Zooey Claire Deschanel ( /?zo?.i? de????n?l/ zoh-ee day-sh?-nel; born January 17, 1980) is an American actress, musician, and singer-songwriter. In 1999, Deschanel made her film debut in Mumford, followed by her breakout role as young protagonist William Miller’s troubled older sister Anita in Cameron Crowe’s 2000 semi-autobiographical film Almost Famous. Deschanel soon became known for her deadpan or “Manic Pixie Dream Girl” supporting roles in films such as Elf (2003), The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (2005), Failure to Launch (2006), Bridge to Terabithia (2007), and The Happening (2008). She then began playing lead roles in films, including Yes Man (2008) and (500) Days of Summer (2009).She currently stars in the Fox series New Girl.
Named for the male character in J.D. Salinger’s “Franny and Zooey“.
Daughter of Caleb Deschanel and Mary Jo Deschanel.
Went to high school with her Almost Famous (2000) co-star Kate Hudson.
Younger sister of actress Emily Deschanel.
Graduated from Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences in Santa Monica.
She spent several summers at camp upstate New York at French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts. She was also featured in the video for The Offspring’s song “She’s Got Issues” and the accompanying MTV documentary The Offspring Complete Music Video Collection (2005) (V). She also plays ukulele for the band ‘If All the Stars Were Pretty Babies’.
Attended Northwestern University for one year, but dropped out.
Wrote a screenplay titled “Circus Girl” with friend Jackson Nash. “Circus Girl” involves a witch, evil flying red balloons and a giant diamond. Zooey plans to star in the film as the nerdy main character.
Is a big fan of actress Parker Posey.
Interests include jazz singing, philosophy, fashion and photography.
Did her own singing in the movie Elf (2003).
Plays the piano and the baritone ukulele.
Has performed with Jackson Nash’s comedy group, Manifest Destinyfest.
Turned down a role in Bully (2001) to star in Big Trouble (2002).
Loves Ella Fitzgerald.
Is part of the cabaret group called ‘If All the Stars Were Pretty Babies’.
She pronounces her name “ZOH-ee” (not “zoo-ee”).
Her last name is pronounced “day-shuh-NELL“, with “day” slightly more accented than the middle syllable.
Is part of indie duo called She & Him with M. Ward. Their debut album is called Volume One.
Ranked #95 on the Maxim magazine Hot 100 Women of 2008 list.
Engaged to Benjamin Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie (December 2008).
Allergic to gluten, dairy, and eggs.
Was ranked #73 on Maxim magazine Hot 100 Women of 2010 list.
Sister-in-law of David Hornsby.
Ranked #39 in the 2011 FHM Australia list of “100 Sexiest Women in the World”.
