In the late '90s, Westfeldt was just another working no-name actress, alternately playing dizzy or neurotic blondes on TV series like
Two Guys and a Girl (back when
Pizza Place was part of the sitcom's title) and
Judging Amy. In order to take control of her career trajectory, she began honing her own material, including Lipschtick, a series of sketches she wrote and performed with fellow starlet Heather Juergensen. Together they wrote, produced and starred in the delightful indie comedy
Kissing Jessica Stein, playing a pair of romantically challenged urban heterosexuals who decide to give lesbianism a try. The flick was an art-house hit, racking up numerous film-festival awards and showcasing Westfeldt's quirkily endearing personality. In 2004, the multitalented actress made her Broadway debut in a revival of
Wonderful Town, which highlighted her solid singing and dancing chops and earned her a Tony nomination. After starring in another indie comedy that she wrote and produced,
Ira & Abby, in 2006, she continued to make small-screen appearances on such series as
Notes from the Underbelly,
Grey's Anatomy and
24.
Jennifer Westfeldt Fast Facts:
- Sang with the a cappella group Redhot & Blue while attending Yale University.
- Cowrote and coproduced the 2001 indie hit Kissing Jessica Stein with costar Heather Juergensen.
- Was nominated for an IFP Independent Spirit Award for Best First Screenplay in 2003 for Kissing Jessica Stein.
- Wrote and starred in the 2006 romantic comedy Ira & Abby.
- Had a recurring role in the final season of 24.
- Jennifer Westfeldt Relationships:
- Jon Hamm - Significant Other
- Jennifer Westfeldt Awards:
- 2004 Tony: Actress (Featured Role--Musical) - Nominee
- College:
- Yale University, New Haven, CT