordially Invited, starring opposite Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon, showcasing her ability to hold her own alongside comedy royalty.

Beyond her professional achievements, Hagner has become known for her collaborative spirit and willingness to take creative risks, often gravitating toward unconventional projects that challenge traditional storytelling. Her marriage to fellow actor Wyatt Russell, whom she wed in 2019, has made them one of Hollywood's most beloved couples, and the pair have worked together on several projects, including Folk Hero & Funny Guy. As she continues to expand her already impressive body of work, Hagner remains a consistently engaging presence on both screen and stage, with critics frequently praising her ability to find depth and humanity in even the most eccentric characters. Her trajectory from daytime television to becoming a sought-after talent in both independent cinema and prestige television demonstrates not only her considerable skill but also her keen instinct for selecting roles that challenge and inspire her.