Melanie Chartoff

Melanie Chartoff

76 · Born: Dec 15, 1948

Personal Details

BornDec 15, 1948 New Haven, Connecticut, USA

Biography

Melanie Chartoff embarked on a illustrious career in the world of theatrical performance, commencing on the iconic stages of Broadway with notable productions such as "Scapino" and "Via Galactica". Concurrently, she made a name for herself in the Off-Broadway scene with "the Proposition", a groundbreaking, entirely improvised musical revue that brought together a talented ensemble of artists including Jane Curtin, Fred Grande, and Josh Mostel. Chartoff's impressive repertoire also included a revival of the classic musical "Do I Hear a Waltz?", in which she took on the role of Jennifer. Furthermore, she honed her comedic skills through stand-up performances and comedy song acts at the esteemed Improv Clubs in New York City, before relocating to Los Angeles to continue her career in the entertainment industry.

Notable actress made a significant impact on the television landscape through her appearances on various shows, starting with the iconic comedy series "Fridays" alongside Larry David and Michael Richards, where she showcased her talents as a cast member and contributor.

She then went on to co-star with the renowned George Segal in the TV series "Take Five", further solidifying her presence in the industry.

Her impressive résumé also includes recurring roles opposite the talented Jonathan Banks in "Wiseguy", and as the trusted psychiatrist of Peter Scolari, Tom Poston, and Bob Newhart on the beloved sitcom "Newhart".

Additionally, she appeared as the mother in the popular 1980s film "Weird Science", and brought her unique energy to the role of the formidable principal, Grace Musso, in the sitcom "Parker Lewis Can't Lose".

Her versatility as an actress was also showcased through her recurring role as the girlfriend of Jason Alexander's character in the iconic sitcom "Seinfeld", and she even made a memorable appearance in the show's final episode.

Melanie Spinney, a talented actress, embodied the iconic roles of Didi Pickles and Minka on Nickelodeon's highly acclaimed and Emmy-award-winning animated series "Rugrats" and its spin-off "All Grown Up". Her impressive range was showcased not only on television but also in the franchise's films, video games, and action figures.

In addition to her work on "Rugrats", Melanie lent her voice to the character of Aunt Nora in the animated adaptation of the beloved board game "Jumanji". Her versatility as a voice actress was further demonstrated when she brought the character of Sunshine to life on the Cartoon Network's action-packed animated series "OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes".

Melanie, a talented thespian, took on the esteemed role of Mary Pickford, a renowned figure in the film industry, during her tenure as president of United Artists, in the inaugural production of the play "The Counsel, the Tramp, and America's Sweetheart" at Theatre 40. This marked a significant milestone in her illustrious career, as she brought to life the iconic figure of Mary Pickford, a true Hollywood legend.

In addition to her impressive portrayal of Mary Pickford, Melanie also had the privilege of playing the esteemed Ruth Bader Ginsburg in Rupert Holmes' thought-provoking play "All Things Equal". This role further showcased her remarkable range and versatility as an actress, as she captured the essence of the trailblazing Supreme Court Justice.

Furthermore, Melanie's impressive repertoire can also be seen in her multiple roles in "The Pack Plays", a production featured on the esteemed Actors Fund website. This platform has provided her with an opportunity to hone her craft, experiment with different characters, and push the boundaries of her acting abilities.

Noteworthy among her literary endeavors is the publication of her inaugural book, "Odd Woman Out: Exposure in Essays and Stories", which astutely explores the precarious nature of embracing an acting career prior to establishing a sense of genuine human identity. This esteemed work has garnered widespread acclaim, boasting an impressive rating of five stars across numerous online platforms, including Barnes & Noble and Amazon, among others. Furthermore, her captivating narration of the audiobook adaptation has also received a resounding five-star endorsement from listeners.

She has been published in a multitude of esteemed literary magazines and esteemed anthologies, including the renowned McSweeney's, the prominent online publication Medium, the prestigious literary journal Entropy, the highly acclaimed Crows Feet, the influential Jewish Journal, the well-known humorous publication Funny Times, the esteemed Five on the Fifth, the popular Purple Clover, the critically acclaimed Glint, the notable Entropy, the respected Verdad, the highly regarded Bluestem, the esteemed Evening Street Press, the renowned Mused, the popular Jewlarious, the prominent Defenestration, the respected Better after 50, the highly regarded Living the Second Act, the popular Avenue, the acclaimed Goats Milk Magazine, the respected Borrowed Solace, the highly regarded Avalon Literary Review, the esteemed Eat Darling Eat, the respected The Literate Ape, the highly regarded Lowestoft Chronicle, the esteemed Lothlorien Poetry Journal, the well-known Wry Times, and the highly acclaimed five editions of Chicken Soup for the Soul, published by the esteemed Simon and Schuster.

She resides in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, where she shares her life with her loving husband. In addition to her personal life, she has also dedicated herself to helping others refine their charisma and confidence in various social situations. Her expertise extends to coaching individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their personality type - be they introverted or extroverted - in order to enhance their ability to make a lasting impression in both their personal and professional relationships.

She has also honed her skills in the realm of voice-over reels, offering guidance and direction to those seeking to improve their audio recordings. Furthermore, she has a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the importance of effective communication, which she leverages to help individuals craft compelling speeches that leave a lasting impact.

Moreover, she has ventured into the realm of first date videos, providing coaching and direction to those seeking to make a memorable impression on their potential partners. With her expertise, individuals can learn to navigate even the most daunting social situations with ease and confidence, ultimately leading to more fulfilling relationships and a greater sense of self-assurance.

Career

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2025
{"id":111858,"title":"Alexander IRL","year":"2017","character":"Maureen Finn","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/alexander-irl","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_111858.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_111858.jpg"},"released":1}
2017
Alexander IRL
Alexander IRL as Maureen Finn
{"id":48909,"title":"Dr. Dolittle 3","year":"2006","character":"Black & White Hen (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/dr-dolittle-3","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/7l2944a6lt90.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/7l2944a6lt90.jpg"},"released":1}
2006
Dr. Dolittle 3
Dr. Dolittle 3 as Black & White Hen (voice)
{"id":151271,"title":"Rugrats","year":"2005","character":"Didi (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/rugrats-2005","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_151271.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_151271.jpg"},"released":1}
2005
Rugrats
Rugrats as Didi (voice)
{"id":2831,"title":"Rugrats Go Wild","year":"2003","character":"Didi Pickles (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/rugrats-go-wild","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/39nm961eumlg.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/39nm961eumlg.jpg"},"released":1}
2003
Rugrats Go Wild
Rugrats Go Wild as Didi Pickles (voice)
{"id":53858,"title":"The Rugrats: All Growed Up","year":"2001","character":"Didi Pickles (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-rugrats-all-growed-up","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_53858.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_53858.jpg"},"released":1}
2001
The Rugrats: All Growed Up
The Rugrats: All Growed Up as Didi Pickles (voice)
{"id":5955,"title":"Rugrats in Paris: The Movie","year":"2000","character":"Didi Pickles (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/rugrats-in-paris-the-movie","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_5955.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_5955.jpg"},"released":1}
2000
Rugrats in Paris: The Movie
Rugrats in Paris: The Movie as Didi Pickles (voice)
{"id":3111,"title":"Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child","year":1999,"character":"Grape Fox (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/happily-ever-after-fairy-tales-for-every-child","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_3111.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_3111.jpg"},"released":1}
1999
{"id":792,"title":"Touched by an Angel","year":1999,"character":"Connie Berger","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/touched-by-an-angel","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_792.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_792.jpg"},"released":1}
Touched by an Angel
Touched by an Angel as Connie Berger
{"id":4236,"title":"The Rugrats Movie","year":"1998","character":"Didi Pickles \/ Minka Kropotkin (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-rugrats-movie","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/crbg6su8pcq0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/crbg6su8pcq0.jpg"},"released":1}
1998
The Rugrats Movie
The Rugrats Movie as Didi Pickles / Minka Kropotkin (voice)
{"id":24464,"title":"Plato's Run","year":"1997","character":"Stephanie","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/platos-run","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_24464.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_24464.jpg"},"released":1}
1997
Plato's Run
Plato's Run as Stephanie
{"id":185127,"title":"Rugrats","year":"1996","character":"Didi Pickles \/ Minka Kropotkin (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/rugrats-1996","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_185127.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_185127.jpg"},"released":1}
1996
Rugrats
Rugrats as Didi Pickles / Minka Kropotkin (voice)
{"id":3162,"title":"Jumanji","year":1996,"character":"Aunt Nora Shepherd (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/jumanji","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_3162.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_3162.jpg"},"released":1}
Jumanji
Jumanji as Aunt Nora Shepherd (voice)
{"id":185189,"title":"Rugrats","year":"1994","character":"Didi Pickles \/ Minka Kropotkin (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/rugrats-1994","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_185189.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_185189.jpg"},"released":1}
1994
Rugrats
Rugrats as Didi Pickles / Minka Kropotkin (voice)
{"id":158656,"title":"Wind in the Wire","year":"1993","character":"'Mama' Actress","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/wind-in-the-wire","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_158656.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_158656.jpg"},"released":1}
1993
Wind in the Wire
Wind in the Wire as 'Mama' Actress
{"id":79,"title":"Seinfeld","year":1993,"character":"Robin","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/seinfeld","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/shows\/poster\/131frpdlojrg.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/shows\/poster\/131frpdlojrg.jpg"},"released":1}
Seinfeld
Seinfeld as Robin
{"id":480,"title":"Rugrats","year":1991,"character":"Didi Pickles (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/rugrats","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/shows\/poster\/6e9qfnv60od0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/shows\/poster\/6e9qfnv60od0.jpg"},"released":1}
1991
Rugrats
Rugrats as Didi Pickles (voice)
{"id":9776,"title":"Parker Lewis Can't Lose","year":1990,"character":"Grace Musso","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/parker-lewis-cant-lose","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_9776.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_9776.jpg"},"released":1}
1990
{"id":61534,"title":"Kenny Rogers as The Gambler, Part III: The Legend Continues","year":"1987","character":"Deborah","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/kenny-rogers-as-the-gambler-part-iii-the-legend-continues","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_61534.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_61534.jpg"},"released":1}
1987
{"id":10025,"title":"Newhart","year":1987,"character":"Dr. Mary Kaiser","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/newhart","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_10025.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_10025.jpg"},"released":1}
Newhart
Newhart as Dr. Mary Kaiser
{"id":62020,"title":"Stoogemania","year":"1986","character":"Beverly","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/stoogemania","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_62020.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_62020.jpg"},"released":1}
1986
Stoogemania
Stoogemania as Beverly
{"id":8474,"title":"Fresno","year":1986,"character":"Desiree DeMornay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/fresno","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_8474.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_8474.jpg"},"released":1}
Fresno
Fresno as Desiree DeMornay
{"id":62246,"title":"Doin' Time","year":"1985","character":"Linda Libel","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/doin-time-1985","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_62246.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_62246.jpg"},"released":1}
1985
Doin' Time
Doin' Time as Linda Libel
{"id":8482,"title":"Mr. Belvedere","year":1985,"character":"","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/mr-belvedere","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_8482.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_8482.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":162810,"title":"Having It All","year":"1982","character":"Dace","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/having-it-all","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_162810.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_162810.jpg"},"released":1}
1982
{"id":163426,"title":"Can You Hear the Laughter? The Story of Freddie Prinze","year":"1979","character":"Fan","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/can-you-hear-the-laughter-the-story-of-freddie-prinze","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_163426.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_163426.jpg"},"released":1}
1979
{"id":64170,"title":"Christmas Eve on Sesame Street","year":"1978","character":"Citizen's Wife (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/christmas-eve-on-sesame-street","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_64170.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_64170.jpg"},"released":1}
1978
Christmas Eve on Sesame Street
Christmas Eve on Sesame Street as Citizen's Wife (uncredited)
{"id":3002,"title":"Challenge of the Super Friends","year":1978,"character":"","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/challenge-of-the-super-friends","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/shows\/poster\/73ba7fpak520.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/shows\/poster\/73ba7fpak520.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":10208,"title":"Wonder Woman","year":1977,"character":"Nadia","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/wonder-woman","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/shows\/poster\/69eess7fp8a0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/shows\/poster\/69eess7fp8a0.jpg"},"released":1}
1977
{"id":236283,"title":"Thank You Very Much","year":"2025","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/thank-you-very-much","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_236283.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_236283.jpg"},"released":1}
2025
{"id":10075,"title":"Fridays","year":1980,"character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/fridays","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_10075.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_10075.jpg"},"released":1}
1980