Jennifer Westfeldt, American actress and singer
Jennifer Westfeldt, born on February 2, 1970, is a highly acclaimed American creative force, celebrated for her diverse talents as an actress, screenwriter, director, and producer. Her distinguished career showcases a unique ability to excel across multiple facets of the entertainment industry, particularly within independent cinema and prestigious theatrical productions.
A Visionary in Independent Cinema: Writing, Directing, and Producing
Westfeldt has significantly contributed to independent filmmaking, demonstrating her prowess not only in front of the camera but also behind it, crafting compelling narratives with critical and popular appeal.
Breakthrough Success: Kissing Jessica Stein (2002)
She gained widespread recognition for her pivotal role in the 2002 independent film Kissing Jessica Stein. Westfeldt not only co-wrote and co-produced this romantic comedy-drama but also starred in the titular role. The film was praised for its witty dialogue, honest exploration of identity, and nuanced portrayal of a woman exploring a same-sex relationship, which was particularly groundbreaking for its time. Her exceptional work earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best First Screenplay and a Golden Satellite Award for Best Actress - Comedy or Musical, cementing her status as a significant voice in indie cinema.
Directorial Debut and Critical Acclaim: Friends with Kids (2012)
Further showcasing her multi-hyphenate talent, Westfeldt made her impressive directorial debut with the 2012 independent film Friends with Kids. In addition to directing, she also wrote, produced, and starred in this ensemble comedy-drama. The film, lauded for its sharp script and insightful examination of modern relationships, friendship dynamics, and the complexities of parenthood, garnered significant critical acclaim. It was notably included on New York Magazine's Top Ten Movies of 2012 list and featured among NPR's Top 12 of 2012, highlighting its resonance with critics and audiences alike.
Extensive Television Portfolio: From Drama to Comedy
Jennifer Westfeldt's versatile acting career extends prominently into television, where she has delivered memorable performances across various genres, from medical dramas to political thrillers and contemporary comedies.
- She has held significant series regular and recurring roles in popular shows such as the medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, the action-packed thriller 24, the dark comedy Queen America, and the sitcom Notes from the Underbelly.
- Her impactful guest-starring turns include critically acclaimed dramas like This Is Us and Lena Dunham's comedy-drama Girls, showcasing her range and ability to leave a lasting impression in a single appearance.
- Most recently, Westfeldt completed a compelling four-season arc as Pauline Turner Brooks on TV Land’s hit series Younger. Created by Darren Star, renowned for iconic shows like Sex and the City and Emily in Paris, Younger allowed Westfeldt to portray a complex character, adding significant depth to the show's narrative.
Distinguished Broadway and Stage Presence
Beyond film and television, Jennifer Westfeldt is an accomplished stage actress with a distinguished career that includes a highly acclaimed Broadway debut and collaborations with celebrated playwrights and directors.
She made her Broadway debut in 2003 in the critically lauded revival of Wonderful Town, starring opposite the esteemed Donna Murphy. Her portrayal of Eileen Sherwood earned her a prestigious 2004 Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical, a significant recognition for a Broadway debut. She also received a Theater World Award for Outstanding Broadway Debut and a Drama League Award for her compelling performance, underscoring her immediate impact on the New York theater scene.
Other notable stage credits include starring roles in the world premieres of significant contemporary plays:
- Nell Benjamin's The Explorers Club at the esteemed Manhattan Theater Club, directed by Marc Bruni, known for his work on Broadway's Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.
- Nicky Silver's Too Much Sun at The Vineyard Theater, where she shared the stage with the legendary Linda Lavin and was directed by Mark Brokaw.
- Scott Z. Burns' The Library at The Public Theater, where she performed opposite Chloe Grace Moretz under the direction of the acclaimed filmmaker Steven Soderbergh, a rare and prestigious collaboration for a stage production.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jennifer Westfeldt
- Is Jennifer Westfeldt exclusively an actress?
- No, Jennifer Westfeldt is a multifaceted talent who excels as an actress, but also as a highly respected screenwriter, director, and producer, particularly within the realm of independent cinema. She has written, produced, and directed her own films.
- What are Jennifer Westfeldt's most critically acclaimed films?
- Her most notable and critically acclaimed films include Kissing Jessica Stein (2002), which she co-wrote, co-produced, and starred in, and Friends with Kids (2012), for which she served as writer, producer, director, and star. Both films received significant accolades and praise for their intelligent writing and honest portrayals of relationships.
- Has Jennifer Westfeldt received any major awards or nominations?
- Yes, she has received several prestigious accolades. For Kissing Jessica Stein, she won a Golden Satellite Award for Best Actress – Comedy or Musical and was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best First Screenplay. Her Broadway debut in Wonderful Town earned her a 2004 Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical, a Theater World Award for Outstanding Broadway Debut, and a Drama League Award.
- What character did Jennifer Westfeldt play in the TV series Younger?
- On TV Land's Younger, Jennifer Westfeldt portrayed Pauline Turner Brooks, a significant character who appeared across four seasons. Her role added a compelling dimension to the series' narrative, particularly in relation to the main characters' relationships.