Zooey Deschanel: American Actress and Musician
Zooey Deschanel is an internationally acclaimed American actress and singer. First gaining notoriety through the TV show Veronica’s Closet, Zooey then made her film debut in Mumford and had supporting roles in Cameron Crowe’s Almost Famous.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt and she worked on the romantic comedy (500) Days of Summer, earning widespread critical acclaim and also appearing as herself on New Girl.
Zooey Deschanel’s Biography
Zooey Deschanel is an accomplished American actress and singer with a distinct look and signature style that has made her instantly recognizable. Zooey has participated in many films and television projects; her most acclaimed role being Jessica Day on New Girl. Zooey brings great wit, fantastic pipes, and a wonderful sense of humor, as well as being an exceptional actress capable of turning even mundane tales into interesting ones.
Zooey Deschanel grew up in Los Angeles and was born on January 17, 1980, to Caleb and Mary Jo Deschanel. Her older sister Emily Deschanel is also a well-known actress; Zooey initially pursued modeling before making the switch to acting when she turned 17. After appearing in several television shows and films before landing her big break with Mumford and Cameron Crowe’s Almost Famous in 1999, Zooey made headlines again as she found success – both professionally as an actress as well as personally.
After appearing in several more films, she transitioned into TV series roles such as Veronica’s Closet and Frasier; but her breakout role as Jessica Day on New Girl became legendary among fans. Although this part wasn’t written specifically for her, she did an incredible job nonetheless – they loved her performance as much as anyone.
A talented actress, she has collaborated with some of the industry’s finest directors. She has appeared in such movies as 500 Days of Summer, Your Highness, and The Happening where her performance earned multiple award nominations for excellence.
Zooey Deschanel has enjoyed tremendous success both as an actress and musician. Since 2006, she has been performing with She & Him, led by musician Matthew Stephen Ward (known by his stage name M Ward) as half of the She & Him duo. They have performed at concerts and recordings. Zooey Deschanel herself can sing while also playing piano, tambourine, and ukulele.
Zooey has been married twice. First, she was married to Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie from 2009 until 2011. Later she wed producer Jacob Pechenik; together they have two children. Additionally, Zooey enjoys painting, photography, and animal rescue work as hobbies – she does so many acts of charity for homeless animals!
Zooey Deschanel’s Filmography
Zooey Deschanel has made her mark as an actress and filmmaker through many iconic sitcoms and films over her career, from comedy series like Veronica’s Closet (1999), The Good Girl (2002), and Elf (2003) to dramas such as Winter Passing (2005), All the Real Girls (2003), Bridge to Terabithia (2007) as well as singing under She & Him with musician M. Ward.
She has guest starred on many popular television series such as The West Wing (2006), 30 Rock (2007-2012), and Frasier (1993). Most notably she can be found as Jessica Day on Fox sitcom New Girl from 2011 until present – her character being both Manic Pixie Dream Girl and Goth Girl, garnering both critical and commercial success on this sitcom.
Though some of her films have been box-office disappointments, others have received critical acclaim. Manic (2001), which saw her give an unforgettable performance as a young woman suffering from multiple personality disorder was particularly noteworthy for this. Other critically-acclaimed works of hers include the romantic drama He’s Just Not That Into You (2004) and comedy-drama The Roommate (2009).
Zooey has had the fortune to work with some of Hollywood’s finest directors and actors. Her collaboration with Adam Shankman in New York I Love You (2010) proved both sweet and seductive; thus earning her an Oscar nomination. Additionally, Zooey has proven herself an exceptional singer having performed in musicals such as Once Upon a Mattress (2005 with Jim Carrey as co-star) and The Driftless Area (2015).
Dreamin’ Wild will be written and directed by Bill Pohlad of Love & Mercy fame, featuring Casey Affleck and Walton Goggins in the roles of Donnie Emerson (Casey Affleck) and his son Joe Emerson (Walton Goggins), with Zooey portraying Nancy, Donnie’s wife. Set for release this summer, it marks Zooey’s first feature film since New Girl ended. She shares two children with her husband Jacob Pechenik.
Zooey Deschanel’s Personal Life
Zooey Deschanel, is an American actress with natural beauty and an unparalleled acting style. She first gained fame with her performance in All the Real Girls (2003) before going on to support roles in popular big-budget films such as The Happening (2007) and Elf (2004), before landing the lead role in New Girl (2011) which she produced herself, garnering massive success and garnering her an immense fan base. Her bright blue eyes personify an ideal indie film dream girl!
She is also an accomplished musician. As part of the indie folk-pop duo She & Him with M. Ward (better known by his initials), they have released several albums together as well as contributing film soundtracks. Furthermore, she co-owns Lettuce Grow Production Company along with Jacob Pechenik whom she divorced, and also owns Good Stuff food products that she designs herself.
She is a mother to two, though she rarely shares images of either child on social media to protect them from fan attention. Elsie Otter was born in July 2015 while Charlie Wolf arrived in May 2017. Currently dating Property Brothers star Jonathan Scott whom she often posts adorable pictures from their dates on their respective Instagram accounts.
Since becoming official Instagram accounts in October 2019 they’ve frequently featured each other, often to promote each other’s latest projects or campaigns. More recently they filmed an episode of Carpool Karaoke that will air on Apple TV+ later in August 2019.
This couple met while filming an episode of an educational television series and instantly connected. Since then, they’ve spent more time together and shared precious moments on Instagram ever since. Furthermore, they partnered together in renovating a 1938 Georgian revival home in Los Angeles which received great acclaim – another testament to their relationship!
Zooey Deschanel‘s Music Career
Zooey Deschanel is not only an accomplished actress but she also boasts an exquisite singing voice. She has appeared in films like 500 Days of Summer, Elf, and Your Highness as well as the FOX sitcom New Girl where she stars. Additionally, Zooey Deschanel hails from an exceptional family; her father was nominated for an Academy Award as a cinematographer while her older sister Emily became an actress herself; finally, her mother produced some films herself!
Deschanel is an accomplished singer compared to Hollywood starlets of golden-age Hollywood. Her singing ability helped secure the role of Jovie in Elf and has become one of her favorite aspects of acting. A fan of Ella Fitzgerald, Deschanel also takes tap dancing lessons and enjoys taking tap dancing lessons herself while taking tap dancing lessons herself as well as enjoying playing her ukulele; these musical influences span across pop, rock, jazz blues, and country genres.
Zooey also enjoys an impressive musical career as half of the indie folk-pop duo She & Him alongside fellow musician Matthew Stephen Ward (known as M Ward). To date, She & Him have released two albums, She & Him Volume 1 & 2, and they are currently working on creating their third record.
They first collaborated in 2006 when Deschanel needed music for her film The Go-Getter, leading them to form She & Him and showcase both of their talents. Their unique sound combines old-school pop, folk, and country with influences from both Midwest and California upbringings, which can be heard in their music.
Their debut album, She & Him, was released in 2008 and includes cover versions of popular songs from different eras. Their second release, Volume 2, came out two years later in 2012. Plans are underway for their third album as they have already been invited to perform at multiple festivals this year.
Zooey has not appeared in as many film and TV projects since New Girl ended in 2022; however, she will feature in Bill Pohlad (Love & Mercy)’s Dreamin’ Wild biopic about country singer Donnie Earle Emerson scheduled for release sometime between 2023-2024.
