Melanie Deanne Paxson (née Moore; born September 26, 1972) is an American actress. She is perhaps best known for her roles as Jaclyn in Cupid, Sara Brennan in Happy Family and as Julie in Notes from the Underbelly. Paxson also appeared in a number of Gladware television commercials in early 2000s.
Paxson was born in Champaign, Illinois. She graduated from the University of Missouri with a bachelor's degree in Theatre. She also received training in acting at Second City Chicago and performed with the Steppenwolf Theatre Company.
Paxson then pursued a screen career. In 1997, she had a uncredited role in the series Early Edition. Her first notable screen role was a recurring role as Jaclyn in the ABC series Cupid from 1998 to 1999. She went on guest star in the series The Drew Carey Show, Quintuplets, Joey, Related, Kitchen Confidential, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Surviving Suburbia, Rules of Engagement, Medium and The Exes.
From 2003 to 2004, Paxson had a regular role in the NBC sitcom Happy Family as Sara Brennan.