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Zooey Deschanel
Zooey Deschanel
Zooey Deschanel
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Zooey Claire Deschanel[a] (born January 17, 1980[1][2]) is an American actress and musician. She made her film debut in Mumford (1999) and had a supporting role in Cameron Crowe's film Almost Famous (2000). Deschanel is known for her deadpan roles in comedy films such as The Good Girl (2002), The New Guy (2002), Elf (2003), The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005), Failure to Launch (2006), Yes Man (2008), 500 Days of Summer (2009), and Our Idiot Brother (2011).[3][4][5] She has also ventured into dramatic film territory with Manic (2001), All the Real Girls (2003), Winter Passing (2005), Bridge to Terabithia (2007), The Happening (2008), and The Driftless Area (2015).[6][7] From 2011 to 2018, she starred as Jess Day on the Fox sitcom New Girl, for which she received nominations for a Primetime Emmy Award and three Golden Globe Awards.

Key Information

For a few years starting in 2001, Deschanel performed in the jazz cabaret act If All the Stars Were Pretty Babies with actress Samantha Shelton.[8] In 2006, Deschanel teamed up with M. Ward to form She & Him, and subsequently released their debut album, Volume One, in 2008. They have since released six albums: Volume Two (2010), A Very She & Him Christmas (2011), Volume 3 (2013), Classics (2014), Christmas Party (2016), and Melt Away: A Tribute to Brian Wilson (2022). She received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Song Written for Visual Media for "So Long," which was featured on the soundtrack of the 2011 film Winnie the Pooh. Besides singing, she plays keyboards, percussion, banjo, and ukulele.

Deschanel is also a co-founder of the female-focused website HelloGiggles, which was acquired by Time Inc. in 2015.[9]

Early life

[edit]

Zooey Claire Deschanel was born in Los Angeles, California on January 17, 1980,[2] the younger daughter of cinematographer and director Caleb Deschanel and actress Mary Jo Deschanel (née Weir). Her paternal grandfather was French, from Oullins, Rhône, and her paternal grandmother came from a Quaker family; she also has Swiss, Dutch, English, Irish, and other French ancestry.[10][11] She was named after Zooey Glass, the protagonist of J. D. Salinger's 1961 novella Franny and Zooey.[12] Her older sister is actress Emily Deschanel, who starred in the Fox crime comedy-drama series Bones.[13][14]

Deschanel lived in Los Angeles, but spent much of her childhood traveling because her father shot films on location. She hated the traveling, which involved leaving her friends and interacting with unfamiliar cultures. But she later said that she was happy for the experience.[15]

She attended Crossroads, a private preparatory school in Santa Monica, where she befriended future co-stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Kate Hudson.[12][16][time needed] She sang throughout high school, planning to pursue a career in musical theatre and attending French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts.[11] She attended Northwestern University for nine months before dropping out to pursue acting.[15][17]

Acting career

[edit]

1997–2002: Early acting credits

[edit]

Deschanel had a guest appearance on the television series Veronica's Closet in 1998. She made her film debut in Lawrence Kasdan's comedy Mumford (1999), revolving around the neurotic residents in a small town and co-starring Hope Davis, Jason Lee, Alfre Woodard and Mary McDonnell.

That same year, she appeared in a non-singing role in the music video for The Offspring's single "She's Got Issues", which premiered on September 27, 1999.[18] Deschanel was a judge for the ninth Independent Music Awards.[19] In 2005, she modeled for Chanel and Clements Ribeiro, and in 2010, she signed to represent Rimmel.[20]

Deschanel co-starred in Cameron Crowe's semi-autobiographical Almost Famous (2000), where she played Anita Miller, the rebellious older sister of a teenage journalist. Despite a modest box office response, the film received critical praise,[21] winning the Golden Globe Award for Best Film – Musical or Comedy. Deschanel appeared in the independent drama Manic (2001), as the love interest of a troubled teen (Joseph Gordon-Levitt). The film was screened at the Sundance Film Festival and received a limited theatrical release. The New York Times found Deschanel to be "particularly spontaneous, unaffected and emotionally direct" in her role.[22]

Following early notice, Deschanel took on supporting parts in four feature films released throughout 2002: Big Trouble, The New Guy, The Good Girl, and Abandon. In the comedy Big Trouble, with Tim Allen and Rene Russo, she played the daughter of a devoted and reluctant woman, and in the teen comedy The New Guy, starred as a guitar player in a band. Deschanel portrayed a cynical, plain-spoken young woman working in a big-box store in the black dramedy The Good Girl, opposite Jennifer Aniston and Jake Gyllenhaal. The psychological thriller Abandon saw her play the roommate of a woman involved in her boyfriend's disappearance. Deschanel also made a one-episode appearance in Frasier, as Roz's out-of-control cousin, Jen. The New York Times reported that Deschanel was "one of Hollywood's most sought-after young stars"[12] in 2002, and the Los Angeles Times wrote in early 2003 that Deschanel had become a recognizable type, due to "her deadpan, sardonic and scene-stealing [film] performances" as the protagonist's best friend.[11] Deschanel objected to her typecasting, arguing, "A lot of these roles are just a formula idea of somebody's best friend, and it's like, I don't even have that many friends. In high school, I stayed home all the time, so I don't know how I'm everybody's best friend now."[11]

2003–2010: Breakthrough

[edit]

Deschanel obtained her first leading film role in the independent drama All the Real Girls (2003) as Noel, a sexually curious 18-year-old virgin who has a life-changing romance with an aimless 22-year-old. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was an arthouse success. Her performance received wide critical acclaim,[11] and Variety remarked: "Performances are all credible and naturalistic, but standing out from the rest is Deschanel's work, which evinces an impressively direct connection to her character's emotions. The actress does a wonderful job presenting a young woman who is trying, with varying degrees of success, to give voice to all sorts of things she has never felt or expressed before".[23] She received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Actress.[24] Also in 2003, Deschanel starred opposite Will Ferrell in the Christmas comedy Elf as a deadpan department store worker and the love interest of a man raised by Santa's elves.[25] Reviewers found the film to be a "spirited, good-natured family comedy" as part of an overall positive critical response.[26] Budgeted at US$33 million, Elf made US$220.4 million worldwide.[27]

Deschanel at the premiere of 500 Days of Summer (2009)

In 2004, Deschanel starred in Eulogy, and in 2005 she played Trillian in the film adaptation of Douglas Adams's science fiction novel The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. She acted in Winter Passing (2005), co-starring Will Ferrell. Deschanel next appeared in Failure to Launch (2006), as the neurotic roommate of Sarah Jessica Parker's character. She also had a recurring role in four episodes of the Showtime television series Weeds from 2006 to 2007 where she played Kat, Andy Botwin's ex-girlfriend. In September 2006, it was announced that Deschanel had signed on to play 1960s singer Janis Joplin in the film The Gospel According to Janis, to be co-written and directed by Penelope Spheeris.[28] The film was scheduled to begin shooting in 2006, but was then postponed indefinitely;[29] it was then resurrected again, with a planned release date of 2012, before being cancelled altogether in 2011. Deschanel expressed frustration with the cancellation, saying she had spent three years working on imitating Joplin's scratchy singing voice.[30]

In 2007, Deschanel played a music teacher in Bridge to Terabithia, and the voice of a penguin in the animated film Surf's Up. She had a small role as Dorothy Evans in the revisionist Western The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford and starred in the B comedy Flakes, which was released in only one theater.[31] Deschanel starred as DG in the Syfy miniseries Tin Man, a re-imagined science fiction version of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. It aired in December 2007. Deschanel also narrated the children's book Players in Pigtails.[32][independent source needed] She voiced characters including Mary, Cletus's daughter, in four episodes of The Simpsons since debuting in the April 27, 2008 (Season 19) episode, "Apocalypse Cow", returning in seasons 24 (twice) and 36.[33]

In M. Night Shyamalan's thriller The Happening (2008), she starred opposite Mark Wahlberg as a couple trying to escape from an inexplicable natural disaster. Despite largely negative reviews, critic Roger Ebert felt that Wahlberg and Deschanel's performances "bring a quiet dignity to their characters",[34] and globally, the film made US$163 million.[35] She starred in the independent comedy Gigantic (2008), which screened at the Toronto International Film Festival and was distributed for a limited release in certain parts of the United States only. In the comedy Yes Man (also 2008), she played an unorthodox singer and the girlfriend of Jim Carrey's character.[36] The film grossed US$223.1 million around the world.[37]

Deschanel reunited with Joseph Gordon-Levitt in the independent romantic drama about the development and demise of a relationship (500) Days of Summer (2009).[38] The film garnered critical acclaim and became a "sleeper hit", earning over $60 million in worldwide returns, far exceeding its $7.5 million budget.[39][40][41] Mark Adams of the Daily Mirror found the film to be a "modern romance for grown-ups" and a "sweet-natured, funny, deeply-romantic tale" blessed with "top-notch performances by Deschanel and Gordon-Levitt, who are both charming and have real chemistry".[42] In December 2009, Deschanel guest-starred in a Christmas episode of the Fox crime procedural comedy-drama Bones, which was the first-ever on-screen pairing of the Deschanel sisters.[43][44]

Since 2010: New Girl and other projects

[edit]
Deschanel at the 2013 Golden Globe Awards

Deschanel was originally the top choice for Janet van Dyne / The Wasp in an early draft of Joss Whedon's The Avengers in which she would have played a prominent role. However, once Scarlett Johansson was cast as Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow, Deschanel was no longer in consideration to portray the Wasp with Janet's daughter Hope van Dyne taking up the mantle in the Infinity Saga, played by Evangeline Lilly.[45] Deschanel starred in the comedy Our Idiot Brother (2011) as the independent and bisexual sister of a dimwitted but idealistic man (Paul Rudd). The production was screened at the Sundance Film Festival, to a generally positive critical reception.[46] She played Belladonna in the stoner fantasy-comedy Your Highness (2011), with Danny McBride and James Franco.[47] The film received negative reviews and bombed at the box office.[48] Describing her role, Roger Ebert noted in its review for the film: "[Deschanel is] brought onstage, quickly kidnapped by an evil sorcerer, spends a good deal of time as a captive in his lair, is rescued and lives happily ever after. She might as well be a mannequin, for all she's given to say and do. This intelligent, nuanced actress, standing there baffled. Used as a placeholder".[49]

Deschanel signed on to star as a bubbly and offbeat teacher Jessica "Jess" Day on the Fox sitcom New Girl, created by Elizabeth Meriwether. She became a producer on the show and helped build the character,[50] which she has described as a part of her, especially in regards to "the sort of enthusiasm and optimism" of her youth.[51] The series premiered in September 2011, and USA Today described her performance as "a role tailored to launch her from respected indie actor to certified [television] star, Deschanel soars, combining well-honed skills with a natural charm".[52] She has received an Emmy Award nomination and three Golden Globe nominations for her role.[53][54] The series finale ran on May 15, 2018.[55]

Deschanel hosted Saturday Night Live on February 11, 2012.[56] That same year, she was featured in a commercial for the iPhone 4S (Siri).[57]

In Rock the Kasbah (2015), she played a Los Angeles singer taken to Afghanistan by her former manager (Bill Murray). Despite a US$15 million budget, the comedy only made US$3 million at the North American box office.[58] She obtained the role of a mysterious woman in the neo-noir drama The Driftless Area (2015), screened at the Tribeca Film Festival and released on video on demand and home media.[59] She voiced a kind-hearted Bergen, Bridget, in the animated family comedy Trolls (2016), which grossed US$344 million worldwide. She reprised the role in its sequels Trolls World Tour (2020) and Trolls Band Together (2023).[60]

In December 2020, Deschanel appeared in the music video for Katy Perry's song "Not the End of the World".[61] In 2021, she co-hosted the ABC television series The Celebrity Dating Game with Michael Bolton.[62]

In January 2022, she began cohosting Welcome to Our Show, a New Girl rewatch podcast with co-stars Hannah Simone and Lamorne Morris, distributed by IHeartRadio.[63] Deschanel appears as Kelly in season 3 of Physical released on August 2, 2023[64] and Nancy in Dreamin' Wild, released on August 4, 2023. She also appears as Terry in Harold and the Purple Crayon, which was released on August 2, 2024.[65]

In March 2024, Deschanel was cast in the Amazon MGM romantic comedy film Merv, directed by Jessica Swale. The film centers on an estranged couple who, after discovering that their shared dog is depressed following their breakup, decide to take the dog on a holiday to Florida in an attempt to lift its spirits.[66]

Music career

[edit]

Singing and performing

[edit]
See also: She & Him

In 2001, Deschanel formed If All the Stars Were Pretty Babies, a jazz cabaret act with fellow actress Samantha Shelton.[12] The pair performed around Los Angeles.[67]

In March 2007, Deschanel contributed vocals to two songs "Slowly" and "Ask Her to Dance" on the album Nighttiming by Jason Schwartzman's band Coconut Records. It was reported that Deschanel and M. Ward, who had previously performed with Deschanel on-stage, were recording music under the moniker She & Him.[68] Their first album, titled Volume One, was released by Merge Records on March 18, 2008.[69][70] It received a strong response from critics, with Paste magazine voting it the No. 1 Album of 2008. Patrick Caldwell of the Austin American Statesman wrote: "The album gently rambled through 13 tracks of sun-dappled pop, with a gentle Orbisonian charm and sweet, wistful vocals from Deschanel."[71]

Deschanel and M. Ward performing as She & Him on a Wurlitzer electric piano at the Newport Folk Festival on August 2, 2008

Deschanel recorded "The Fabric of My Life" for a 2009 advertising campaign for Cotton Incorporated.[72] On March 23, 2010, the second She & Him album, Volume Two, was released.[73] Deschanel and M. Ward both featured on The Place We Ran From (2010), the album by Snow Patrol member Gary Lightbody's side project, Tired Pony. Deschanel contributed vocals to the tracks "Get on the Road" and "Point Me at Lost Islands", while M. Ward contributed vocals and guitar to the track "Held in the Arms of Your Words" and guitar to the track "That Silver Necklace".[74][independent source needed]

Deschanel performed "God Bless America" during the seventh-inning stretch in game three of the National League Championship Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and San Francisco Giants on October 19, 2010, at AT&T Park in San Francisco.[75] On October 23, 2011, Deschanel performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" before game four of the World Series between the Texas Rangers and the St. Louis Cardinals at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas.[76] Deschanel contributed a cover of Buddy Holly's "It's So Easy" for the tribute album Listen to Me: Buddy Holly, released on September 6, 2011. She had previously appeared on Rave On Buddy Holly, with She & Him performing "Oh, Boy!", released in June 2011.

A Very She & Him Christmas was announced on Pitchfork.com in September 2011. The 12-track Christmas album was released October 25, 2011, under Merge Records.[77] On December 28, 2011, she and Joseph Gordon-Levitt recorded an informal version of "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" for her HelloGiggles YouTube channel. It was immensely popular and within four days had over 6 million views.[78][independent source needed] Deschanel was featured on bandmate M. Ward's sixth solo album, A Wasteland Companion (2012).[79]

During a May 2012 performance at the Ryman Auditorium, country music singer Loretta Lynn announced that she was in the development stages of creating a Broadway musical from her autobiography and Deschanel would play the title role., saying, "There's a little girl back stage that's going to do the play of 'Coal Miner's Daughter' on Broadway". She then brought Deschanel onstage and the two sang a duet of the title song.[80] On September 21, 2012, it was announced that Deschanel was producing the comedy Must Be Nice, written by New Girl consulting producer J. J. Philbin.[81]

She and Him's next album, Volume 3 was released by Merge Records in May 2013. In the 15-track album, Deschanel wrote eleven songs, while three others are cover songs.[82] It debuted at number 15 on the Billboard 200.[83] The band's fifth studio album, Classics, received a December 2014 release by Columbia Records, and it features 13 covers of classic songs, recorded live and accompanied by a 20-piece orchestra.[84] Response towards the album was positive, with Robert Hamm for Alternative Press writing that Deschanel "is a delight, at times coy and romantic, and in other moments, moody and pensive".[85] She also appeared as a guest vocalist on Brian Wilson's album No Pier Pressure (2015).[86] She & Him's second Christmas album and sixth album overall, Christmas Party, was released in 2016.[87]

[edit]
Deschanel performing in New York in 2008

Deschanel made her on-screen singing debut in The New Guy (2002). In Elf (2003), she sings "Baby, It's Cold Outside" with Will Ferrell in the bathroom shower scene, "Auld Lang Syne" with James Caan on piano and with Leon Redbone on the soundtrack. Her piano composition "Bittersuite" was used thematically in the dark dramedy Winter Passing (2006), in which she co starred with Ferrell and Ed Harris, and also sings "My Bonnie Lies over the Ocean" in the film.[88]

In 2007, other singing credits followed: the television musical Once Upon a Mattress ("An Opening for a Princess", "In a Little While", "Normandy", and "Yesterday I Loved You");[89] an old cabaret song in The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford ("A Bird in a Gilded Cage"); and the short film Raving ("Hello, Dolly!"). Deschanel and a cast of school children sing the Steve Earle song "Someday" and War's "Why Can't We Be Friends?" in Bridge to Terabithia.

In Yes Man (2008), Deschanel sings several songs featured in the film and on the film soundtrack, and is shown singing "Uh-Huh" and "Sweet Ballad" with San Franciscan all-girl electro soul-punk group Von Iva in a fictional band called "Munchausen by Proxy".[90] In 500 Days of Summer (2009), Deschanel sings a cover of The Smiths's "Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want" and it appears on the soundtrack of the film, as performed by She & Him.[91] She also sings a cover of "Sugar Town" by Nancy Sinatra. Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt did a music video, called Bank Dance, directed by 500 Days of Summer director Marc Webb, to accompany the film. It uses the She & Him song "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?", and some complicated choreography, choreographed by Michael Rooney. Mason Novick, the film's producer said, "We made the short because Zooey came in and said, 'I have this idea ... because I didn't get to dance in the movie'" (as Gordon-Levitt did).[92]

Deschanel sings "The Greatest Most Beautiful Love Song in All the Land" with James Franco in the comedy Your Highness (2011). She also appears with M. Ward in a number of songs on the soundtrack album for Disney's animated version of Winnie the Pooh (2011), earning a Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media nomination for "So Long".[93] Deschanel wrote and performed the theme song to New Girl.[94] Also, in season three's episode "Prince", the song "Fallinlove2nite" is sung by Deschanel and Prince.[95] In Rock the Kasbah (2015), she sang a cover of Meredith Brooks's "Bitch", which is featured in the soundtrack for the film.[96][97] In 2016, Deschanel voiced Bridget, the scullery maid in the animated film Trolls.

Other work

[edit]

In May 2011, after the success of her HelloGiggles YouTube channel, Deschanel, along with producer Sophia Rossi and writer Molly McAleer, founded the website HelloGiggles.com, an entertainment website geared towards women.[98] HelloGiggles.com was acquired by Time, Inc. in 2015.[9]

In 2023, Deschanel hosted the Max informational show What Am I Eating?. It was based on a previous series Deschanel did for ATTN:, Your Food's Roots.[99]

Personal life

[edit]

Deschanel is allergic to eggs, dairy products, and soy.[100] She had a gluten allergy but stated in a 2022 interview on Armchair Expert that she no longer suffers from it.[101][time needed] She used to be a vegan,[102] which she gave up because she found it difficult to eat enough calories on a vegan diet due to her sensitivities to wheat and soy.[103] A year prior to giving up her vegan diet, she was featured on episode eight of season one of Bravo's Top Chef Masters, in which the chefs participating in the competition were challenged to cater a vegan lunch party for her family and friends using no soy or gluten.[104] As of 2023 Deschanel is a pescetarian.[105]

In December 2008, Deschanel became engaged to musician Ben Gibbard, lead vocalist for Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service.[106] They married on September 19, 2009, near Seattle, Washington.[107] On November 1, 2011, they announced their separation.[108] Deschanel filed for divorce on December 27, 2011, citing "irreconcilable differences".[109] The divorce was finalized on December 12, 2012.[110]

Deschanel confirmed her engagement to film producer Jacob Pechenik in January 2015,[111] and they married on June 21, 2015.[112] They have two children, a daughter and a son.[113][114] Deschanel reportedly converted to Judaism before marrying Pechenik, who is Jewish.[115][116] On September 6, 2019, Deschanel and Pechenik announced their separation.[117] Deschanel and Pechenik divorced on June 1, 2020.[118][119]

In August 2019, Deschanel met Property Brothers star Jonathan Scott while filming an episode of Carpool Karaoke: The Series.[120] On August 13, 2023, Deschanel and Scott announced their engagement at Edinburgh Castle in Scotland.[121]

In January 2025, Emily and Zooey Deschanel's childhood home in Pacific Palisades was destroyed by the January 2025 Southern California wildfires and the Palisades Fire.[122]

Filmography

[edit]
Main articles: List of Zooey Deschanel performances§Film, §Television, and §Music videos

Discography

[edit]
Main articles: List of Zooey Deschanel performances § Discography, She & Him discography, and List of songs recorded by She & Him

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Association Category Nominated work Result
2003 Mar del Plata International Film Festival Best Actress[123] All the Real Girls Won
2004 Independent Spirit Awards Best Female Lead Nominated
2009 Satellite Awards Best Actress in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (500) Days of Summer
2011 Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy New Girl
2012 Golden Globe Awards
Grammy Awards Best Song Written for Visual Media Winnie the Pooh (song "So Long")
Annie Awards Music in a Feature Production Winnie the Pooh
Teen Choice Awards Choice Fashion Icon —
Choice TV Actress Comedy New Girl
Critics' Choice Television Awards Best Actress in a Comedy Series Won (tied with Amy Poehler)
The Comedy Awards Comedy Actress Nominated
Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
2013 Critics' Choice Television Awards Best Actress in a Comedy Series
People's Choice Awards People's Choice Award for Favorite TV Comedy Actress
Golden Globe Awards Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy
2014
2016 People's Choice Awards Favorite Comedic TV Actress
2017
Annie Awards Best Voice Acting Trolls
2024 Daytime Emmy Awards Outstanding Culinary Series What Am I Eating?

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Zooey Deschanel

View on Grokipedia
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Zooey Claire Deschanel is an American actress, musician, and singer-songwriter, born on January 17, 1980, in Los Angeles, California. She rose to prominence through her distinctive quirky persona and offbeat humor in independent films and television, most notably portraying the optimistic teacher Jess Day in the Fox sitcom New Girl from 2011 to 2018. Deschanel has also made significant contributions to music as part of the indie folk duo She & Him, alongside musician M. Ward, releasing seven studio albums since 2008. The daughter of Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Caleb Deschanel and actress Mary Jo Deschanel, she grew up in a Hollywood family alongside her older sister, actress Emily Deschanel, known for Bones. Deschanel attended Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences in Santa Monica, California, where she developed an interest in performing arts, and spent summers at the French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts in New York. She briefly enrolled at Northwestern University to study theater but dropped out after six months to pursue acting full-time. Her film debut came in 1999 with a supporting role in Mumford, directed by Lawrence Kasdan, marking the start of a career that blended comedy and drama. Deschanel's breakthrough roles included the indie drama All the Real Girls (2003), for which she earned critical acclaim, and mainstream hits like Elf (2003) as Jovie and 500 Days of Summer (2009) as Summer Finn, showcasing her kooky charm. On television, New Girl earned her three Golden Globe nominations and a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. She has continued her career with roles in series like The Afterparty (2022) and films including Trolls Band Together (2023), Harold and the Purple Crayon (2024), and the upcoming Merv (2025). In music, She & Him's debut album Volume One (2008) blended vintage pop influences, and Deschanel has provided vocals for film soundtracks, including her own singing in Elf and (500) Days of Summer. Her career highlights also include production work and voice acting in the Trolls franchise. In her personal life, Deschanel married musician Ben Gibbard in 2009, but they divorced in 2012 after separating the previous year. She wed producer Jacob Pechenik in 2015, with whom she shares two children: daughter Elsie Otter Pechenik, born in January 2015, and son Charlie Wolf Pechenik, born in May 2017; the couple divorced in 2020 but maintain a co-parenting relationship. Since 2019, Deschanel has been in a relationship with television personality Jonathan Scott, brother of Property Brothers star Drew Scott; the couple became engaged in August 2023 and, as of November 2025, have not yet set a wedding date, prioritizing blended family life with her children.

Early life and education

Family and childhood

Zooey Claire Deschanel was born on January 17, 1980, in Los Angeles, California, to cinematographer Caleb Deschanel and actress Mary Jo Deschanel. Her father, a six-time Academy Award nominee known for films like The Passion of the Christ and The Lion King (2019), and her mother, who appeared in projects such as Twin Peaks, immersed the family in Hollywood's creative milieu from the outset. The Deschanels trace their paternal roots to France, with Zooey's grandfather hailing from Oullins in the Rhône region, alongside English, German, and other European ancestries. Deschanel's only sibling is her older sister, Emily Deschanel, born in 1976, who later became known for starring in the television series Bones. Raised in Los Angeles, the sisters experienced the film industry firsthand through their parents' careers, often traveling to locations where Caleb shot films. At age seven, Zooey relocated with her family to the Seychelles for her father's work on Crusoe (1988), an experience that limited access to entertainment and encouraged imaginative play amid the isolation. This early exposure to sets and premieres, including supporting her father's projects, fostered a deep connection to storytelling, though the constant travel proved challenging. Despite the artistic environment, Deschanel described her childhood as somewhat insecure, having faced bullying for being perceived as "chubby" and struggling to fit in socially. She was not the most popular child, which built her resilience, yet this contrasted with her creative outlets at home. With Emily, Zooey co-created and performed original Western musicals, charging family members a penny per show; Zooey handled the music while Emily focused on acting. In eighth grade, she overcame reservations by boldly performing "I'm Shy" from the musical Once Upon a Mattress at a school talent show before 1,000 peers, marking an early spark of confidence in performing arts.

Education and early interests

Deschanel attended the Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences, a private preparatory institution in Santa Monica, California, from elementary school through high school, graduating in 1998. The school's emphasis on creative disciplines allowed her to explore performing arts early on; she participated in theater productions, including a high school musical rendition of Man of La Mancha alongside classmate Kate Hudson, where she sang and performed. Deschanel spent several summers attending the French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts in Hancock, New York, where she participated in theater and musical programs, further nurturing her passion for performing arts. These experiences helped cultivate her interests in acting and singing during her formative years. In the fall of 1998, Deschanel enrolled at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, to study theater. However, she left after approximately seven months to pursue professional acting opportunities in Los Angeles. This decision was prompted by an audition she took during her spring break for Cameron Crowe's film Almost Famous, where she secured the role of Anita Miller, marking a pivotal shift toward her career in film. From a young age, Deschanel nurtured musical hobbies that complemented her artistic development. At age 5, she composed her first song, titled "I'm Having Fun at the Fair," reflecting an early inclination toward songwriting. She began piano lessons at age 8 at her own request and continued developing her skills through formal instruction and self-study via books on music theory. Deschanel also taught herself to play guitar informally, using it to compose simpler melodies, and drew initial inspiration from jazz vocalists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday.

Acting career

Early roles (1997–2002)

Deschanel began her acting career with a guest appearance on the NBC sitcom Veronica's Closet in 1998, portraying a model in the episode "Veronica's Fun and Pirates Are Crazy." This minor television role marked her professional entry into the industry at age 18, following her high school involvement in theater productions like Into the Woods. She transitioned to film with her debut in Lawrence Kasdan's ensemble comedy-drama Mumford (1999), where she played Nessa Watkins, a high school student navigating small-town life. The following year, Deschanel earned early recognition for her supporting role as Anita Miller, the rebellious older sister in Cameron Crowe's semi-autobiographical rock drama Almost Famous (2000). Her portrayal of the free-spirited Anita, who leaves home to join a band, drew praise for its naturalistic delivery, with screenwriter Stephen Gaghan noting her authentic dialogue and presence as a standout quality. This performance helped establish her as a promising young talent capable of scene-stealing moments in ensemble casts. Throughout 2001 and 2002, Deschanel continued building her resume with smaller supporting parts, including the role of Tracy in the independent drama Manic (2001) and Cheryl, a deadpan coworker, in Miguel Arteta's dark comedy The Good Girl (2002). These early roles often highlighted her dry wit and offbeat charm, leading to initial concerns about typecasting as the "quirky girl" archetype in indie films. At the same time, she balanced these opportunities with her growing interest in music, occasionally incorporating songwriting into her routine while prioritizing screen work over stage pursuits.

Breakthrough in film (2003–2009)

Deschanel's breakthrough came in 2003 with her role as Jovie, the cynical yet kindhearted department store employee in the holiday comedy Elf, directed by Jon Favreau. This marked her first major studio exposure opposite Will Ferrell, where she showcased her musical talents in a memorable duet of "Baby, It's Cold Outside," contributing to the film's status as a modern holiday classic that grossed over $220 million worldwide. That same year, Deschanel demonstrated her dramatic range in the independent film All the Real Girls, directed by David Gordon Green, playing Noel, an 18-year-old exploring young love and vulnerability in a small Southern town. The role, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, earned critical acclaim for her nuanced performance, with Roger Ebert praising the film's subtle portrayal of emotional intimacy. She continued this trajectory with supporting roles in Eulogy (2004), as Kate Collins in Michael Clancy's family dramedy about grief and dysfunction, and Winter Passing (2005), portraying aspiring actress Reese Holden in Adam Rapp's introspective drama opposite Ed Harris, further highlighting her ability to convey quiet intensity in indie settings. Balancing indie credibility with mainstream appeal, Deschanel appeared in romantic comedies like Failure to Launch (2006), as the witty Kit opposite Matthew McConaughey and Sarah Jessica Parker, and family-oriented fare such as Bridge to Terabithia (2007), where she played the compassionate music teacher Ms. Edmunds in the adaptation of Katherine Paterson's novel. In 2008, she starred as Alma Moore, the conflicted wife in M. Night Shyamalan's eco-thriller The Happening, navigating survival amid a mysterious epidemic alongside Mark Wahlberg. Her career peaked in this period with the lead role of Summer Finn in (500) Days of Summer (2009), a nonlinear romantic comedy directed by Marc Webb, where her portrayal of an enigmatic free spirit opposite Joseph Gordon-Levitt earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Female Lead and sparked discussions of the "manic pixie dream girl" archetype in cinema. These roles propelled Deschanel into greater media prominence, with features on magazine covers like SELF and Nylon in 2009, solidifying her reputation as a versatile indie actress who preferred character-driven projects over blockbuster formulas.

Television and later projects (2010–present)

Deschanel achieved a major television breakthrough with her starring role as Jessica "Jess" Day, an optimistic and quirky schoolteacher, in the Fox sitcom New Girl, which premiered in 2011 and ran for seven seasons until 2018. The series, created by Elizabeth Meriwether, followed Jess as she moves into a loft with three male roommates after a breakup, blending humor with themes of friendship and personal growth. For her portrayal, Deschanel earned three consecutive Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy in 2012, 2013, and 2014. The character's "adorkable" persona—combining awkward charm and wide-eyed enthusiasm—became a cultural touchstone, influencing the archetype of endearing, unconventional female leads in modern sitcoms. After New Girl concluded, Deschanel took on hosting duties for the ABC revival The Celebrity Dating Game, co-hosting with Michael Bolton from 2021 to 2022, where she guided celebrity contestants through blind dates with humorous twists on the classic format. In the same year, Deschanel joined the third and final season of Apple TV+'s Physical in a recurring role as Kelli, a free-spirited aerobics instructor who adds levity to the series' exploration of 1980s fitness culture and personal reinvention. Deschanel's post-New Girl film work has emphasized voice acting and family-oriented projects. She reprised her role as the lovelorn Bergen Bridget in the animated Trolls franchise, voicing the character in Trolls World Tour (2020) and Trolls Band Together (2023), where Bridget navigates romance and adventure alongside Poppy and Branch. In the 2023 biographical drama Dreamin' Wild, Deschanel portrayed Nancy Emerson, the supportive wife of musician Donnie Emerson, in a story based on the real-life rediscovery of the brothers' 1970s album. The following year, she starred as Terry, a single mother drawn into whimsical chaos, in the live-action/animated adaptation Harold and the Purple Crayon (2024), which reimagines Crockett Johnson's classic children's book for a broader audience. In 2025, Deschanel has remained active in public appearances, attending Paris Fashion Week events including the Patou fall 2025 ready-to-wear show in a vibrant red tweed minidress and the Viktor & Rolf Haute Couture fall/winter 2025/2026 presentation alongside her mother, Mary Jo Deschanel. She also appeared at the Fashion Trust U.S. Awards in April 2025. No major new acting roles were announced through early November 2025, though in September she signed on to star opposite Michelle Buteau in the indie comedy Heather of the Valley, directed by Sheri Elwood, about two mothers navigating suburban absurdities. Over this period, Deschanel has pursued a selective career trajectory, prioritizing comedic roles and voice performances that align with her established whimsical style while allowing flexibility for family commitments.

Music career

She & Him and live performances

She & Him, the indie pop duo consisting of Zooey Deschanel on vocals, piano, and ukulele and M. Ward on guitar and production, formed in 2006 when the pair met while recording a duet cover of Richard and Linda Thompson's "When I Get to the Border" for the soundtrack of the film The Go-Getter. Deschanel had written original songs for years but had not pursued a recording career until Ward encouraged her to collaborate further after their initial session. The duo's music draws heavily from 1960s influences, blending indie pop and folk elements with vintage girl-group harmonies, analog production techniques, and whimsical, sun-dappled melodies reminiscent of artists like the Beach Boys and Phil Spector-era acts. Their debut album, Volume One, was released in 2008 on Merge Records and featured Deschanel's original compositions alongside Ward's arrangements, earning critical praise for its retro charm and peaking at number 71 on the Billboard 200. The follow-up, Volume Two (2010), expanded on this sound with more upbeat tracks and peaked at number 6 on the Billboard 200, while Volume 3 (2013) incorporated chamber pop elements and reached number 15 as well. In 2014, they issued Classics, a covers album interpreting standards from the Great American Songbook, which debuted at number 41 on the Billboard 200. Subsequent releases included the holiday collection A Very She & Him Christmas (2011), which topped the Billboard Holiday Albums chart, Christmas Party (2016), and the Brian Wilson tribute Melt Away: A Tribute to Brian Wilson (2022). She & Him supported their albums with extensive live tours across North America and Europe, often performing in intimate venues and larger theaters with a backing band that highlighted Deschanel's stage presence and the duo's harmonious interplay. A notable milestone was their performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in 2010, where they played a set including tracks from Volume Two to an audience of thousands, showcasing their ability to translate their polished studio sound to the festival stage. The duo also participated in holiday-themed live events, such as promotional performances for their Christmas albums, further endearing them to fans through festive, nostalgic sets.

Soundtracks and collaborations

Deschanel's contributions to soundtracks often blend her vocal talents with original compositions or covers, frequently in collaboration with M. Ward as part of their She & Him project, emphasizing whimsical, retro-inspired arrangements that evoke mid-20th-century pop and folk influences. In the 2003 holiday film Elf, Deschanel performed several Christmas songs as her character Jovie, including the duet "Baby, It's Cold Outside" with Leon Redbone, which highlights her clear, emotive delivery in a lighthearted, nostalgic context. Her uncredited rendition of "O Tannenbaum" further showcased her ability to integrate music seamlessly into comedic scenes, marking an early example of her on-screen singing. For the 2011 animated feature Winnie the Pooh, Deschanel co-wrote and recorded multiple tracks with M. Ward, including the end-credits song "So Long," which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Song Written for Visual Media in 2012. She also performed "A Very Important Thing to Do" and contributed vocals to "Winnie the Pooh," infusing the soundtrack with playful, vintage-style melodies suited to the film's gentle tone. These efforts stemmed from her initial involvement in scoring a segment, expanding into full songwriting after positive feedback from the production team. On television, Deschanel co-wrote and provided vocals for the theme song "Hey Girl" for her series New Girl (2011–2018), a upbeat, retro-tinged track composed with producer Michael Andrews and show creators Elizabeth Meriwether, Dave Finkel, and Brett Baer. Throughout the show, she contributed covers and originals for episodes, such as a rendition of "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" by Starship, enhancing character moments with her signature quirky charm. Deschanel's voice work in the Trolls franchise (2016–2023) features prominent singing roles as Bridget, including a cover of Adele's "Hello" on the 2016 soundtrack and mashups like "I'm Coming Out / Mo' Money Mo' Problems" with Anna Kendrick and Gwen Stefani. In later entries, such as Trolls Holiday (2017) and Trolls Band Together (2023), she delivered holiday-themed tracks and ensemble numbers like "Let's Get Married," maintaining her preference for fun, eclectic compositions that tie into the films' vibrant, feel-good narratives.

Other pursuits

Production and writing

Deschanel served as a co-executive producer and producer on the Fox sitcom New Girl from 2011 to 2018, contributing to the development of storylines and her character Jess Day's evolution across multiple seasons. Deschanel co-founded the women's lifestyle website HelloGiggles in 2011 alongside writer Molly McAleer and producer Sophia Rossi, providing a platform for positive content on entertainment, fashion, and wellness; she contributed guest writing pieces and served as chief creative officer until its sale to Time Inc. in 2015 for an undisclosed sum, reportedly up to $30 million including performance incentives. In 2013, Deschanel launched a production company with Rossi, securing a first-look deal with 20th Century Fox Television to develop female-centric projects, including the unproduced comedy pilot Must Be Nice written by J.J. Philbin.

Voice work and media appearances

Deschanel has provided voice work for several animated projects, most notably voicing the character Bridget in the Trolls franchise. She first lent her voice to Bridget, a kind-hearted Bergen, in the 2016 DreamWorks film Trolls. Her role continued in the 2017 holiday special Trolls Holiday, where Bridget reunites with Poppy and Branch during a festive adventure. Deschanel reprised the part in Trolls World Tour (2020), exploring musical subcultures among the Trolls, and again in Trolls Band Together (2023), which focuses on themes of family and harmony. These performances highlight her versatility in animation, often incorporating musical elements that align with her background as a singer. In addition to animation, Deschanel has appeared in television commercials during the 2000s and 2010s, leveraging her quirky persona to promote brands. She starred in a series of ads for Cotton Incorporated's "The Fabric of Our Lives" campaign starting in 2009, singing a retro-inspired rendition of the jingle to showcase cotton's everyday appeal in fashion and lifestyle. These spots, directed with a whimsical, montage-style aesthetic, aired nationally and emphasized the material's comfort and versatility. Deschanel has made notable media appearances beyond her core acting roles, including hosting Saturday Night Live on February 11, 2012, where she performed sketches playing on her indie charm, such as a quirky monologue and a parody of her own persona. In 2021 and 2022, she co-hosted the ABC revival The Celebrity Dating Game alongside Michael Bolton, bringing humor to the classic format by interviewing celebrity contestants seeking romantic matches. She has also guested on podcasts, including an episode of Armchair Expert in February 2022, where she discussed her career transitions and audition experiences. More recently, in October 2025, Deschanel featured in an Architectural Digest home tour, showcasing her and partner Jonathan Scott's maximalist New York City apartment designed with interior expert Young Huh.

Personal life

Relationships and family

Deschanel married musician Ben Gibbard, the lead singer of Death Cab for Cutie, on September 19, 2009, in a private ceremony near Seattle, Washington. The couple separated on October 31, 2011, and Deschanel filed for divorce on December 27, 2011, citing irreconcilable differences; the divorce was finalized on December 12, 2012, in Los Angeles Superior Court. Deschanel began dating film producer Jacob Pechenik in the summer of 2014 after meeting on the set of the film Rock the Kasbah. The pair announced their engagement in January 2015 and married on June 21, 2015, in a small ceremony in Austin, Texas. They welcomed daughter Elsie Otter in late July 2015 in Austin, Texas, and son Charlie Wolf in early May 2017 in Los Angeles. In January 2025, the family's childhood home in Pacific Palisades, California, was destroyed in the Palisades Fire. Deschanel and Pechenik announced their separation on September 6, 2019, with the date of separation listed as January 8, 2019; Pechenik filed for divorce on October 22, 2019, citing irreconcilable differences, and the divorce was finalized in June 2020. Deschanel met television personality Jonathan Scott in 2019 while filming an episode of Carpool Karaoke: The Series, and the couple began dating shortly thereafter. Scott proposed during a family vacation in Scotland in August 2023, and as of November 2025, the couple has not set a wedding date or made formal plans, emphasizing a relaxed approach amid their busy careers and family life. Deschanel and Pechenik maintain an amicable co-parenting arrangement for Elsie and Charlie, prioritizing their children's well-being, while Scott has embraced a supportive role as a "bonus dad" in the blended family dynamic, often participating in family activities alongside Pechenik. Deschanel has consistently protected her children's privacy, sharing limited details and obscuring their faces in public photos with emojis or avoiding images altogether to shield them from media scrutiny.

Residences and lifestyle

Zooey Deschanel has long been based in Los Angeles, where she owned a Hollywood Hills residence during the production of New Girl from 2011 to 2018; the property, previously home to actor Mark Ruffalo, featured a guesthouse and recording studio before being listed for sale in 2020. Following her divorce from Jacob Pechenik, finalized in 2020 with joint custody of their children Elsie and Charlie, Deschanel maintained Los Angeles as her primary residence to support co-parenting arrangements. In July 2020, she and fiancé Jonathan Scott purchased a five-bedroom Encino home for $9.5 million, which they renovated with sustainable elements including a zoned Variable Refrigerant Flow heating and cooling system to enhance energy efficiency. By 2023, after their engagement, Deschanel and Scott relocated to a Manhattan duplex apartment, transforming it into a maximalist space with Georgian-inspired details, custom millwork, and three private terraces; the renovated home, blending vintage charm with modern functionality, was showcased in Architectural Digest in October 2025. Deschanel's lifestyle emphasizes sustainability, as seen in her 2019 co-founding of Lettuce Grow, a hydroponic vertical farming system designed to make home-grown produce accessible and reduce food waste. She adopted vegetarianism in her youth, influenced by family traditions, though she now follows a pescatarian diet incorporating sustainable fish sources while prioritizing plant-based meals like salads and smoothies; Deschanel has allergies to eggs, dairy, and gluten, which, along with her dietary preferences, shape her plant-based meals. Deschanel favors vintage decor and antiques in her interiors, curating an antique telephone collection that reflects 2025 trends toward personality-infused, eclectic spaces over minimalist uniformity. Her public image, shaped by the "adorkable" quirkiness of roles like Jess Day in New Girl, permeates her social media, where she posts punny captions, cooking tutorials, and lighthearted family moments, such as snack times with her children. In July 2025, she attended Paris Fashion Week's Viktor & Rolf Haute Couture show alongside her mother, Mary Jo Deschanel, embracing a rare public outing focused on familial bonding. Her holiday routines prioritize unhurried mornings with waffles and movies, complemented by baking traditions like pan bar cookies and her mother's pecan pie recipe.

Works and accolades

Filmography

Zooey Deschanel's filmography encompasses a wide range of roles in independent and mainstream films, as well as television series and specials, spanning from her debut in 1999 to recent releases in 2024.

Films

YearTitleRoleNotes
1999MumfordNessa WatkinsSupporting role; directed by Lawrence Kasdan
2000Almost FamousAnita MillerSupporting role; directed by Cameron Crowe
2002Big TroubleJennySupporting role; directed by Barry Sonnenfeld
2002The Good GirlRuth "Rusty" WilmotSupporting role; directed by Miguel Arteta
2002The New GuyNora LudwigSupporting role
2003All the Real GirlsNoelleLead role; directed by David Gordon Green
2003ElfJovieSupporting role; directed by Jon Favreau
2004EuroTripGemmaSupporting role
2005The Hitchhiker's Guide to the GalaxyTricia McMillan / TrillianSupporting role; directed by Garth Jennings
2005Winter PassingReese HoldenSupporting role
2006Failure to LaunchKitSupporting role; directed by Tom Dey
2006Live Free or DieCherylSupporting role in independent comedy
2007Bridge to TerabithiaMs. EdmundsSupporting role; directed by Gábor Csupó
2007Surf's UpLani AliikaiVoice role in animated film
2007The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert FordDorothy EvansSupporting role; directed by Andrew Dominik
2007The Go-GetterKateLead role; directed by Martin Dowlatshahi
2007FlakesMiss Pussy KatzSupporting role
2007The Good LifeFrancesLead role in independent drama
2008The HappeningAlma MooreSupporting role; directed by M. Night Shyamalan
2008Yes ManAllisonSupporting role; directed by Peyton Reed
2008GiganticHarriet "Happy" LollyLead role
2009(500) Days of SummerSummer FinnLead role; directed by Marc Webb
2009It's ComplicatedChloeSupporting role; directed by Nancy Meyers
2011Your HighnessBelladonnaSupporting role; directed by David Gordon Green
2011Our Idiot BrotherNatalieSupporting role; directed by Jesse Peretz
2015Rock the KasbahRonnieSupporting role; directed by Barry Levinson
2015The Driftless AreaStellaLead role; directed by Michael Toli
2016TrollsBridgetVoice role in animated film; directed by Mike Mitchell and Eric Guillon
2017Trolls HolidayBridgetVoice role in animated special
2020Trolls World TourBridgetVoice role in animated film; directed by David P. Smith et al.
2022Dreamin' WildNancySupporting role; directed by Bill Polhad
2023Trolls Band TogetherBridgetVoice role in animated film; directed by Walt Dohrn
2024Harold and the Purple CrayonTerrySupporting role; directed by Carlos Saldanha
2025MervAnnaCo-lead role; directed by Jessica Swale

Television

Year(s)TitleRoleNotes
1998Veronica's ClosetUnknownGuest appearance (1 episode)
2002FrasierJenGuest appearance (1 episode: "Kissing Cousin")
2005Once Upon a MattressLady LarkenLead role in TV movie musical
2007Tin ManDGLead role in sci-fi miniseries (3 episodes)
2009BonesMargaret WhitesellGuest appearance (1 episode: "The Goop on the Girl")
2009–2012The SimpsonsMary Spuckler / Quirk GirlVoice role; recurring guest (multiple episodes)
2011–2018New GirlJessica "Jess" DayLead role; series regular (7 seasons, 146 episodes)
2013American Dad!(voice)Guest voice appearance (1 episode: "Independent Movie")
2022The AfterpartyMaggieGuest role (3 episodes)
2023–presentWhat Am I Eating? with Zooey DeschanelHostHulu culinary series

Discography

Zooey Deschanel's musical output centers on her role as the vocalist for the indie pop duo She & Him, formed with M. Ward in 2006, which has released several studio albums blending vintage pop, folk, and country influences. She has also issued solo singles, primarily for soundtracks and television, and contributed guest vocals to other artists' projects. No solo full-length albums have been released as of 2025.

She & Him studio albums

YearTitleLabelUS Billboard 200 PeakUK Peak
2008Volume OneMerge Records71—
2010Volume TwoMerge Records662
2011A Very She & Him ChristmasMerge Records12—
2013Volume 3Merge Records1563
2014ClassicsColumbia Records89—
2016Christmas PartyColumbia Records——
2022Melt Away: A Tribute to Brian WilsonMerge Records——
Volume One track listing:
  1. "Sentimental Heart"
  2. "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?"
  3. "This Is Not a Test"
  4. "Change Is Hard"
  5. "I Thought I Saw Your Face Today"
  6. "Take It Back"
  7. "I Was Made for You"
  8. "You Really Knew Me After All"
  9. "Over and Over Again"
  10. "Home"
  11. "Black"
  12. "Got Me"
  13. "I Should Not Have to Wait"
Volume Two track listing:
  1. "Thieves"
  2. "In the Sun" (feat. Tilly and the Wall)
  3. "Don't Look Back"
  4. "Ridin' in My Car"
  5. "Lingering Still"
  6. "Me and You"
  7. "Gonna Get Along Without You Now"
  8. "Home"
  9. "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me"
  10. "Over Time"
  11. "The Original"
  12. "Carroll County Trouble"
  13. "If You Can't Sleep"
  14. "Thieves" (reprise)
A Very She & Him Christmas track listing:
  1. "The Christmas Waltz"
  2. "Christmas Day"
  3. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
  4. "I'll Be Home for Christmas"
  5. "The Christmas Song"
  6. "Sleigh Ride"
  7. "River"
  8. "Winter Wonderland"
  9. "Blue Christmas"
  10. "Mele Kalikimaka"
  11. "You Make It Feel Like Christmas"
  12. "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?"
Volume 3 track listing:
  1. "I've Got Your Number, Son"
  2. "Never Wanted Your Love"
  3. "Baby"
  4. "I Could've Been Your Girl"
  5. "Turn to White"
  6. "Somebody Sweet to Talk To"
  7. "The Heat Is On"
  8. "Not a Dream But a Memory"
  9. "Bosque"
  10. "I Don't Wanna Dream"
  11. "You'll Find Me"
  12. "No One Even Knows"
  13. "Time After Time"
  14. "Never Wanted Your Love" (reprise)
Classics track listing:
  1. "Stars Fell on Alabama"
  2. "Oh No, Not My Baby"
  3. "It's Not for Me to Say"
  4. "Stay Awhile"
  5. "This Girl's in Love with You"
  6. "Time After Time"
  7. "She"
  8. "Teach Me Tonight"
  9. "It's Always You"
  10. "Unchained Melody"
  11. "We'll Meet Again"
  12. "A Taste of Honey"
  13. "Would You Like to Take a Walk"
  14. "As Time Goes By"
Christmas Party track listing:
  1. "All I Want for Christmas Is You"
  2. "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!"
  3. "Must Be Santa"
  4. "(Everybody's Waitin' for) The Man with the Bag"
  5. "Jingle Bells"
  6. "My Groceries?"
  7. "Run Run Rudolph"
  8. "Winter Wonderland"
  9. "The Man with the Bag" (reprise)
  10. "Snow (Hey Oh)"
  11. "I'll Be Home for Christmas"
  12. "Christmas Party"
Melt Away: A Tribute to Brian Wilson track listing:
  1. "Darlin'"
  2. "Wouldn't It Be Nice"
  3. "'Til I Die"
  4. "Deirdre"
  5. "Melt Away"
  6. "Sail On, Sailor"
  7. "Don't Worry Baby"
  8. "This Whole World"
  9. "The Warmth of the Sun"
  10. "You Still Believe in Me"
  11. "Wild Honey"
  12. "In My Room"
  13. "Don't Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder)"
  14. "Do It Again" (feat. Brian Wilson)

Solo and soundtrack singles

Deschanel has released several standalone singles, often tied to film or television projects. Notable examples include:
YearSongProjectNotes
2011"Hey Girl"New Girl (main title theme)Co-written with Michael Andrews and others; used as the Fox series theme.
2016"Hello"Trolls (soundtrack)Cover of Lionel Richie song; performed as Bridget in the DreamWorks film.
2020"Crazy in Love" (excerpt)Trolls World Tour (soundtrack)Featured vocal contribution in the animated sequel.
2023"9 to 5" (cover elements)Trolls Band Together (soundtrack)Vocal performance in the ensemble track for the third film.
Additional original songs for New Girl include "Bitch" and contributions to episode soundtracks, written by Deschanel.

Collaborations and guest features

Deschanel has made guest appearances on other artists' recordings, including vocals on M. Ward's 2009 album Hold Time for the tracks "Rave On" and "Never Talk to You," marking an early collaboration predating some She & Him releases. Other notable features include "FALLINLOVE2NITE" with Prince in 2014 and vocals on Jason Schwartzman's Coconut Records album Nighttiming (2007) for "Slowly" and "Ask Her to Dance."

Awards and nominations

Deschanel has received numerous nominations for her work in film and television, particularly for her lead role as Jessica Day on the sitcom New Girl, though she has secured only a handful of wins. Her music contributions, primarily through the duo She & Him, have also earned recognition, including a Grammy nomination. Despite her prolific career, she has not received major awards or nominations since 2017, with her most recent nod coming in 2024 for a culinary series; as of November 2025, no new accolades have been announced following limited releases.

Film and Television Awards and Nominations

The following table summarizes Deschanel's key acting-related awards and nominations, focusing on prominent categories such as Golden Globe, Critics' Choice, and others tied to major projects like (500) Days of Summer and New Girl. Entries are organized chronologically by year of award ceremony.
YearWorkAwardCategoryResult
2004All the Real GirlsIndependent Spirit AwardsBest Female LeadNominated
2009(500) Days of SummerSatellite Awards (14th)Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or ComedyNominated
2012New GirlCritics' Choice Television Awards (2nd)Best Actress in a Comedy SeriesWon (tied with Amy Poehler)
2012New GirlTeen Choice AwardsChoice TV Actress: ComedyNominated
2013New GirlGolden Globe Awards (70th)Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or ComedyNominated
2013New GirlPeople's Choice Awards (40th)Favorite Comedic TV ActressNominated
2014New GirlGolden Globe Awards (71st)Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or ComedyNominated
2014New GirlPeople's Choice Awards (41st)Favorite Comedic TV ActressNominated
2015New GirlSatellite Awards (19th)Best Actress in a Series, Comedy or MusicalNominated
2015New GirlPeople's Choice Awards (42nd)Favorite Comedic TV ActressNominated
2017New GirlPeople's Choice Awards (43rd)Favorite Comedic TV ActressNominated
2024What Am I Eating? with Zooey DeschanelDaytime Emmy Awards (51st)Outstanding Culinary SeriesNominated

Music Awards and Nominations

Deschanel's musical accolades are centered on her songwriting and performances with She & Him, including work for animated features. The table below lists notable entries chronologically.
YearWorkAwardCategoryResult
2012"So Long" (Winnie the Pooh)Grammy Awards (54th)Best Song Written for Visual MediaNominated (with M. Ward as She & Him)
2012Winnie the PoohAnnie Awards (40th)Music in a Feature ProductionNominated

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  30. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/elf-cast-now-will-ferrrell-zooey-deschanel-more-1117785/
  31. https://variety.com/2024/film/news/zooey-deschanel-bob-newhart-elf-1236080439/
  32. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/all-the-real-girls-2003
  33. https://variety.com/2004/film/markets-festivals/eulogy-1200536895/
  34. https://variety.com/2005/film/markets-festivals/winter-passing-1200523098/
  35. https://variety.com/2006/film/reviews/failure-to-launch-1200517922/
  36. https://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/16/movies/16tera.html
  37. https://variety.com/2008/film/markets-festivals/the-happening-2-1200521811/
  38. https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/zooey-deschanel-500-days-of-summer-villain-1234745190/
  39. http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Movies/12/01/independent.spirit.awards.nominations/
  40. https://www.nylon.com/articles/zooey-deschanel-tbt
  41. https://www.goldenglobes.com/person/zooey-deschanel/
  42. https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/shows/how-new-girl-went-from-gratingly-adorkable-star-vehicle-to-winning-ensemble-comedy-47552/
  43. https://www.glamour.com/story/10-years-after-new-girl-zooey-deschanel
  44. https://deadline.com/2022/10/zooey-deschanel-joins-rose-byrne-season-3-cast-apple-tv-plus-physical-1235142697/
  45. https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/zooey-deschanel-apples-physical-season-3-cast-1235401237/
  46. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10245106/
  47. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1609486/
  48. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/zooey-deschanel-on-how-harold-and-the-purple-crayon-film-honors-book/
  49. https://wwd.com/pop-culture/celebrity-news/zooey-deschanel-red-trend-patou-paris-fashion-show-1236880087/
  50. https://people.com/zooey-deschanel-mom-mary-jo-attend-paris-fashion-week-11769604
  51. https://deadline.com/2025/09/michelle-buteau-zooey-deschanel-to-star-heather-of-the-valley-1236513855/
  52. https://www.npr.org/2008/05/02/90135002/zooey-deschanel-and-m-ward-as-she-him
  53. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/when-she-met-him-zooey-deschanel-and-m-ward-on-new-record/
  54. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/she-him-mn0001585751
  55. https://pitchfork.com/artists/5676-she-him/
  56. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/she-and-him/2010/empire-polo-club-indio-ca-53d4ef01.html
  57. https://www.pressenterprise.com/2010/04/16/coachella-she-him-is-she-awesome/
  58. https://www.npr.org/2010/07/01/128250344/she-and-him-recorded-live-in-concert
  59. https://www.glam.com/1727525/stunning-style-transformation-of-zooey-deschanel/
  60. https://verderamade.com/2024/09/07/color-combinations-inspired-by-she-him/
  61. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0319343/soundtrack/
  62. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwMAwZFie6I
  63. https://www.tunefind.com/artist/zooey-deschanel
  64. https://www.amazon.com/Winnie-Pooh-Soundtrack/dp/B0050PLTB4
  65. https://www.thewrap.com/oscar-songs-zooey-deschanel-34011/
  66. https://americansongwriter.com/3-songs-you-didnt-know-zooey-deschanel-wrote-for-film-tv/
  67. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2043471/soundtrack/
  68. https://open.spotify.com/album/65ayND23IInUPHJKsaAqe7
  69. https://music.apple.com/us/album/trolls-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1154238159
  70. https://www.what-song.com/Artist/480/Zooey-Deschanel
  71. https://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-hellogiggles-time-20151019-story.html
  72. https://deadline.com/2013/02/zooey-deschanel-launches-production-co-signs-first-look-deal-with-20th-tv-431036/
  73. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1679335/characters/nm0221046/
  74. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Trolls-Holiday/
  75. https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/trolls-band-together-cast-returning-third-film
  76. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/movies/Trolls/Bridget/
  77. https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2018/10/2/17924858/cotton-inc-commercials-zooey-deschanel-farm-subsidies
  78. https://www.farmprogress.com/cotton/cotton-commercials-not-same-old-song
  79. https://abc.com/show/6e742638-883c-4e12-969c-10b7ee9ce60c
  80. https://armchairexpertpod.com/pods/zooey-deschanel
  81. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/zooey-deschanel-jonathan-scott-young-huh-manhattan-home-tour
  82. https://people.com/celebrity/zooey-deschanel-gets-married-2/
  83. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-xpm-2012-dec-18-la-et-mg-zooey-deschanel-divorce-20121218-story.html
  84. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/zooey-deschanel-finalizes-divorce-from-death-cab-for-cutie-frontman/
  85. https://www.nickiswift.com/1372997/zooey-deschanel-relationship-history-look-at/
  86. https://www.eonline.com/news/682812/zooey-deschanel-secretly-marries-jacob-pechenik-gives-birth-to-baby-girl
  87. https://people.com/parents/zooey-deschanel-names-daughter-elsie-otter/
  88. https://people.com/parents/zooey-deschanel-jacob-pechenik-welcome-son-charlie-wolf/
  89. https://people.com/zooey-and-emily-deschanel-s-childhood-home-burns-down-in-palisades-fire-8776965
  90. https://people.com/tv/zooey-deschanel-jacob-pechenik-finalize-divorce/
  91. https://people.com/tv/zooey-deschanel-husband-jacob-pechenik-files-for-divorce/
  92. https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/pictures/jonathan-scott-and-zooey-deschanels-relationship-timeline/
  93. https://www.eonline.com/news/1420911/zooey-deschanel-jonathan-scott-why-they-havent-made-wedding-plans
  94. https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Family/zooey-deschanel-celebrates-parenting-sweet-fathers-day-message/story?id=100194704
  95. https://www.today.com/popculture/popculture/zooey-deschanel-rare-photo-daughters-jonathan-scott-rcna34316
  96. https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/pictures/zooey-deschanel-jacob-pecheniks-rare-photos-with-2-kids-pics/
  97. https://la.curbed.com/2020/4/8/21212896/mark-ruffalo-zooey-deschanel-house-for-sale
  98. https://nypost.com/2022/01/28/inside-zooey-deschanel-and-jonathan-scotts-dream-home/
  99. https://www.drewandjonathan.com/design-and-decor/jonathan-and-zooeys-house-eco-friendly/
  100. https://www.entrepreneur.com/living/how-zooey-deschanel-is-on-a-mission-to-make-fresh-produce/486654
  101. https://www.alive.com/lifestyle/zooey-deschanels-growth-plan/
  102. https://www.eatingwell.com/article/8054021/zooey-deschanel-busy-day-snack/
  103. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/g32281685/celebrities-allergies/
  104. https://www.homesandgardens.com/celebrity-style/zooey-deschanel-antique-phone-collection-
  105. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/zooey-deschanel-adorkable-driftless-area_n_7088906
  106. https://www.buzzfeed.com/lyapalater/questions-about-zooey-deschanels-tweets
  107. https://www.wellandgood.com/lifestyle/zooey-deschanel-morning-routine
  108. https://www.bonappetit.com/people/celebrities/article/zooey-deschanel-s-holiday-plans-involve-bar-cookies-and-velvet-frocks
  109. https://www.aol.com/articles/tried-zooey-deschanel-mom-pecan-113800600.html
  110. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/zooey_deschanel
  111. https://www.mergerecords.com/artist/she_him
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  113. https://www.last.fm/music/She%2B&%2BHim/Volume%2BOne
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  116. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/she-him-volume-two/
  117. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/she-him-volume-3/
  118. https://www.amazon.com/Classics-She-Him/dp/B00OYT32JY
  119. https://sheandhim.bandcamp.com/album/melt-away-a-tribute-to-brian-wilson
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  129. https://open.spotify.com/album/0AEoTr8vxfRrNIxawzjEMR
  130. https://open.spotify.com/track/2jXTBrywc6ruxaUXW84Xhr
  131. https://tidal.com/artist/3942515
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  137. https://variety.com/2015/film/news/peoples-choice-awards-winners-list-2015-1201395501/
  138. https://people.com/awards/2017-peoples-choice-awards-winners-list/
  139. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt23902454/awards/
  140. https://grammy.com/artists/zooey-deschanel/16605
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