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Carly Chaikin
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Carly Chaikin (born 1989 or 1990)[1][2] is an American actress. Her acting career began in 2009 and she received her breakout role two years later, co-starring as Dalia Royce in the ABC sitcom Suburgatory. She played the role until the series' cancellation in 2014, and one year later began playing the role of Darlene in the USA Network thriller drama series Mr. Robot.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Chaikin was born in Santa Monica, California, to a cardiologist father and a psychotherapist mother.[3] She was raised Jewish and has a sister.[4][5][better source needed]
She attended The Archer School for Girls and the New Roads School.[5] During this time she played a variety of sports, including volleyball, softball, basketball, and soccer.[6]
Career
[edit]2009–2011: Early career
[edit]Chaikin knew she wanted to be an actress since she was 11.[7] During high school, she decided to forgo college and dedicate herself to acting.[5]
In 2009, Chaikin landed the role of Veronica in the film The Consultants, released December 4, 2010 in the US. The same year, Chaikin starred alongside Miley Cyrus in the film adaptation of Nicholas Sparks' The Last Song, initially released in the US on March 31, 2010. She played the role of Blaze, the antagonist of the film, a rebel that stirs up trouble for Ronnie, played by Cyrus.[8]
2011–2014: Early television work and Suburgatory
[edit]In 2011, Chaikin was cast as Dalia Oprah Royce in the ABC sitcom Suburgatory alongside Jeremy Sisto and Cheryl Hines.[9][10] Chaikin's character, Dalia, was the mean girl to Jane Levy's Tessa,[11] Her performance received universal acclaim; she quickly became a fan favorite and her performance a popular highlight of the show.[12][13][14] Chaikin originally auditioned for the role of Tessa.[15] Chaikin wrote a series of articles as her character, Dalia, for the magazine, Parade.[16] As her character, Dalia, she shot a music video called "You Missed A Spot." In 2013, Chaikin was nominated for the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Suburgatory[17] and was discussed as a potential Emmy nomination.[18] The series ended its run on May 14, 2014.[19]
Chaikin appeared in the 2012 independent film My Uncle Rafael starring John Michael Higgins.[3]
In addition to acting, Chaikin is a writer and producer of short films, including Happy Fucking Birthday, and Nowhere to Go, which was honored at the First Glance Film Festival in 2013.[20]
2014–2019: Mr. Robot
[edit]In September 2014,[21] Chaikin was cast in the USA Network TV series, Mr. Robot,[22][23] starring Rami Malek ("Elliot") and Christian Slater ("Mr. Robot").[24] She plays the programmer Darlene, one of the show's central characters, who is a member of the fsociety group and writes malicious rootkit code.[25][26] Chaikin auditioned for the roles of both Angela and Darlene. She said that it was a great pilot and that the bad-ass nature of the character really appealed to her.[27] Mr. Robot has received widespread critical acclaim. At the 2015 SXSW film festival, the show won the Audience Award for Episodic TV shows.[28][29] Chaikin was a series regular for all four seasons of Mr. Robot.

During the five years Chaikin was involved with Mr. Robot, she also appeared in three independent films, the 2015 thriller Bad Blood, the 2017 comedy People You May Know, and the 2018 rom-com Social Animals, as well as filmed the currently unreleased film Last Moment of Clarity. In 2015, Chaikin guest-starred on Marc Maron's TV show, Maron, as Tina, a college teaching assistant whom Marc's friend (played by Adam Goldberg) has slept with. In 2019, she was featured in the New Years episode of Hulu's horror anthology Into the Dark. Additionally, Chaikin has been a guest judge on Project Runway two times; in season 15 (2016) and season 16 (2017).
2020s
[edit]In February 2021, it was announced that Chaikin was developing her television series Messy with Miramax TV, with Chaikin writing, starring, and also showrunning with producer Liz Brixius.[32]
Personal life
[edit]Chaikin is also a painter, focusing on acrylics and oil, with some mixed media collage.[6] Although she took painting classes growing up, Chaikin says that she is mostly self-taught.[33]
In 2012 she had 11 tattoos, one of which features song lyrics by Bob Dylan.[34]
Chaikin has been involved with the charitable organization National Alliance on Mental Illness, which conducts research and support for people and their families impacted by mental illness. She served as emcee of NAMIWalks in both 2016 and 2017, as well as raising money for the organization and matching incoming donations.[35][36] She has recorded public service announcements for the group.[37]
On September 3, 2018, Chaikin announced that she was engaged to her longtime boyfriend, television director Ryan Bunnell.[38] The two wed in November 2021 and lived in Los Angeles together.[39][40] In February 2023 Bunnell filed for divorce from Chaikin, citing irreconcilable differences.[41]
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | The Consultants | Veronica | |
| 2010 | The Last Song | Blaze | |
| 2011 | Escapee | Lynne Petersen | |
| 2012 | My Uncle Rafael | Kim | |
| 2013 | In a World... | Excruciating | |
| 2015 | Bad Blood | Frances | |
| 2017 | People You May Know | Oakley | |
| 2018 | Social Animals | Claire | |
| 2020 | Last Moment of Clarity | Kat | |
| 2022 | Daniel's Gotta Die | Jessica Powell |
Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–2014 | Suburgatory | Dalia Royce | Main cast; 50 episodes |
| 2012 | Harder Than It Looks | Katie | 2 episodes: "Sisters" and "The Tutors" |
| 2012 | NTSF:SD:SUV:: | Brittany | Episode: "16 Hop Street" |
| 2015 | Maron | Tina | Episode: "Professor of Desire" |
| 2015–2019 | Mr. Robot | Darlene Alderson | Main cast; 32 episodes |
| 2019 | Into the Dark | Danielle Williams | Episode: "New Year, New You" |
Shorts and web series
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Harder Than It Looks | Katie | Web series; 2 episodes |
| 2012 | Nowhere to Go[42] | Austyn | short film; also writer and executive producer |
| 2013 | Happy Fucking Birthday | Maddy McDowell | short film |
| 2014 | Dissonance | Julia | short film; also producer |
| 2014 | Literally[43] | Hello Giggles shorts[26] | |
| 2016 | Into Me[44] | short film; also writer, executive producer and editor |
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 13th FirstGlance Film Fest Hollywood | Best Shorts Too (shared with Robert May) | Nowhere to Go | Won |
| 3rd Critics' Choice Television Awards[45] | Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series | Suburgatory | Nominated | |
| 15th Teen Choice Awards | Choice TV: Villain | Nominated |
References
[edit]- ^ a b Smith, Krista (July 12, 2016). "Carly Chaikin on How Mr. Robot's Second Season Tops Its First". Vanity Fair. Archived from the original on July 12, 2016.
Age: 26
- ^ a b Tannenbaum, Emily (December 1, 2017). "Carly Chaikin Can't Get Enough of Your Mr. Robot Fan Theories". Elle. Archived from the original on December 3, 2017.
the 27-year-old
- ^ a b Steely, Jon (March 2010). "Introducing Carly Chaikin". Venice Magazine. Archived from the original on June 11, 2010. Retrieved March 13, 2012.
Born, raised, and still living in Santa Monica, her dad is a cardiologist and her mom is a psychotherapist
- ^ "Carly Chaikin, Celebrity – Biography". TV Guide. Archived from the original on August 10, 2019. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
- ^ a b c "Ep. 35 | Carly Chaikin (Mr Robot) from Curious with Josh Peck". www.stitcher.com (Podcast). Retrieved October 24, 2019.
- ^ a b Garron, Barry (August 22, 2011). "SM Native Quickly Becomes TV Star". Santa Monica Patch. Retrieved July 3, 2015.[dead link]
- ^ Hinojosa, Stacy (March 14, 2012). "Exclusive: Carly Chaikin Suburgatory Interview". Cambio. Archived from the original on March 17, 2012. Retrieved May 16, 2012.
- ^ O., Courtney (June 16, 2009). "The Last Song Goes Into Production". MovieWeb. Archived from the original on June 29, 2009. Retrieved January 18, 2010.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (March 9, 2011). "Jeremy Sisto to star in ABC comedy pilot Suburgatory". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 31, 2012. Retrieved October 5, 2011.
- ^ Ng, Philiana (October 17, 2012). "Suburgatory Co-Stars Tease 'Sweet' Dallas-George Moments, Barely-There Outfits and Epic Dance-Offs". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
- ^ Ryan, Maureen (May 9, 2012). "Suburgatory's Dalia Speaks: Carly Chaikin On One Tan And Funny Chatswin Resident". Huffington Post. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
- ^ Stanhope, Kate (March 5, 2013). "Suburgatory's Carly Chaikin on Taking Dalia's Crazy to New Heights, Her Throwdown with Tessa". TV Guide. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
- ^ Acord, Tanner; Nededog, Jethro (March 26, 2014). "Drinking With the Star: Suburgatory's Carly Chaikin on Dahlia's Signature Faces, Meddling in Lisa's Marriage Proposal (Video)". The Wrap. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
- ^ Prudom, Laura (March 6, 2013). "Suburgatory: Carly Chaikin Previews Dalia's Revenge, Dry Crying And 'How To Be A Baby'". Huffington Post. Retrieved July 4, 2015.
- ^ Redd, Nancy (August 5, 2013). "Carly Chaikin on The New Season of Suburgatory". Huffington Post. Retrieved July 4, 2015.
- ^ "Suburgatory's Dalia Royce". Parade. 2014. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
- ^ "HBO, FX Lead Critics' Choice TV Awards – But Where Are Mad Men, Modern Family?". Deadline Hollywood. May 22, 2013. Archived from the original on May 23, 2013. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
- ^ Fienberg, Daniel (July 19, 2013). "Carly Chaikin of Suburgatory". HitFix. Archived from the original on October 20, 2016. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
- ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (May 9, 2014). "Suburgatory, Super Fun Night canceled by ABC". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on May 11, 2014. Retrieved May 9, 2014.
- ^ "Dalia Royce Played by Carly Chaikin". ABC. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
- ^ "Portia Doubleday, Carly Chaikin Join USA Pilot 'Mr. Robot'; Rupert Evans In Amazon's 'Man In The High Castle'". Deadline. September 11, 2014. Retrieved November 21, 2019.
- ^ Ng, Philiana (September 11, 2014). "'Suburgatory,' 'Her' Alums to Co-Star in USA's Hacker Drama Mr. Robot". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
- ^ "Madison(Maddie)– Played by Carly Chaikin". USA Network. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
- ^ "Portia Doubleday, Carly Chaikin join USA pilot Mr. Robot; Rupert Evans in Amazon's Man in the High Castle". Deadline Hollywood. September 11, 2011. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
- ^ Tang, Jenny (April 9, 2015). "Interview with Mr Robot cast at SXSW 2015". Nerdgeist. Retrieved July 4, 2015.
- ^ a b Nickalls, Sammy (June 24, 2015). "Nerding out with Carly Chaikin: On her new show Mr. Robot, and her HelloGiggles series Literally". Hello Giggles. Retrieved July 4, 2015.
- ^ Christian Slater: Mr. Robot Q&A – Film 2015. SXSW. June 24, 2015. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved July 4, 2015 – via YouTube.
- ^ Wiese, Christina (March 21, 2015). "2015 SXSW Film Audience Award Winners Announced". SXSW. Retrieved July 4, 2015.
- ^ Miller, Liz Shannon (March 25, 2015). "Review: What is Mr. Robot, and Why Did It Win the SXSW Audience Award?". Indiewire. Retrieved July 4, 2015.
- ^ "NAMIWalks Los Angeles". NAMI Westside Los Angeles. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
- ^ "NAMI Walks Los Angeles 2016 at Grand Park". wherevent.com.
- ^ Zorrilla, Mónica Marie (February 11, 2021). "Carly Chaikin Partners With Miramax TV, Showrunner Liz Brixius on Dark Comedy Series (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
- ^ Liza, Darwin (April 24, 2014). "Artist in Residence: Carly Chaikin". Nylon. Retrieved July 4, 2015.
- ^ Brody, Caitlin (October 16, 2012). "Suburgatory's Carly Chaikin is Nothing Like Her Character, Dalia. Count the Tattoos for Proof!". Glamour. Retrieved July 4, 2015.
- ^ Carly Chaikin - Team 'Mr. Robot'. "Comments". Namiwalks.org. Retrieved October 23, 2017.
- ^ "Comments". Namiwalks.org. January 3, 2015. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
- ^ NAMI (May 19, 2016). #StigmaFree: Carly Chaikin. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved October 5, 2016 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Mr. Robot Star Carly Chaikin Is Engaged: See Her Ring". E! Online. September 4, 2018. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
- ^ Goldberg, Emily (July 13, 2016). "My LA to Z: Carly Chaikin Los Angeles Magazine". Los Angeles Magazine. Retrieved October 24, 2019.
- ^ David, Mark (June 20, 2019). "'Mr. Robot' Actress Carly Chaikin Lists Woodland Hills Suburban Ranch House (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved October 24, 2019.
- ^ "'Mr. Robot' Star Carly Chaikin's Husband Files For Divorce After Short Marriage". www.yahoo.com. February 8, 2023. Retrieved February 26, 2023.
- ^ Nowhere to Go on Vimeo
- ^ Literally. YouTube. Retrieved July 4, 2015.
- ^ ContentMode Magazine. Into Me. YouTube. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021.
- ^ Nordyke, Kimberly; Wilson Hunt, Stacey (June 10, 2013). "Critics' Choice Television Awards: Complete Winners List". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
External links
[edit]Carly Chaikin
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Childhood and family
Carly Chaikin was born on March 26, 1990, in Santa Monica, California.[3] She grew up in the coastal city alongside her identical twin sister, Sam Chaikin, who later pursued a career in fashion design.[7] Her father, Michael Chaikin, is a cardiologist, while her mother, Lori Chaikin, is a psychotherapist who played a key role in fostering creativity in the household.[8] Raised in a Jewish family, Chaikin experienced a supportive upbringing that emphasized artistic expression from an early age.[9] Her mother enrolled her in art classes, sparking a lifelong passion for painting and other creative outlets that complemented the family's encouraging environment.[10] Although Chaikin spent much of her youth focused on sports like volleyball, she internalized a strong sense of purpose toward the arts.[11] Chaikin's interest in acting emerged around age 11, when she first envisioned pursuing a career in performance, despite initially showing little outward sign of it amid her active lifestyle.[4] This early aspiration was nurtured within her family's dynamic, though it later faced some skepticism as she chose to forgo college for professional opportunities.[11]Education
Chaikin attended The Archer School for Girls, an independent, college-preparatory high school in Los Angeles, California, during her teenage years.[8] She also studied at the New Roads School in Santa Monica.[12] Born in 1990, she completed high school around 2008, participating in arts programs that included painting classes throughout middle and high school, an interest nurtured by her family from childhood.[13][10] While at these schools, Chaikin engaged in numerous sports such as volleyball, softball, basketball, and soccer, but showed no formal involvement in drama or theater activities.[14] Opting against college attendance after graduation, she instead focused on building her acting career through self-taught preparation and post-high school auditions, supplemented by workshops.[4][15] This direct path into professional pursuits marked the beginning of her entry into the entertainment industry without structured higher education.[12]Career
2009–2011: Early roles
Chaikin launched her professional acting career in 2009 at age 19, shortly after graduating high school, with the role of Veronica in the independent comedy The Consultants, a film about an executive hiring unconventional advisors after his boss's death; it was released theatrically in the United States on December 4, 2010.[16] This debut marked her entry into the industry without formal training, relying on self-determination after deciding during high school to skip college and pursue acting in Los Angeles.[17] In 2010, she secured her first major supporting role as Blaze, the snarky and rebellious best friend to Miley Cyrus's character in the romantic drama The Last Song, directed by Julie Anne Robinson and based on Nicholas Sparks's novel, which grossed $89 million worldwide.[18] These early film parts, obtained after a limited number of auditions, helped her gain visibility in Hollywood while navigating the competitive landscape of small independent projects.[17] By 2011, Chaikin continued building her resume with the role of Lynne Petersen in the low-budget thriller Escapee, playing a young woman targeted by an escaped mental patient in a story of survival and pursuit. Relocating to Los Angeles post-high school, she faced typical early-career hurdles such as frequent auditions for minor roles and the instability of sporadic bookings, which tested her resolve in a city dominated by aspiring talent.[17] Despite these obstacles, her persistence in securing these initial credits laid the groundwork for subsequent opportunities.2011–2014: Suburgatory and breakthrough
In 2011, Carly Chaikin landed her breakout role as Dalia Royce, the spoiled and enigmatic socialite daughter of Dallas Royce (played by Jane Krakowski), in the ABC sitcom Suburgatory, co-starring alongside Jeremy Sisto as George Altman.[19] Originally auditioning for the lead role of Tessa Altman, Chaikin was recast as Dalia after dyeing her hair blonde to fit the character's vapid, high-society persona, a decision that highlighted her versatility in comedic timing and deadpan delivery.[20] The series, created by Emily Kapnek, followed a New York City teenager adjusting to suburban life in fictional Chatswin, with Dalia serving as a key antagonist and comic foil whose quirky behaviors, like creating Auto-Tuned music videos, added satirical edge to the show's exploration of superficiality.[21] Suburgatory aired for three seasons from 2011 to 2014, comprising 57 episodes and earning positive critical reception for its sharp suburban satire, with Season 1 holding an 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 35 reviews praising its "abrasive wit and left-field jokes."[22] Chaikin's portrayal of Dalia was particularly lauded for evolving the character from a one-note mean girl into a more layered figure, with outlets like The Hollywood Reporter noting her "brilliantly deadpan" performance that stole scenes through subtle physical comedy and vocal inflections.[23] Her work garnered a 2013 Critics' Choice Television Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, alongside a Teen Choice Award nod, underscoring the role's acclaim and her rising profile in ensemble casts.[24] During this period, Chaikin balanced her series regular status with minor film appearances, including a supporting role as Kim in the independent comedy My Uncle Rafael (2012) and a brief voice part in the Lake Bell-directed In a World... (2013), which allowed her to diversify beyond television while building comedic credentials.[3] The show's cancellation in May 2014, attributed to declining ratings and budget constraints despite a loyal fanbase, marked the end of her first major television commitment but propelled her career forward by amplifying her visibility for dramatic opportunities. Post-Suburgatory, Chaikin's fanbase expanded significantly, leading to auditions for higher-profile projects and establishing her as a sought-after talent transitioning from sitcoms to more complex roles.[25]2014–2019: Mr. Robot
In 2015, Carly Chaikin was cast as Darlene Alderson in the USA Network psychological thriller series Mr. Robot, created by Sam Esmail.[26] Initially auditioning for the role of Angela Moss, Chaikin faced resistance from Esmail and producer Chad Hamilton, who doubted her suitability due to her comedic portrayal of Dalia Royce in Suburgatory.[27] Casting director Susie Farris advocated for her, emphasizing Chaikin's versatility beyond the bubbly blonde character, ultimately securing the part of Darlene, the sharp-tongued hacker and younger sister to protagonist Elliot Alderson (played by Rami Malek).[27] The series aired from 2015 to 2019 across four seasons, comprising 43 episodes, and follows a cybersecurity engineer entangled in a web of corporate corruption and vigilante hacking.[26] Darlene emerges as a pivotal figure in the narrative, serving as a core member of the underground hacktivist collective fsociety, which targets societal and economic injustices through cyber operations.[28] Her character drives key plot arcs centered on the group's high-stakes activities, including orchestrating disruptions against powerful entities, while grappling with interpersonal tensions and personal revelations that deepen her bond with Elliot and expose vulnerabilities in her resolve.[28] Throughout the series, Darlene navigates the fallout from fsociety's actions, including scrutiny from law enforcement, which forces her to confront isolation and the psychological toll of her choices.[28] Mr. Robot garnered widespread praise for its intricate exploration of psychological themes, including identity, paranoia, and systemic inequality, with Esmail's direction of all episodes in later seasons enhancing its cinematic intensity.[29] Chaikin's performance as Darlene was particularly acclaimed for authentically depicting mental health struggles, such as emotional breakdowns, substance use as coping mechanisms, and a desperate yearning for familial connection amid chaos, positioning her as the series' emotional core.[30] This role marked a significant career milestone for Chaikin, earning the Emmy-nominated series international recognition and shifting her typecasting from lighthearted comedy to intense dramatic leads, fundamentally altering her approach to acting.[31]2020–present: Later projects
Following the conclusion of Mr. Robot in 2019, Chaikin adopted a more selective approach to her roles, seeking projects that allowed for character depth similar to her experience portraying Darlene Alderson.[27] In 2020, she starred as Kat in the indie thriller Last Moment of Clarity, directed by Colin and James Krisel, alongside Samara Weaving and Brian Cox; the film follows a man haunted by his fiancée's murder who believes he spots her in a movie, leading to a cross-continental pursuit involving identity and deception.[32][33] Chaikin's creative ambitions expanded in 2021 when she announced Messy, a dark comedy series she created, wrote, and planned to star in, developed with Miramax Television and showrunner Liz Brixius; as of 2025, the project remains in development without a network or release date confirmed.[5] She continued with independent fare in 2022, playing Jessica Powell in the black comedy Daniel's Gotta Die, directed by Jeremy LaLonde, where a family schemes around an inheritance; the ensemble cast included Mary Lynn Rajskub, Jason Jones, and Bob Saget in one of his final roles before his death. The film premiered at the Austin Film Festival in October 2022 and received a limited theatrical release on February 21, 2025.[34][35] From 2023 to 2024, Chaikin focused on selective opportunities aligning with her interest in nuanced storytelling. In December 2024, she was announced in the lead role of the indie murder mystery Red Camellia, directed by Tamlin Hall, co-starring Douglas Smith and Sean Bridgers as a small-town waitress unraveling a crime to clear her name; production began late that year, with no release date set as of November 2025.[6][36] This period reflects Chaikin's evolving career trajectory, emphasizing quality over volume while increasingly incorporating producing and writing to explore multifaceted female characters.[5]Personal life and activism
Relationships and marriage
Chaikin began a long-term relationship with television producer and filmmaker Ryan Bunnell in the early 2010s. The couple announced their engagement on September 3, 2018, after dating for nearly five years.[37] They married on November 10, 2021, in an intimate ceremony, which Chaikin shared via social media with a photo and the caption noting their joy.[38] The marriage lasted just over a year before Bunnell filed for divorce in February 2023, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split.[39] The couple had no children together, and there were no public details released regarding spousal support, property division, or other settlement terms.[40] Following the divorce, Chaikin has maintained a high level of privacy concerning her personal relationships, with no further romantic partnerships publicly disclosed.Philanthropy and advocacy
Carly Chaikin serves as an ambassador for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), a role she took on in the late 2010s to support mental health awareness and destigmatization efforts.[41] In this capacity, she shares personal experiences from the entertainment industry to educate the public and advocate for better access to mental health resources, drawing from the pressures she has observed and faced in Hollywood.[42] Her advocacy emphasizes open conversations about mental illness, highlighting how stigma affects individuals in high-stress professions like acting. Chaikin has engaged in public speaking engagements focused on wellness and mental health in the entertainment sector, positioning herself as a voice for change among her peers.[43] On social media, she has promoted NAMI's initiatives, including a 2017 call to action for donations to NAMIWalks, urging followers to contribute even small amounts to support those affected by mental illness.[44] These efforts reflect her commitment to using her platform for broader societal impact beyond her acting career. Chaikin continues to serve as an ambassador for NAMI, having participated in events and fundraisers as noted in the organization's annual reports from 2021 to 2023, where she is recognized as an active ambassador contributing to advocacy and community-building activities.[45][46][47][41] Her work aligns with NAMI's mission to foster supportive environments for mental health, including sporadic support for related causes tied to her artistic background, though she has not established any major foundations.[41]Filmography
Film
Chaikin's first feature film role was as Veronica in the 2010 independent comedy The Consultants, directed by Dave Fraunces.[16] In the same year, she portrayed the antagonistic Blaze, a rebellious teenager, in the Nicholas Sparks adaptation The Last Song, co-starring with Miley Cyrus, Liam Hemsworth, Greg Kinnear, and Kelly Preston; the film received a wide theatrical release.[48] Her next appearance was as Lynne Petersen, a college student targeted by an escaped convict, in the 2011 direct-to-video horror thriller Escapee, alongside Dominic Purcell and Christine Adams.[49] In 2012, Chaikin played Kim, a family member navigating cultural clashes, in the independent comedy My Uncle Rafael, featuring John Michael Higgins and Vahik Pirhamziei.[50] She had a small role as the hilariously named Excruciating in the 2013 independent comedy In a World..., written and directed by and starring Lake Bell, with co-stars including Rob Corddry and Michaela Watkins; the film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.[51] In the 2015 direct-to-video thriller Bad Blood, Chaikin portrayed Frances, a supporting character in a story of betrayal and murder, opposite Taylor Cole, Billy Miller, and Christine Adams.[52] Chaikin took on the role of Oakley, a sharp-witted friend entangled in social media drama, in the 2017 independent comedy-drama People You May Know, co-starring Nick Thune, Halston Sage, and Ian Harding.[53] She played Claire, a loyal but exasperated best friend, in the 2018 independent comedy Social Animals, directed by Theresa Bennett and featuring Noël Wells, Josh Radnor, Aya Cash, and Samira Wiley; the film had a limited theatrical release.[54] In 2020, Chaikin appeared as Kat Zaro, a mysterious ally in a neo-noir mystery, in the independent thriller Last Moment of Clarity, alongside Samara Weaving, Zach Avery, Brian Cox, and Udo Kier; it premiered at virtual festivals during the COVID-19 pandemic before streaming release.[33] Chaikin starred as Jessica Powell, a scheming family member in a dysfunctional inheritance plot, in the 2022 black comedy Daniel's Gotta Die, directed by Jeremy LaLonde and co-starring Joel David Moore, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Jason Jones, Chantel Riley, and the late Bob Saget in one of his final roles; the film had a limited release.[55] As of late 2024, Chaikin is set to lead the upcoming independent murder mystery Red Camellia, directed by Tamlin Hall, playing a small-town waitress determined to prove her innocence, opposite Douglas Smith, Sean Bridgers, and Chloe Guidry; production wrapped in Kentucky.[6][36]Television
Chaikin's television debut came in the ABC sitcom Suburgatory (2011–2014), where she portrayed the spoiled socialite Dalia Royce as a series regular across all 57 episodes.[50] In 2012, she made a guest appearance as Brittany in a single episode of the Adult Swim sketch comedy series NTSF:SD:SUV:: ("16 Hop Street").[56] Chaikin guest-starred as Tina, a college teaching assistant, in the 2015 IFC series Maron ("Professor of Desire"), appearing in one episode. She achieved further prominence as Darlene Alderson, the sharp-witted sister of the protagonist, in the USA Network cyber-thriller Mr. Robot (2015–2019), serving as a main cast member in 43 episodes.[26] During the run of Mr. Robot, Chaikin appeared as Danielle Williams in the Hulu anthology horror series Into the Dark (2018), in the episode "New Year, New You," marking another one-episode guest role.[57] No additional television credits have been reported for Chaikin from 2020 through 2025.[58]Shorts and web series
Chaikin's involvement in short films and web series began early in her career, often allowing her to explore multifaceted roles as both performer and creative collaborator in experimental and digital formats. These projects, frequently premiered at film festivals or released online via platforms like YouTube and Vimeo, highlighted her ability to tackle intimate, character-driven stories outside traditional television and feature film constraints.[8] Her debut in web series came with the comedy Harder Than It Looks (2012), where she portrayed Katie across two episodes, "Sisters" and "The Tutors," contributing to the show's humorous take on young adult mishaps directed by Seth Weitberg.[59][58] In 2014–2015, Chaikin co-starred in the Hello Giggles web short series Literally, acting out humorous interpretations of everyday phrases alongside Nina Steffel.[60] In short films, Chaikin took on lead roles while expanding into writing and producing. She starred as Austyn in Nowhere to Go (2012), a poignant drama about post-breakup isolation that she also wrote and executive produced; the film was honored at the First Glance Film Festival and screened at events like the Beloit International Film Festival.[8][61][62] The following year, she led as Maddy McDowell in Happy Fucking Birthday (2013), a dramatic comedy she co-wrote and produced, centering on a woman's obsessive attempts to post a birthday message to her ex on social media; the short premiered at festivals and emphasized Chaikin's comedic timing in awkward, relatable scenarios.[63][39] By 2014, Chaikin appeared as Julia in Dissonance, a short directed by Bryan Cox that examined relational stagnation and personal reinvention; she also served as producer, and the film earned an Award of Excellence at the Best Shorts Competition for its introspective narrative.[64][65] Her collaboration with the Mr. Robot creative team extended to the horror short The Careful Massacre of the Bourgeoisie (2016), where she played Julia in a faux-1980s slasher film-within-a-film, written and directed by series writer Adam Penn; released online as promotional content, it featured Rami Malek and blended nostalgia with unsettling tension.[66][67] That same year, Chaikin starred in and wrote Into Me (2016), a dark romantic tragedy directed by Adrian Lazarus, portraying a lead in a poetic exploration of obsessive love; she also executive produced and edited the project, which premiered at industry events and was distributed via Contentmode.[68][69] In more recent digital work, Chaikin featured as the lead "Girl" in It's All in Your Head (2021), a mental health-focused short directed by Kelsey Darragh that depicts the internal struggles of depression; the film won Best Actress for Chaikin at the Chicago Indie Film Awards and screened at festivals like FFFLondon.[70][71][72] These shorts and web projects, often self-produced or tied to her television collaborators, underscore Chaikin's commitment to non-traditional storytelling through platforms like festivals and online releases up to 2025.[8]Recognition
Awards
Chaikin has garnered a few awards for her performances in independent short films, recognizing her early contributions to indie cinema. In 2013, she co-wrote, produced, and starred in the short film Nowhere to Go, which won the Best Shorts Too award (shared with Robert May) at the FirstGlance Film Fest Hollywood, highlighting her multifaceted role in the project.[61] In 2021, Chaikin received the Chicago Indie Film Award for Best Actress for her lead role in the psychological thriller short It's All in Your Head, directed by Kelsey Darragh, underscoring her ability to deliver compelling performances in genre pieces.[24]Nominations
Chaikin received her first major award nominations in 2013 for her performance as Dalia Royce in the ABC sitcom Suburgatory. She was nominated for the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.[73] That same year, she earned a Teen Choice Award nomination for Choice TV Villain.[74] Her work on Mr. Robot also garnered recognition, particularly as part of the show's ensemble. In 2016, Chaikin and her co-stars were nominated for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for their roles in the USA Network series.[75]| Year | Award | Category | Project | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Critics' Choice Television Award | Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series | Suburgatory | Nominated alongside Kaley Cuoco, Sarah Hyland, Melissa Rauch, and Sofía Vergara.[73] |
| 2013 | Teen Choice Award | Choice TV Villain | Suburgatory | Competed against Joseph Morgan, Lana Parrilla, and Janel Parrish.[74] |
| 2016 | Screen Actors Guild Award | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series | Mr. Robot | Shared nomination with Rami Malek, Christian Slater, Portia Doubleday, Martin Wallström, and others.[75] |