Why Noreen From A Haunted House 2 Looks So Familiar
Whether you caught it when it first came out in 2014 or are one of the many Netflix viewers who have been hitting play since it was added to the platform in June, there's a good chance the cast of "A Haunted House 2" has given you some major belly laughs. The outrageous parody of supernatural horror films like "Paranormal Activity" stars Marlon Wayans and Jaime Pressly as a married couple who moves into a demonically possessed home. But like so many of these types of films, it's often the supporting players that steal the show.
One of the best bits is the introduction of Ned and Noreen Swanson (Hayes MacArthur and Missi Pyle). The characters are a take on Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) from "The Conjuring" universe of movies, right down to the '70s hair and ruffled collars. Overall, they have a small role in the movie, but it's certainly memorable enough to get you wondering where else you've seen the actors before.
Pyle, in particular, likely had you saying "I know I recognize her from somewhere ..." There's a good reason for that. The character actor has appeared in dozens of projects as scene-stealing comedic side characters throughout her decades-long career. Here are some of her most notable roles.
Galaxy Quest helped launch Pyle's career as a character actor
Pyle's penchant popping up in outlandishly funny bit parts began early in her career. The 1999 sci-fi comedy "Galaxy Quest" provided one of her earliest major roles and still one of her best. In the film, Pyle plays Laliari, a member of an alien race whose culture was influenced by transmissions from Earth of a "Star Trek" style TV series. During an interview with AV Club, Pyle explained that the tiny part ended up being expanded during production. She said that she heard second-hand that Steven Spielberg, co-founder of DreamWorks studios which distributed the film, said, "'I really like what you're doing, so I made your part bigger.'"
That early notice set a precedent. After "Galaxy Quest" she went on to have small but hilarious roles in "Anchorman," "50 First Dates," and "Dodgeball," where she played unkempt dodgeball phenomenon Fran Stalinovskovichdaviddivichski. The 2001 live-action adaptation of "Josie and the Pussycats" gave her a meatier part as the sarcastic and stylish Alexandra Cabot. Then in 2005, she appeared in Tim Burton's take on "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" as the overbearing Mrs. Beauregarde.
As her career progressed, the types of parts Pyle played often remained similar, but she did find herself starring in more films with major prestige.
Pyle had memorable roles in The Artist and Gone Girl
In 2011, Pyle co-starred in the Oscar-winning silent film "The Artist." As Constance, a film actor who is perpetually jealous of other's success despite having little innate talent of her own, Pyle was able to put her comedic chops and expressive face to use in a different kind of role. She followed it up with another prestigious picture by one of the 21st century's most acclaimed directors.
David Fincher's "Gone Girl" may be best remembered for Rosamund Pike's chilling lead performance, but the film is also anchored by an ensemble of incredible character actors filling out the world. Pyle is brutally effective as Ellen Abbott, the host of a sensationalist interview show who helps bring the deceitful story of Nick and Amy Dunne (Ben Affleck and Pike) to the world.
While speaking about her career with AV Club, Pyle noted that even though her part in the film was a small one, Fincher had her putting in the hours. "But me walking to the door—just walking to the door—I think we did 35 times," she said of making the movie. "You get [to] a point where you just don't have any idea what you're doing."
Additionally, you may have also caught Pyle in a variety of TV roles during this period, including as a recurring guest star on shows like "Inside Amy Schumer," "Another Period," and "Hot in Cleveland."
Where you've seen Pyle in the past few years
While Pyle had many iconic roles early in her career, she has continued killing it throughout the 2010s. In the 2017 revival "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle," she played the hilariously stern gym teacher Coach Webb. In 2019, the instant cult classic horror film "Ma" saw her taking on the role of Mercedes, whose hit-and-run death scene has gone on to find a second life as an internet reaction meme.
TV has also continued to provide Pyle with solid work. She had a five-episode arc on "Mom" as Natasha, a friend from Christy's (Anna Faris) troubled past whose life she helps turn around. More recently, she had a recurring part on the second season of "Dirty John" titled "The Betty Broderick Story." As Betty's (Amanda Peet) close friend and confidant Karen, Pyle once again showed how her comedic instincts can be used effectively in other genres.
Whether you know her for her countless TV guest-starring parts or as a hilarious supporting character in one of your favorite films, unless you've been living under a rock, there's no doubt that you recognize Missi Pyle from somewhere.