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Zooey Deschanel Biography

Birth Name:Zooey Claire Deschanel

Birth Place:Los Angeles, California, United States

Profession Actress, Soundtrack, Producer, Music department, Director

Fast Facts

Was selected as one of People magazine's "Most Beautiful" in the 2013 edition of the annual feature
Attended Northwestern University and French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts
Daughter of an Academy-Award nominated cinematographer Caleb and actress Mary Jo Deschanel
Sister to actress Emily Deschanel
Before getting her big break, she performed in a jazz cabaret act in "If All the Stars Were Pretty Babies" with actress Samantha Shelton
Quote: "You have to keep reminding yourself it's not about money because there is a lot of money to be made in this business if you are willing to do whatever ․․․ I continue only to take movies because I love the script and because I really want to do it․"
Quote: "I like old movies, screwball comedies, vintage clothes, and basically I'm an old-fashioned gal․ My whole idea for the band was to bring back old-fashioned music I love․"
Began performing as the musical duo She & Him alongside M․ Ward
Known for her deadpan comedy in her roles for the series "New Girl" and the films "Elf" and "Yes Man․"
Appeared in the music video "She's Got Issues" by The Offspring in 1998
Became a spokesperson for Rimmel make-up brand in 2011
Launched the website hellogiggles․com, an entertainment website geared toward a female audience
Named after the lead character in J․D․ Salinger's novel "Franny and Zooey․"
Narrated the children's book "Players in Pigtails" in 2007

Awards

2003Best Actress-: winner
2003VVFP Award-Best Performance: nominated
2004COFCA Award-Best Actress: nominated
2004Chlotrudis Award-Best Actress: nominated
2004Independent Spirit Award-Best Female Lead: nominated
2009Golden Schmoes-Best Actress of the Year: nominated
2009Satellite Award-Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical: nominated
2010OFTA Film Award-Best Music, Adapted Song: nominated
2011Satellite Award-Best Actress in a Series, Comedy or Musical: nominated
2012Annie-Music in a Feature Production: nominated
2012Critics' Choice TV Award-Best Actress in a Comedy Series: winner
2012GAFCA Award-Best Original Song: nominated
2012Gold Derby TV Award-Breakthrough Performer of the Year: winner
2012Gold Derby TV Award-Comedy Lead Actress: nominated
2012Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical: nominated
2012Grammy-Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or for Television: nominated
2012OFTA Television Award-Best Actress in a Comedy Series: winner
2012Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
2012TV Guide Award-Favorite Actress: winner
2012Teen Choice Award-Choice TV Actress: Comedy: nominated
2013ASCAP Award-Top Television Series: winner
2013Critics' Choice TV Award-Best Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
2013Gold Derby TV Award-Comedy Lead Actress: nominated
2013Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical: nominated
2013OFTA Television Award-Best Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
2013TV Guide Award-Favorite Actress: nominated
2013Teen Choice Award-Choice TV Actress: Comedy: nominated
2013WIN Award-Outstanding Actress Comedy Series: winner
2014American Comedy Award-Best Comedy Actress - TV: nominated
2014Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical: nominated
2014Satellite Award-Best Actress in a Series, Comedy or Musical: nominated
2014TV Guide Award-Favorite Actress: nominated
2014WIN Award-Actress Comedy Series: nominated
2015Satellite Award-Best Actress in a Series, Comedy or Musical: nominated
2017Annie-Outstanding Achievement in Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production: nominated
2017BTVA Feature Film Voice Acting Award-Best Female Lead Vocal Performance in a Feature Film: nominated
2017World Soundtrack Award-Best Original Song Written Directly for a Film: nominated
2024Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Culinary Series: nominated