- Conceived the Grayway Rotating Drain, a graywater recycling device for domestic reuse of shower and sink water. However, the patent, U.S. Patent 5,274,861 (issued on January 4, 1994), does not list her as an inventor, which is inconsistent with the claim that she conceived of the invention. Nonetheless, she was recognized as one of the 50 most beautiful female inventors of all time by Inventors Weekly magazine.
- Her vocal impression of Nancy Reagan (aka Nancy Reagan) was so close that the legendary impersonator that Rich Little hired her to voice "Nancy" to his "Ronnie" on the comedy album "The First Family Rides Again".
- Became nationally known on TV's satire series Fridays (1980), which was ABC's answer to Saturday Night Live (1975). She immediately stood out among the cast thanks to her Jane Curtin-like regular role as the anchor on the show's fake newscasts, and her comedic skills and impersonations.
- An in-demand voice artist best known for her TV and film vocalizations on the Rugrats (1991) series.
- Initially had dreams of becoming a poetess and journalist. Later turned to stand-up comedy and eventually moved from New York to Los Angeles to pursue on-camera work in the late '70s.
- Along with Fred Willard, she hosted 120 episodes of "What's Hot, What's Not," Lexington Broadcast Co.'s flagship topical chat show, which predated FOX in its attempt to become the Fourth Television Network.
- Began her theatrical career while in high school in her hometown, New Haven, Connecticut, and later at Yale University played a prostitute in a theatre production of "The Threepenny Opera".
- First TV role came in 1976 when she played a nurse on the daytime series Search for Tomorrow (1951).
- Teaches improvisational and literacy workshops in school systems throughout California.
- Appeared frequently during her 1980s TV peak on the talk show circuit with multiple showings on Johnny Carson and Merv Griffin's shows.
- Earned a Bachelor of Arts from Adelphi University.
- The Rugrats cast received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (2001).
- Rugrats won the Emmy Award for "Outstanding Children's Animated Program" at the Daytime Emmys. (2003).
- Melanie won the Dramalogue Award for Best Ensemble for "March of the Falsettos." It was the Los Angeles premiere of Bill Finn and James Lapine's musical, and she played Trina. (1982).
- Melanie received the Mayor's Certificate of Appreciation at the Concert for the Homeless (1982).
- Melanie received the Mayor's Certificate of Appreciation at Halloween For Hope. Produced and hosted to benefit children at the City of Hope, this was a masquerade event at FOX Studios, with Ed O'Neal & Johnny Depp. (1984).
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