Merrin Dungey (born August 6, 1971) is an American film and television actress.
Dungey was born in Sacramento, California, the daughter of Don Dungey, a general services manager. As a child, she was active in ballet and dance as well as piano. Dungey was also an accomplished ice skater. Dungey graduated in 1989 from Rio Americano High School in Sacramento, California. She earned a degree of Bachelor of Arts from UCLA. She was the youngest recipient of the UCLA Acting Award.
Dungey is perhaps best-known for her recurring role on the television series The King of Queens (1998-2007) as Kelly Palmer, the best friend of Carrie Heffernan. She appeared in at least one episode of every season in the series, except for the 2002 season.
Dungey is also well-known for her role as Francie Calfo on the successful television drama Alias, which she played from 2001 to 2003, and reprised in a surprise appearance in the series finale episode All the Time in the World. She has also appeared in Summerland (2004 - 2005), and had a minor recurring role in FOX's Malcolm in the Middle as Stevie's mother, Kitty Kernaban.
Dungey has also guest starred on various TV series including: Martin, Living Single, ER, Murphy Brown, Seinfeld, as a wedding planner on Friends, The West Wing and Curb Your Enthusiasm. In March 2007, it was announced that Dungey would be part of the cast of the Grey's Anatomy spinoff titled Private Practice, starring alongside Kate Walsh as Dr. Addison Montgomery. She appeared in the initial two-hour preview special, but, for creative reasons, she was replaced by Tony Award winner Audra McDonald for the actual series.
She can also be seen as one of the mannequins that come to life in the Jell-o pudding commercial.
