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Jenna Elfman Biography

Birth Name:Jennifer Mary Butala

Birth Place:Los Angeles, California, United States

Profession Actress, Producer

Fast Facts

  • In 2007, she was given the Goodwill Ambassador Award at the Women Ambassadors Foundation 12th Annual Conference
  • Filmed a PSA for the Humane Society of the United States in 2011 to advocate for the support of animals
  • Studied acting at the Beverly Hills Playhouse under renowned drama coach Milton Katselas
  • Originally studied dance as a classical ballerina, but was forced to give up ballet after suffering an ankle injury
  • Quote: "Creatively, you need to go live life․ As an artist, you are representing life․ So you have to rub elbows and be out in it․"
  • Was offered a role in "Minority Report," but turned it down
  • Was a guest at the wedding ceremony of actors Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes

Awards

  • 1998Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical: nominated
  • 1998OFTA Television Award-Best Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 1998Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 1998TCA Award-Individual Achievement in Comedy: nominated
  • 1998Q Award-Best Actress in a Quality Comedy Series: nominated
  • 1999American Comedy Award-Funniest Female Performer in a TV Series (Leading Role) Network, Cable or Syndication: nominated
  • 1999Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical: winner
  • 1999OFTA Television Award-Best Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 1999Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 1999TV Guide Award-Favorite Actress in a Comedy: winner
  • 1999Q Award-Best Actress in a Quality Comedy Series: nominated
  • 2000Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical: nominated
  • 2000Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 2000Golden Satellite Award-Best Performance by an Actress in a Series, Comedy or Musical: nominated
  • 2000TV Guide Award-Favorite Actress in a Comedy: winner
  • 2001Blockbuster Entertainment Award-Favorite Actress - Comedy/Romance: nominated
  • 2001Golden Satellite Award-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical: nominated
  • 2001Golden Satellite Award-Best Performance by an Actress in a Series, Comedy or Musical: nominated
  • 2001TV Guide Award-Actress of the Year in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 2002Golden Satellite Award-Best Performance by an Actress in a Series, Comedy or Musical: nominated
  • 2024CinEuphoria-Merit - Honorary Award: winner