Why Sonia Baker From State Of Play Looks So Familiar

"State of Play" is an exciting political thriller. The film, based on the British television series of the same name, tells the story of a journalist (Russell Crowe) who is investigating the mysterious death of a congressman's (Ben Affleck) aide. What follows is a tale of journalistic integrity, scandal, political deceit, and battling egos that "keeps the twists coming" per Peter Travers at Rolling Stone. 

"State of Play" has an impressive supporting cast, including Robin Wright, Rachel McAdams, Jason Bateman, Helen Mirren, Jeff Daniels, Viola Davis, and David Harbour. Holding an 84% certified fresh rating and 73% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film's talented cast has been entertaining audiences since its 2009 release. 

With such an exciting premise, it's no wonder it grossed nearly $88 million at the worldwide box office. But who is the actress behind Sonia Baker, the mysteriously deceased aide and the source of the drama? You may not know her name, but chances are you've seen her before. 

Sonia Baker is played by the talented Maria Thayer. She has been acting for over two decades, but might be best known for her role in hit teen comedy "Accepted." 

After getting rejected by every school he applies to, slacker high school senior Bartleby Gaines (Justin Long) creates his own college at a local rundown property in the hopes of fooling his concerned parents. The South Harmon Institute of Technology, as he names the school, attracts underachievers and disillusioned overachievers alike, including Bartleby's best friend Sherman Schrader (Jonah Hill), injured athlete Darryl Holloway (Columbus Short), and love interest Monica Moreland (Blake Lively). Thayer stars in "Accepted" as Bartleby's friend, Rory, who was rejected from her dream school Yale.

"Accepted" captured the hearts of teens in the mid-2000s for its depiction of the pressures young people face as they apply to colleges. Thayer's hilarious and earnest portrayal of Rory is a great reminder for young people that even when plans change, life can still turn out well.

Maria Thayer is also remembered by many for her hilarious role in another popular 2000s comedy, "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." In the hit Jason Segel film, Thayer plays Wyoma, newly married to Jack McBrayer's Darald. The couple is on their storybook honeymoon in Hawaii. Darald is petrified of sex, while Wyoma is very eager for some action, leading to some amusing interactions among themselves and the rest of the cast. Thayer and McBrayer have incredible chemistry, and later joined forces again on episode of "30 Rock."

Segel's Peter, reeling from his breakup with Sarah Marshall, is initially upset to see the happily-in-love Darald and Wyoma as he mourns the loss of his relationship, but he quickly develops a hilarious repertoire with the intimacy-fearing Darald. "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" is full of many incredible comedic performances, including Paul Rudd, Mila Kunis, Russell Brand, and Bill Hader, but Thayer remains one of the standouts of this beloved heartfelt comedy. 

Maria Thayer's comedic talents have shown up on the small screen too, and the actress has popped up in numerous popular sitcoms over the years, including "New Girl," "The League," "Brooklyn 99," "Portlandia," "A.P. Bio," and "The Mindy Project." However, many TV comedy lovers know the actress best from her work on NBC's workplace comedy "Superstore." 

Thayer appears in four episodes of the show's sixth and final season as Hannah, a beautiful and accomplished lawyer representing Carol (Irene White), who is suing Cloud 9 for a workplace injury. Hannah goes on to have a brief romance with Jonah (Ben Feldman), until Jonah reunites with ex-flame Amy (America Ferrera) in the series finale.

Maria Thayer has been entertaining TV and film audiences for over 20 years. "State of Play" could not be any more different from "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," and it's a testament to her range as an actor.  Even if you've never seen her before, you'll probably recognize her face as she picks up more steam in film and TV roles.