Jenna Elfman
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Jenna Elfman (née Butala, born September 30, 1971)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":1" /> is an American actress. She is best known for her leading role as Dharma on the ABC sitcom Dharma & Greg (1997–2002), for which she received the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy in 1999, and three nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. After making her film debut in Grosse Pointe Blank (1997), she has appeared in Krippendorf's Tribe (1998), Dr. Dolittle (1998), EDtv (1999), Keeping the Faith (2000), Town & Country (2001), Looney Tunes: Back in Action (2003), Clifford's Really Big Movie (2004), and Big Stone Gap (2014).
Elfman has also played leading roles on other television comedies, including Courting Alex (2006), Accidentally on Purpose (2009–2010), 1600 Penn (2012–2013), Growing Up Fisher (2014), and Imaginary Mary (2017). She also had a recurring role on the FX legal drama Damages in 2012, and has been a series regular on the AMC horror drama series Fear the Walking Dead (2018–2023).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Early life
Elfman's paternal uncle is Tony Butala, lead singer of the American vocal trio The Lettermen since 1958. She is of Croatian ancestry on her father's side<ref name=":1">Elfman, Jenna. (November 21, 2003). "Elfman happily shows her 'Looney' side", Interviewed by Angela Dawson, Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved on April 23, 2010. Jenna Elfman says of her maiden name (Butala) origin, "It's Croatian. My great-grandparents are from Croatia. My dad visited Croatia and I'd love to go too someday. He met some relatives who have survived some really incredible, traumatic experiences. He was just so blown away by their stamina – their spiritual stamina – to keep going and to survive and create that life no matter what ... It's really commendable."</ref> and was raised Roman Catholic.<ref name="Associated Press" /><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Elfman attended high school at St. Genevieve High School in the San Fernando Valley for a year, before eventually graduating at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts; she then attended college at California State University, Northridge (CSUN).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She studied at the Westside School of Ballet, receiving a full scholarship.Template:Citation needed
Career
1990–1996: Early works
Elfman began her professional career as a dancer, appearing in music videos for Depeche Mode ("Halo", 1990), Anthrax ("Black Lodge", 1993), and Chris Isaak ("Somebody's Crying", 1995), and touring with the rock band ZZ Top on their 1994 tour as a "Legs Girl". After appearing in television commercials, Elfman co-starred in the made-for-television movie Double Deception (1993) and guest-starred on Roseanne, NYPD Blue, Almost Perfect and Murder One. In 1996, she was cast as a lead character alongside Molly Ringwald and Lauren Graham in the short-lived ABC sitcom Townies. The series was cancelled after one season and 15 episodes.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following year, she made her big screen debut appearing in the black comedy film, Grosse Pointe Blank.
1997–2002: Breakthrough
In 1997, Elfman was cast in the ABC comedy series Dharma & Greg playing the leading role of Dharma Freedom Finkelstein Montgomery. She received positive reviews from critics for her breakthrough performance.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy in 1999 for the show's second season, as well as three Primetime Emmy Awards nominations for the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Elfman also received TCA Award for Individual Achievement in Comedy nomination in 1998, as well as three Satellite Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy nominations. The show ran for five seasons until its cancellation in 2002.
During her time on Dharma & Greg, Elfman starred in a number of movies. In 1998, she starred alongside Richard Dreyfuss in the comedy film Krippendorf's Tribe. The film received generally negative reviews from critics.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 1999, she starred opposite Matthew McConaughey in the satirical comedy film EDtv.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> The film received mixed-to-positive reviews, with some criticizing its similarity to The Truman Show (1998), but was a box office flop, grossing only $35.2 million compared to its $80 million production budget.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following year, she starred in the romantic comedy film Keeping the Faith opposite Ben Stiller and Edward Norton (who also directed).<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The film received generally positive reviews and grossed $60 million.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Elfman received Satellite Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy nomination for her performance. In 2001, she appeared in the romantic comedy film Town & Country, a $105 million production budget box office bomb. The film was filmed in 1998, and after 12 release date changes, the film finally made it into theaters on April 27, 2001, nearly three years after filming began.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It received negative reviews from critics.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Elfman has also done voice-over work in the animated films Dr. Dolittle (1998) and CyberWorld (2000).
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2003–present
After Dharma & Greg, Elfman played against the type role as a psychotic woman in the made-for-television thriller film, Obsessed (2002). She received positive review from Chicago Tribune for her performance.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2003, she starred in the live-action/animated comedy film, Looney Tunes: Back in Action. The film received mixed to positive reviews from critics and was a box-office bomb, grossing $68.5 million worldwide on an $80 million budget.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2005, she starred and produced the romantic drama film, Touched.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2006, Elfman returned to television with the leading role in the CBS sitcom, Courting Alex.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The series was cancelled after one season. She guest-starred on Two and a Half Men, My Name Is Earl and Brothers & Sisters. In 2009, she appeared in the comedy films The Six Wives of Henry Lefay and Love Hurts. In 2011, she played Justin Timberlake's character's sister in the romantic comedy film, Friends with Benefits. In 2012, Elfman and her husband Bodhi started their podcast, Kicking and Screaming by Jenna and Bodhi Elfman.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Elfman starred in another short-lived CBS sitcom, Accidentally on Purpose during the 2009–10 season. In 2012, she took a recurring role in the FX legal thriller series, Damages. In 2013, Elfman starred in the NBC comedy series, 1600 Penn and later in Growing Up Fisher, which were each cancelled after a single season.<ref name="Deadline.com NELLIE ANDREEVA">Template:Cite web</ref> She starred in the romantic comedy film, Big Stone Gap (2014) opposite Ashley Judd, and appeared in the drama film Barry about Barack Obama's life at Columbia University in 1981. In 2017, she starred in another one-season sitcom, Imaginary Mary on ABC. Like 1600 Penn and Growing Up Fisher, the series was cancelled after its first season.<ref name="Imaginary Mary Cancellation">Template:Cite news</ref>
In 2018, Elfman was cast in the AMC horror drama series, Fear the Walking Dead playing the mysterious nurse June "Naomi / Laura" Dorie.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She made her debut in the fourth season and stayed on show to the eighth and final season.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The series ended in 2023. In 2020, she starred in an episode of the horror anthology series, The Twilight Zone.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She later guest-starred on the ABC crime drama Will Trent and the AMC thriller Dark Winds.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2025 she made her return to sitcoms with the recurring role in the ABC comedy series, Shifting Gears.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Personal life
In February 1991, she met actor Bodhi Pine Elfman (née Saboff) during an audition for a Sprite commercial.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite news</ref> Four years later, they were married on February 18, 1995. Bodhi is of Jewish descent, and Jenna was raised Catholic.<ref name="Associated Press" /><ref>Template:Cite news Template:Dead link</ref> When they met, he was a practicing Scientologist. She became a Scientologist as well after her husband introduced her to its teachings. They have two children.<ref name="roll"/>
Scientology
Elfman is a member of the Church of Scientology.<ref name="roll">Template:Cite magazine</ref> By 2001 she had attained the State of Clear, and by 2020 she was on the OT VII level.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref name="cm363">Template:Cite magazine</ref> Since the early 1990s Elfman had studied acting with prominent acting teacher and long-time Scientologist Milton Katselas, but cut ties with him in 2004 when Katselas had fallen into disfavor with Scientology.<ref>Template:Multiref2</ref> In 2001, Elfman opened a Scientology mission in San Francisco.<ref name="cm363"/>
In 2005 she appeared at the grand opening of Citizens Commission on Human Rights' museum, Psychiatry: An Industry of Death.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She and husband Bodhi are listed on the CCHR website as members of the board of advisors.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On May 24, 2006, she was the keynote speaker at the Human Rights Hero Award event in participation with the Scientology-affiliated groups Youth for Human Rights International and Artists for Human Rights (AFHR), an organization formed with the purpose of bringing artists together with the common cause of raising awareness of human rights around the world.
On March 27, 2008, she and actor Charlie Sheen co-hosted the Scientology-affiliated New York Rescue Workers Detoxification Project charity event at Geisha House in Hollywood.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Fundraising activities
Elfman participated in fundraising activities, including donating an hour of her time for auction,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> donating a print of her lips,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> participating in a telethon fundraiser,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> hosting a comedy show,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and asking for charity donations instead of birthday presents.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Elfman participated in awareness-raising initiatives, including modeling for a fashion show,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> reading to schoolchildren as part of the National Education Association Read Across America program, and hosting a party in her home to raise awareness for causes headed by the Environmental Working Group.
Elfman is on the board of directors of the Dizzy Feet Foundation.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Grosse Pointe Blank | Tanya | |
| 1998 | Dr. Dolittle | Owl | Voice |
| Can't Hardly Wait | The Angel | Uncredited | |
| Krippendorf's Tribe | Prof. Veronica Micelli | ||
| 1999 | EDtv | Shari | |
| Venus | Venus | ||
| 2000 | Template:Sortname | Lorelei | Voice |
| CyberWorld | Phig | ||
| Keeping the Faith | Anna Riley | ||
| 2001 | Town & Country | Auburn | |
| 2003 | Looney Tunes: Back in Action | Kate Houghton | |
| 2004 | Clifford's Really Big Movie | Dorothy | Voice |
| 2005 | Touched | Angela Martin | Executive producer |
| What's Hip, Doc? | Supermodel | Voice – uncompleted short | |
| 2008 | Struck | Pregnant date | Short film |
| 2009 | The Six Wives of Henry Lefay | Ophelia | |
| Love Hurts | Darlene | ||
| 2011 | Friends with Benefits | Annie | |
| 2014 | Big Stone Gap | Miss Iva Lou Wade | |
| 2016 | Barry | Kathy Baughman |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Murder, She Wrote | Ballet Dancer in background | Uncredited; Episode: "Dance Diabolique" |
| 1993 | Double Deception | Lisa Majorski | Television film |
| 1994 | The George Carlin Show | Psychedelic girl | As Jenna Butala; Episode: "George Does A Bad Thing" |
| 1995 | Template:Sortname | Lily | Episode: "Bottoms, Up" |
| Roseanne | Garland | Episode: "The Getaway, Almost" | |
| 1996 | Her Last Chance | Leslie | Television film |
| Townies | Shannon Canotis | Main role; 15 episodes | |
| Murder One | Angela Scalese | Episode: "Chapter Seventeen" | |
| Almost Perfect | Becky Toll | Episode: "Being Fired Means Never Having to Say You're Sorry" | |
| NYPD Blue | Patty Snow | Episode: "The Nutty Confessor" | |
| 1997 | The Single Guy | Jordan | Episode: "Just Friends?" |
| 1997–2002 | Dharma & Greg | Dharma Freedom Finkelstein Montgomery | Main role; 119 episodes |
| 2002 | Obsessed | Ellena Roberts | Television film |
| 2004–2011 | Two and a Half Men | Frankie / Dharma Montgomery | 3 episodes |
| 2006 | Courting Alex | Alex Rose | Main role; 13 episodes |
| 2007 | Brothers & Sisters | Lizzie Jones-Baker | Episode: "Game Night" |
| 2008 | My Name Is Earl | Kimmi Himmler | Episode: "We've Got Spirit" |
| 2009–2010 | Accidentally on Purpose | Billie Chase | Main role; 18 episodes |
| 2012 | Shameless | Jill | Episode: "Fiona Interrupted" |
| Damages | Naomi Walling | 7 episodes | |
| 2012–2013 | 1600 Penn | Emily Nash Gilchrist | Main role; 13 episodes |
| 2013 | Royal Pains | Lacy | Episode: "Open Invitation" |
| 2014 | Growing Up Fisher | Joyce Fisher | Main role; 13 episodes |
| So You Think You Can Dance | Herself | Guest judge | |
| 2015 | The Perfect Stanleys | Ellen | Television film |
| 2017 | Imaginary Mary | Alice | Main role; 9 episodes |
| 2018–2023 | Fear the Walking Dead | June "Naomi / Laura" Dorie | Main role; 75 episodes |
| 2018–2021 | Talking Dead | Herself | 6 episodes |
| 2020 | The Twilight Zone | Barbara | Episode: "A Human Face" |
| 2024 | Will Trent | Edie Reynolds | Episode: "Cpt. Duke Wagner" |
| 2025 | Shifting Gears | Eve Drake | 3 episodes |
| Dark Winds | Agent Sylvia Washington | 8 episodes |
Music videos
| Year | Song | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | "Halo"<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Depeche Mode |
Accolades
References
External links
- 1971 births
- Living people
- 20th-century American actresses
- 21st-century American actresses
- Actresses from Los Angeles
- American film actresses
- Film producers from Los Angeles
- American people of Croatian descent
- American people of Danish descent
- American television actresses
- Television producers from California
- American women television producers
- Best Musical or Comedy Actress Golden Globe (television) winners
- California State University, Northridge alumni
- Elfman family
- American Scientologists
- Converts to Scientology from Roman Catholicism
- Los Angeles County High School for the Arts alumni
- American women film producers