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IMDbPro

Zooey Deschanel

  • Actress
  • Producer
  • Music Department
IMDbProStarmeterTop 5,000105
Zooey Deschanel at an event for JustKiddingFilms (2007)
Take a closer look at the various roles Zooey Deschanel has played throughout her legendary acting career.
Play clip1:30
Zooey Deschanel | Movie & TV Moments
99+ Videos
99+ Photos
Zooey Deschanel's quirky charm, striking blue eyes, and distinctively offbeat humor have made her one of the most beloved indie darlings of recent decades. Hailing from a renowned entertainment family, she began her career in the late 1990s. Deschanel's talent shines through her diverse roles, encompassing both comedic and dramatic territory, as well as her musical abilities.

After a brief guest appearance on the sitcom 'Veronica's Closet,' Deschanel made her feature film debut in Lawrence Kasdan's 'Mumford' (1999). Her breakout role came courtesy of Cameron Crowe's semi-autobiographical 'Almost Famous' (2000), where she portrayed the enigmatic Anita Miller, the older sister of the film's protagonist. Deschanel effortlessly embodies the rebellious and free-spirited youth of the 1970s rock scene. Her nuanced performance in 'Almost Famous' solidified her status as a rising star.

Deschanel's reputation is built on her ability to portray endearingly awkward and unconventional female characters. Her portrayal of the heartbroken yet resilient Summer Finn in '(500) Days of Summer' (2009) became an iconic portrayal of unconventional romance in the 21st-century. Her deadpan delivery and self-aware humor found perfect expression in her most well-known role, Jessica Day, in the hit sitcom 'New Girl' (2011 - 2018). As the bubbly and optimistic school teacher who moves in with three male roommates, she quickly became a beloved television icon, earning numerous award nominations for her performance.

While widely recognized for her comedic roles, Deschanel has also proven her dramatic chops in independent films such as 'All the Real Girls' (2003). This critically-acclaimed film earned her recognition for authentically portraying a young woman navigating a complex relationship. She further demonstrated her versatility with the role of Trillian in the science-fiction comedy 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy'(2005), demonstrating her ability to adapt to fantastical and quirky settings.

Deschanel's off-screen talents extend to her musical abilities. She often showcases her singing in films and television, notably in 'Elf' (2003) where her rendition of 'Baby, It's Cold Outside' with Will Ferrell is a holiday classic. She also starred in the television adaptation of 'Once Upon a Mattress' (2005). Deschanel formed the musical duo 'She & Him' in 2006 with singer-songwriter M. Zooey Claire Deschanel, is an American actress and musician.

Ward, where her retro-inspired vocals and songwriting talents have produced multiple successful albums.

Beyond acting and music, Deschanel has become a multi-faceted figure in popular culture. Her co-founding of the women-focused digital media company HelloGiggles in 2011 demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit and desire to empower women. Her carefully curated personal style, often featuring vintage-inspired pieces, has also earned her recognition as a fashion icon.

Deschanel's career has continued to thrive in recent years. She lent her voice to the animated film 'Trolls' (2016) and its sequel 'Trolls World Tour' (2020), playing the cheerful and optimistic Princess Bridget. She also took on supporting roles in films like 'Rock the Kasbah' (2015) and 'The Driftless Area' (2015). Alongside her continued musical endeavors, Deschanel remains an active figure on television, hosting 'The Celebrity Dating Game' (2021).

Looking ahead, Deschanel has several projects in development. She's attached to star in 'Dreamin' Wild', a biopic where she will portray legendary singer-songwriter Cass Elliot of The Mamas & the Papas. Deschanel is also slated to make a return to dramatic territory with the film 'Harold and the Purple Crayon,' a live-action adaptation of the beloved children's book. Her continued willingness to experiment across genres solidifies her place as a dynamic and enduring talent in the entertainment world.

With her endearing personality, comedic timing, and the ability to imbue both quirky and serious characters with depth and heart, Zooey Deschanel has built a captivating and enduring career. Her contributions to film, television, and music have earned her a devoted following and a position as a beloved figure in popular culture. As she ventures into new projects, Deschanel continues to captivate audiences with her unique blend of charm, talent, and undeniable individuality.
BornJanuary 17, 1980
  • More at IMDbPro
    • Contact info
    • Agent info
    • Resume
BornJanuary 17, 1980
IMDbProStarmeterTop 5,000105
  • View contact info at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy
      • 7 wins & 38 nominations total

    Photos1321

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    Known for

    Zooey Deschanel, Max Greenfield, Damon Wayans Jr., Hannah Simone, Lamorne Morris, and Jake Johnson in New Girl (2011)
    New Girl
    7.8
    TV Series
    • Jess Day
    Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt in 500 Days of Summer (2009)
    500 Days of Summer
    7.6
    • Summer
    • 2009
    Trolls (2016)
    Trolls
    6.4
    • Bridget(voice)
    • 2016
    Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel, and Ashlyn Sanchez in The Happening (2008)
    The Happening
    5.0
    • Alma Moore
    • 2008

    Credits

    Edit
    IMDbPro

    Actress



    • Merv
      • Anna
      • Completed



    • Zooey Deschanel, Zachary Levi, Benjamin Bottani, Lil Rel Howery, and Tanya Reynolds in Harold and the Purple Crayon (2024)
      Harold and the Purple Crayon
      5.7
      • Terry
      • 2024
    • Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick, Kenan Thompson, Eric André, Troye Sivan, Kid Cudi, Daveed Diggs, and Camila Cabello in Trolls Band Together (2023)
      Trolls Band Together
      6.0
      • Bridget (voice)
      • 2023
    • Rose Byrne in Physical (2021)
      Physical
      7.3
      TV Series
      • Kelly Kilmartin
      • 2023
    • Erin Fitzgerald, Fred Tatasciore, Gregg Spiridellis, and Jeff Gill in StoryBots: Answer Time (2022)
      StoryBots: Answer Time
      6.1
      TV Series
      • 2022
    • Casey Affleck, Zooey Deschanel, and Noah Jupe in Dreamin' Wild (2022)
      Dreamin' Wild
      6.4
      • Nancy
      • 2022
    • She & Him: Darlin'
      Music Video
      • 2022
    • She & Him: Holiday (Performance) (2021)
      She & Him: Holiday (Performance)
      6.6
      Music Video
      • Zooey Deschanel
      • 2021
    • Love Is a Crime (2021)
      Love Is a Crime
      7.6
      Podcast Series
      • Joan Bennett
      • 2021
    • Zooey Deschanel in Katy Perry: Not the End of the World (2020)
      Katy Perry: Not the End of the World
      6.4
      Music Video
      • Zooey
      • 2020
    • Justin Timberlake, James Corden, Anna Kendrick, Kenan Thompson, George Clinton, Kelly Clarkson, Gustavo Dudamel, Rachel Bloom, and Anthony Ramos in Trolls World Tour (2020)
      Trolls World Tour
      6.1
      • Bridget (voice)
      • 2020
    • Zooey Deschanel, Max Greenfield, Damon Wayans Jr., Hannah Simone, Lamorne Morris, and Jake Johnson in New Girl (2011)
      New Girl
      7.8
      TV Series
      • Jess Day
      • 2011–2018
    • Justin Timberlake, James Corden, Walt Dohrn, Anna Kendrick, Kevin Michael Richardson, Kunal Nayyar, Ron Funches, Aino Jawo, and Caroline Hjelt in Trolls Holiday (2017)
      Trolls Holiday
      6.1
      TV Movie
      • Bridget (voice)
      • 2017
    • Dirk Blocker, Andre Braugher, Terry Crews, Melissa Fumero, Joe Lo Truglio, Joel McKinnon Miller, Andy Samberg, and Stephanie Beatriz in Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013)
      Brooklyn Nine-Nine
      8.4
      TV Series
      • Jessica Day
      • 2016
    • Trolls (2016)
      Trolls
      6.4
      • Bridget (voice)
      • 2016
    • Bill Murray in Rock the Kasbah (2015)
      Rock the Kasbah
      5.5
      • Ronnie
      • 2015

    Producer



    • What Am I Eating? with Zooey Deschanel (2023)
      What Am I Eating? with Zooey Deschanel
      6.3
      TV Series
      • executive producer
      • 2023
    • Zooey Deschanel, Max Greenfield, Damon Wayans Jr., Hannah Simone, Lamorne Morris, and Jake Johnson in New Girl (2011)
      New Girl
      7.8
      TV Series
      • co-executive producer
      • producer
      • 2011–2018

    Music Department



    • Ingrid Michaelson Presents 'Merry Christmas, Happy New Year' feat. Zooey Deschanel (2021)
      Ingrid Michaelson Presents 'Merry Christmas, Happy New Year' feat. Zooey Deschanel
      Music Video
      • songwriter
      • 2021
    • Zooey Deschanel, Max Greenfield, Damon Wayans Jr., Hannah Simone, Lamorne Morris, and Jake Johnson in New Girl (2011)
      New Girl
      7.8
      TV Series
      • main title theme
      • composer: main title theme
      • performer: main title theme "Hey Girl"
      • 2011–2018
    • Jim Cummings, Craig Ferguson, Tom Kenny, Bud Luckey, Travis Oates, Kristen Anderson-Lopez, and Wyatt Dean Hall in Winnie the Pooh (2011)
      Winnie the Pooh
      7.1
      • writer: "So Long"/performer: "So Long"
      • 2011

    • In-development projects at IMDbPro

    Videos198

    Zooey Deschanel | Movie & TV Moments
    Clip 1:30
    Zooey Deschanel | Movie & TV Moments
    (500) Days of Summer
    Clip 0:56
    (500) Days of Summer
    (500) Days of Summer
    Clip 0:56
    (500) Days of Summer
    The Go-Getter
    Clip 2:21
    The Go-Getter
    The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
    Clip 0:56
    The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
    The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
    Clip 0:55
    The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
    Trolls
    Clip 1:37
    Trolls

    Personal details

    Edit
    • Official sites
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
    • Alternative name
      • She & Him
    • Height
      • 5′ 5″ (1.65 m)
    • Born
      • January 17, 1980
      • Los Angeles, California, USA
    • Spouses
        Jacob PechenikJune 21, 2015 - June 1, 2020 (divorced, 2 children)
    • Children
        Elsie Otter Pechenik
    • Parents
        Caleb Deschanel
    • Relatives
        Emily Deschanel(Sibling)
    • Other works
      TV commercial: Gap clothing "Down on Khaki Street"
    • Publicity listings
      • 5 Interviews
      • 18 Articles
      • 3 Pictorials
      • 29 Magazine Cover Photos

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and takes medication for it.
    • Quotes
      I love old music, old movies, screwball comedies, vintage clothes and basically I'm an old-fashioned gal.
    • Trademarks
        Long dark hair with bangs
    • Nicknames
      • Zo
      • Zuzu
    • Salaries
        New Girl
        (2011)
        $130,000 (2014-2015) per episode

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