DOB: 17th January 1980
Hometown: L.A. California, USA
Star sign: Capricorn
The new ‘it’ girl
Blue-eyes. Brown hair. Funny name. Who is this beautiful, quirky ‘it’ girl and where has she come from? Zooey (that’s pronounced Zoh-eee) Deschanel is the girl everyone’s talking about right now, and chances are you will be too after reading all the cool things we’ve discovered about the 500 Days Of Summer star. Warning: we forecast a serious girl crush!
Familiar Face
Think Zooey’s face looks awfully familiar? You might recognise her from Yes Man with Jim Carey, or as William’s older sister in Almost Famous. And no, you’re not crazy: she could be Katy Perry’s twin sister! Uncanny huh?
But the reason her name is on everyone’s lips right now (though usually mispronounced) is her new flick 500 Days Of Summer. While Zooey’s been acting and singing for yonks, her gigs have mostly been small, Indie productions, which means she’s dodged the mainstream media spotlight. Until now!
Very Vintage
Multi-talented Miss Deschanel (she acts, sings, plays the piano and the ukulele!) is a self-confessed lover of all things old school. “I love old music, old movies, vintage clothes…basically I’m an old-fashioned gal!” Zooey obsesses over unique op-shop and market finds – especially costumes – “It’s an addiction!” She says.
Finding herself
Zooey doesn’t mind standing out from the crowd and being different, although these traits meant she did have a hard time at school. “I was labelled a theatre-type, which made it hard to fit in and be part of things. I didn’t have many friends”. It seems though, that these HS difficulties only helped to make Zooey stronger and more determined in her personal life, which has led her to make interesting and engaging acting choices. Her movies range from dramas such as 2000’s Almost Famous, where she starred alongside Kate Hudson, to comedies like Elf with Will Ferrell.
Talk about talented!
Zooey comes from a very talented showbiz family. Her dad, Caleb, is a skilled cinematographer, who was once nominated for an Oscar. Her mum, Mary Jo, and sister, Emily, are both actresses. When Zooey was young she used to spend a lot of time travelling between film locations as her dad worked on various sets, “I’m really happy I had that experience, but at the time I was just so miserable to leave my friends in L.A” she said of her childhood. Zooey was also lucky enough to spend several summers at a New York camp for performing arts. Zooey is also a passionate musician as well as actress; forming one half of the Indie folk band She & Him. You can check out her singing skills in the karaoke scene of 500 Days Of Summer, as well as on the film’s soundtrack. We rate her; check her out and let us know what you think!
Mrs Gibbard
Zooey was lucky enough to recently get married to her lovely partner, Ben Gibbard, the lead singer of Indie rock band Death Cab for Cutie in a small town near Seattle in the US. “Zooey is swept off her feet and Ben is so excited” a source told USMagazine. Gosh, they sure do make a cute couple!
Scandal-free zone
No need to worry about Zooey becoming the next Lindsay Lohan: she’s one girl that has it totally together! There will definitely be no bleary-eyed, shoes-off photos of this cool chick featured in the mags anytime soon. “I don’t really like to go out very much. I’m not scandalous.” She said. “I also find it embarrassing when you read about people and they were so trashed and stumbling around. I don’t want to be that person and have that written about you!” Good to hear, Zo!
Fast Facts:
- Zooey was named after a male character from 1960’s novel Franny and Zooey.
- She is allergic to gluten, dairy and eggs! Unlucky!
- Her last name is pronounced day-shuh-nell.
Got something to say about this? Leave your thoughts below!
