You probably know her as the tech-wizard Chloe O'Brian who saved Jack Bauer's skin more times than we can count. Or maybe you know her as Gail the Snail, the most hilariously "salted" character in TV history. Honestly, it’s hard to believe how long Mary Lynn Rajskub has been a staple on our screens. But lately, everyone is asking the same thing: What is Mary Lynn Rajskub's age right now, and how is she still this busy?
The short answer? Mary Lynn Rajskub is 54 years old. She was born on June 22, 1971. If you're doing the math for 2026, she’ll be hitting her 55th birthday this summer. It’s a bit of a trip because she still has that same high-energy, slightly chaotic vibe she had back in the Mr. Show days in the '90s.
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The Timeline of a "Fame-ish" Legend
Mary Lynn grew up in Trenton, Michigan. Her dad was a pipefitter and her mom worked in a pharmacy. Real, salt-of-the-earth stuff. She wasn't some Hollywood legacy kid. She actually studied painting at the San Francisco Art Institute before realizing she was funny enough to make a living at it.
Think about the range here.
In 2003, when she joined the cast of 24, she was 32. By the time the show wrapped its original run, she was nearly 40. Most actors hit a wall at that point, especially in the brutal world of network TV. Instead, Mary Lynn just pivoted. She went from serious counter-terrorism drama to becoming an absolute cult icon on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Why 54 is the New Peak for Rajskub
Most people hit their mid-50s and start looking at the exit ramp. Not Mary Lynn. Right now, in 2026, she’s arguably more visible than she was a decade ago.
- The Stand-Up Grind: She’s currently touring the country. You can catch her at the Dallas Comedy Club in August or the Arlington Drafthouse in October. She’s not just doing "celebrity appearances"—she’s doing hour-long sets about "mom life" and the reality of being "fame-ish."
- The Netflix Move: She recently joined the cast of North of North, a comedy set in the Arctic.
- The Literary Pivot: Her book FAME-ISH: My Life At The Edge Of Stardom really humanized her. It’s not a glossy memoir; it’s a cringey, hilarious look at making out with Tom Cruise (and having the scene cut) and accidentally kissing Rush Limbaugh.
It’s that honesty that keeps her relevant. She doesn't pretend to be a polished A-lister. She’s the person who tells you what it's like to throw up on stage because you drank "spoiled milk" for a bit.
How the "Gail the Snail" Math Breaks People's Brains
There’s a hilarious debate online about the age gap between Mary Lynn and her characters. When she first appeared as Gail the Snail in 2009, she was 38. The character, however, was written as 33.
Fans on Reddit still obsess over this. They’ll post things like, "Wait, she was 38 playing a 33-year-old?" Yes. That’s how acting works! But because she has such a unique, youthful energy, she’s always felt sort of ageless. Even now at 54, she’s reprising that role and it feels exactly the same.
Life Outside the Spotlight
Her personal life has been just as "real" as her comedy. She married a personal trainer named Matthew Rolph in a Vegas ceremony back in 2009. They had a son together in 2008—fun fact, she was actually pregnant while filming some of the later seasons of 24. They divorced in 2019, and she’s been very open in her stand-up about the "joys" of being a single mom in her 50s.
She also identifies as bisexual, something she’s talked about openly for years. It’s that lack of a filter that makes her feel like a peer rather than a distant celebrity.
Mary Lynn Rajskub: Fast Facts for 2026
- Current Age: 54 (turns 55 on June 22, 2026).
- Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan.
- Net Worth: Estimated between $3 million and $8 million depending on who you ask, mostly from those long 24 residuals and constant touring.
- Latest Project: North of North on Netflix.
- Must-Read: Fame-ish (the audiobook is actually better because you get her specific delivery).
What We Can Learn From Her Career
If you're looking for an actionable takeaway from Mary Lynn Rajskub’s journey, it’s about the pivot.
She didn't let the "tech girl" archetype from 24 define her. When that ended, she leaned into the weirdness. She embraced the "fringe" roles. She started telling her own stories on her own terms.
If you want to support her work or see what 54 looks like when you're killing it, go watch her special Road Gig on YouTube. It’s raw, it’s shot in a comedy club, and it shows exactly why she’s still here. Better yet, check her 2026 tour schedule. Seeing her live is a completely different experience than watching her on a procedural drama. She’s chaotic in the best way possible.
Next Steps for Fans:
Go check out her YouTube special Road Gig for a look at her current stand-up style, or grab a copy of Fame-ish to hear the behind-the-scenes stories of the 24 years. If she's coming to your city this fall, grab tickets early—her club shows have been selling out fast lately.