Personal details
Born:
- Birthday: 1980-01-17
- Born Place: Los Angeles, California, USA
Also Known As:
Zooey Claire Deschanel, Ζόι Ντεσανέλ, Зои Дешанель, ズーイー・デシャネル, ゾーイ・デシャネル, 조이 데이셔넬, 柔伊·黛絲香奈, Зоуї Дешанель, زویی دشانل
Zooey Deschanel
Zooey Claire Deschanel (born January 17, 1980) is an American actress, singer-songwriter, and musician, widely recognized for her "adorkable" and quirky persona in both film and television. Born in Los Angeles to cinematographer Caleb Deschanel and actress Mary Jo Deschanel, she was immersed in the film industry from a young age and began acting after briefly attending Northwestern University. Deschanel first gained prominence through supporting roles in films like Almost Famous (2000) and The Good Girl (2002), securing her place as a cinematic figure with her memorable turn as Jovie in the Christmas classic Elf (2003) and the female lead Summer in the critically acclaimed romantic comedy (500) Days of Summer (2009). Her most definitive role, however, is that of the optimistic and eccentric teacher Jessica "Jess" Day in the hit sitcom New Girl (2011–2018), which earned her a Primetime Emmy and multiple Golden Globe nominations. In addition to acting, she is an accomplished musician, forming the successful indie folk duo She & Him with M. Ward, which has released several albums. She continues to act in new projects, including voice roles in the Trolls franchise and the lead role of Anna in the upcoming romantic comedy film Merv (2025).
