Jessalyn Gilsig Biography

Fast Facts

• Was nominated for a Golden Maple Award for best actress in a TV series broadcasted in the U․S․ for her role in "Vikings․"
• Earned her English degree from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec
• Undertook acting classes at the American Repertory Theatre's Institute for Advanced Theatre Training at Harvard University
• Began career at age 12 with voice-over work, followed by performing in several theater productions before her onscreen debut in "The Horse Whisperer" in 1998
• Quote: "When I came out to LA I didn't know that much about film and TV and part of why I really wanted to explore it, other than the obvious reasons, was that there's a way in film that you learn to be specific and simple․ When I went back to do the stage, that was an amazing element to bring back․ You really learn in film that less is more․ You then learn how to be more economical in what you're doing on stage, so I find that the two have really communicated for me․"
• Quote: "(On her worst job) "I was a chamber maid in a hotel, and I just remember I couldn't believe how people leave their hotel rooms․ I had no idea․ It was almost as if they're entire visit the goal of the visit was to just leave something disgusting for me, and the first night I stay anywhere, I always tip the housekeeping because I just want to send a message, like respect because that was seriously so brutal․ I don't know if I'll ever get those images out of my head․""
• Actress best known for her roles on TV's "Glee," "Nip/Tuck" and "Boston Public," along with several other series
• Also a painter, she did all the art pieces for a character on "The Station Agent" film (2003)