Meredith Kathleen Hagner is a remarkably versatile American actress who has captured the attention of audiences and critics alike through her magnetic screen presence, sharp comedic timing, and rich dramatic range. From starting out in daytime television to breaking into critically acclaimed indie films and mainstream streaming hits, Hagner has established herself as one of Hollywood’s most captivating performers.
Whether portraying the hilariously self-absorbed Portia Davenport in the hit satire series Search Party or stealing scenes in blockbuster comedies like Vacation Friends, she consistently brings authenticity, depth, and energy to her roles.
Quick Facts & Overview
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Meredith Kathleen Hagner |
| Date of Birth | May 31, 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Chapel Hill, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Education | Boston Conservatory (attended) |
| Profession | Actress |
| Years Active | 2008–present |
| Spouse | Wyatt Russell (m. 2019) |
| Children | 2 |
| Notable Works | As the World Turns, Men at Work, Search Party, Vacation Friends, Palm Springs, Bad Monkey |
Early Life and Background
Meredith Hagner was born on May 31, 1987, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and raised in Houston, Texas, and Chapel Hill. Growing up in a supportive environment, she discovered a passion for the performing arts at an early age.
Hagner attended Chapel Hill High School, graduating in 2005. Following high school, she pursued formal training in musical theatre at the prestigious Boston Conservatory. However, after a year of intensive study, she decided to relocate to New York City to pursue professional acting opportunities full-time.
Her early days in New York were marked by the typical hustle of an aspiring artist—auditioning for commercials, theater productions, and television guest spots while taking on voiceover gigs and odd jobs to support herself.
Acting Career: From Soap Operas to Comedy Stardom
1. The Breakthrough: As the World Turns (2008–2010)
Hagner’s major professional break came in 2008 when she was cast as Liberty Ciccone in the long-running CBS daytime soap opera As the World Turns. Portraying the illegitimate daughter of Brad Snyder, Hagner quickly became a fan favorite. Her performance earned her critical praise and a nomination for a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series in 2009.
2. Transition to Primetime and Comedy (2011–2015)
After her success in daytime television, Hagner transitioned to primetime TV and comedy:
- Lights Out (2011): Played Ava Leary in FX’s short-lived boxing drama.
- Men at Work (2012–2014): Starred as Amy in TBS’s ensemble comedy series.
- Guest Appearances: Featured in popular shows including Royal Pains, Veep, CSI: Miami, and Younger.
3. Critical Acclaim: Search Party (2016–2022)
Hagner achieved widespread critical acclaim with her performance as Portia Davenport in the dark satire comedy Search Party. Portraying an shallow, narcissistic, yet deeply vulnerable Brooklyn actress, Hagner’s comedic performance was highlighted by critics as a standout element of the series across its five-season run.
4. Film Success and Mainstream Recognition
In addition to her television work, Hagner built a strong film filmography across comedy, drama, and thriller genres:
- Damsels in Distress (2011): Directed by Whit Stillman.
- Itonya / Indie Films: Appeared in Set It Up (2018), The Oath (2018), and Brightburn (2019).
- Palm Springs (2020): Played Misty in the critically acclaimed Hulu time-loop comedy alongside Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti.
- Vacation Friends (2021) & Vacation Friends 2 (2023): Starred as Kyla alongside John Cena, Lil Rel Howery, and Yvonne Orji in the popular 20th Century Studios comedy franchise.
- Bad Monkey (2024): Joined the main cast of Apple TV+’s comedy-drama series developed by Bill Lawrence and starring Vince Vaughn.
Personal Life and Relationships
Meredith Hagner’s personal life often attracts media attention due to her marriage into one of Hollywood’s most legendary acting families.
Marriage to Wyatt Russell
Hagner met actor Wyatt Russell (son of legendary actors Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn) in 2016 while filming the independent folk-hero comedy film Folk Hero & Funny Guy. The couple began dating shortly after and got engaged in December 2018 during a family trip to Aspen, Colorado.
They were married in September 2019 in a Western-themed wedding ceremony at Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell’s estate in Aspen, attended by family and close friends, including Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson.
Family Life and Children
Meredith Hagner and Wyatt Russell have two children together:
- Buddy Prine Russell (Born March 2021)
- Boone Joseph Russell (Born February 2024)
The family maintains a relatively private personal life, splitting their time between Los Angeles and Austin, Texas.
Net Worth and Financial Success
As of recent estimates, Meredith Hagner’s net worth is estimated to be between $2 Million and $3 Million.
Primary Wealth Sources:
- Television Acting: Multi-season series contracts for As the World Turns, Men at Work, Search Party, and Apple TV+’s Bad Monkey.
- Feature Films: Major roles in streaming hits and feature comedies including Vacation Friends, Vacation Friends 2, and Palm Springs.
- Commercials & Voiceover Work: Early career commercial campaigns for brands like RadioShack, Acuvue, and Subway.
Filmography & Key Highlights
Selected Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2008–2010 | As the World Turns | Liberty Ciccone | Main Role (Nominated: Daytime Emmy) |
| 2011 | Lights Out | Ava Leary | Main Role |
| 2012–2014 | Men at Work | Amy | Main Role |
| 2016 | Veep | Prime Minister’s Staffer | 2 episodes |
| 2016–2022 | Search Party | Portia Davenport | Main Role (5 Seasons) |
| 2017 | Younger | Montana Goldberg | Recurring Role |
| 2024 | Bad Monkey | Eve Stripling | Main Role |
Selected Films
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2011 | Damsels in Distress | Prudence | Feature Film |
| 2018 | Set It Up | Becca | Netflix Original Film |
| 2018 | The Oath | Abbie | Feature Film |
| 2019 | Brightburn | Merilee McNichol | Feature Film |
| 2020 | Palm Springs | Misty | Hulu Original Film |
| 2021 | Vacation Friends | Kyla | 20th Century Studios / Hulu |
| 2023 | Vacation Friends 2 | Kyla | 20th Century Studios / Hulu |
Legacy and Future Outlook
Meredith Hagner continues to expand her footprint in film and television. Her ability to pivot effortlessly between high-energy physical comedy and subtle character work positions her as one of modern television’s most versatile performers. As she balances major streaming projects with her growing family, audiences can expect to see her take on increasingly prominent roles in both television and film.
