Brandt was born in Bay City, Michigan.[3] She is of German descent. She graduated from Bay City Western High School in Auburn, Michigan, in 1991.[4] Brandt took an interest in theater from an early age, but unlike many of her peers, she was more interested in directing stage musicals than starring in them. After winning the lead in a high school production of Exit the Body, she shifted her focus to acting.[citation needed]
From 2008 to 2013, Brandt portrayed Marie Schrader in the AMC drama series Breaking Bad. She auditioned for three different roles before being offered the part of Marie.[8] She described her character as "an unpleasant bitch", but also stated that there was more to her than that. "I think we're seeing more of it now that she would be there for her family. But it's all about her."[9] In 2012, she was cast as Sandy in Parenthood. Brandt was cast as Annie Henry on The Michael J. Fox Show, which premiered in September 2013.[5] Her performance was met with positive reviews.[10] She reprised her role as Marie Schrader for the Better Call Saul series finale.
From 2015 to 2019, she starred as Heather Short Hughes in the CBS comedy series Life in Pieces. The series was cancelled after four seasons. In 2020, Brandt was announced to be playing the role of Cleo in the pilot episode of the NBC sitcom Jefferies, which was created by Jim Jefferies and Suzanne Martin.[14] To date, the pilot remains unaired.
Personal life
Brandt is married to fellow UIUC graduate Grady Olsen; they have two children.[4][5][15] She gave birth to her second child in 2008 while the second season of Breaking Bad was in production. Brandt and her family reside in Los Angeles.[citation needed]
