Carly Hannah Chaikin, born on March 26, 1990, is an American actress who has captivated audiences with her versatile performances across television and film. Her career began in 2009, quickly gaining momentum when she landed her breakout role as Dalia Royce in the popular ABC sitcom Suburgatory in 2011. This role established her as a comedic force, but Chaikin proved her range by transitioning into the complex and critically acclaimed drama Mr. Robot, where she portrayed the enigmatic hacker Darlene Alderson.
Born and raised in Santa Monica, California, Chaikin’s upbringing was rooted in a supportive family environment. Her father was a cardiologist, and her mother a physiotherapist. Growing up in a Jewish household, Chaikin attended The Archer School for Girls in Los Angeles. Her formative years were active and diverse, engaging in various sports including volleyball, softball, basketball, and soccer, showcasing her energetic and multifaceted personality even before her acting career took off.
Chaikin’s foray into acting began in 2009 with a role in the film The Consultants, which was released in 2010. That same year, she gained further recognition with a part in The Last Song, the film adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’s novel, starring alongside Miley Cyrus. In The Last Song, Carly Chaikin portrayed Blaze, a rebellious and somewhat antagonistic character who brings conflict into the life of Ronnie, played by Cyrus. This early role demonstrated her ability to embody characters with a strong and memorable presence, even in a supporting capacity.
2011 marked a significant turning point in Carly Chaikin’s career when she was cast as Dalia Oprah Royce in the ABC sitcom Suburgatory. Starring alongside Jeremy Sisto and Cheryl Hines, Chaikin’s portrayal of Dalia, the quintessential mean girl to Jane Levy’s character Tessa, was met with widespread critical acclaim. Despite the character’s initially unlikeable traits, Chaikin imbued Dalia with a unique comedic timing and unexpected vulnerability that resonated with audiences and critics alike. She quickly became a fan favorite, and her performance was consistently highlighted as one of the show’s strongest assets. Interestingly, Chaikin had initially auditioned for the lead role of Tessa, showcasing her versatility even in the audition process. Adding another dimension to her portrayal, Chaikin even contributed to Parade magazine, writing articles from the perspective of her character Dalia, and starred in a music video as Dalia titled “You Missed A Spot,” further cementing her deep connection with the role. Her work on Suburgatory earned her a nomination for the Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2013, and generated Emmy buzz, solidifying her status as a rising comedic talent. Suburgatory ran until May 2014, leaving a lasting impact on Chaikin’s career.
While enjoying sitcom success, Carly Chaikin also ventured into independent film, appearing in the 2012 movie My Uncle Rafael alongside John Michael Higgins. Beyond acting, Chaikin has demonstrated her creative talents behind the camera as well, writing and producing short films such as Happy Fucking Birthday and Nowhere to Go. Nowhere to Go received recognition at the First Glance Film Festival in 2013, showcasing her skills and ambition beyond acting.
In 2014, Chaikin embarked on a role that would redefine her career and showcase her dramatic depth: Darlene Alderson in the USA Network television drama Mr. Robot. Starring alongside Rami Malek as Elliot and Christian Slater as Mr. Robot, Chaikin’s Darlene is a central figure in the fsociety group, a collective of hacktivists aiming to disrupt corporate power. Darlene, a skilled programmer, is instrumental in writing the malicious rootkit code that forms the backbone of fsociety’s operations. Mr. Robot garnered immediate critical acclaim, winning the Audience Award for Episodic TV shows at the 2015 SXSW film festival and numerous accolades thereafter. The show was renewed for multiple seasons, allowing Chaikin to further develop the complex and layered character of Darlene. Similar to her Suburgatory audition, Chaikin initially auditioned for both the roles of Angela and Darlene in Mr. Robot, ultimately landing the role that perfectly suited her intensity and dramatic capabilities. She has spoken about her attraction to the pilot script and the “bad-ass” nature of Darlene, indicating her eagerness to embrace challenging and unconventional roles.
Adding to her diverse portfolio, in 2015, Carly Chaikin made a guest appearance on Marc Maron’s TV show Maron, playing Tina, a college teaching assistant who becomes involved with a friend of Marc. This appearance further illustrates her willingness to explore different genres and character types within the television landscape.
Carly Chaikin has solidified her position as a dynamic and versatile actress in the entertainment industry. From her comedic beginnings in Suburgatory to her dramatic and intense portrayal of Darlene in Mr. Robot, Chaikin consistently demonstrates her ability to embody complex and memorable characters. Her talent, combined with her dedication to her craft, points towards a continued successful and evolving career in film and television.
