Who is Jenna Elfman? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Jennifer Mary Butala

Age: 53 Years, 53 Year Old Females

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Bodhi Elfman (m. 1995)

father: Richard Wayne Butala

mother: Sue Grace Butala

children: Easton Quinn Monroe Elfman, Story Elias Elfman

Born Country: United States

Actresses T V & Movie Producers

Height: 5'10" (178 cm), 5'10" Females

U.S. State: California

City: Los Angeles

More Facts

education: California State University, Northridge

Recommended For You

1

What TV shows has Jenna Elfman starred in?

Jenna Elfman has starred in popular TV shows such as "Dharma & Greg," "Fear the Walking Dead," "Imaginary Mary," "Growing Up Fisher," and "Accidentally on Purpose."
2

Is Jenna Elfman a talented dancer?

Yes, Jenna Elfman is known for her talent in dancing, especially in styles like tap dancing and ballet. She has showcased her dancing skills in various TV shows and performances.
3

Has Jenna Elfman appeared in any movies?

Yes, Jenna Elfman has appeared in movies such as "Edtv," "Keeping the Faith," "Can't Hardly Wait," "Krippendorf's Tribe," and "Friends with Benefits."
4

Does Jenna Elfman have any hobbies outside of acting?

Yes, Jenna Elfman is passionate about practicing Scientology, photography, and philanthropy. She is actively involved in various charitable causes and organizations.
5

What are some interesting facts about Jenna Elfman's career?

Some interesting facts about Jenna Elfman's career include her successful transition from television to film roles, her ability to portray diverse characters, and her dedication to her craft as an actress.

Recommended Lists:

American People

American Women

California State University, Northridge

Libra Actresses

American Actresses

Childhood & Early Life

Jenna Elfman was born on September 30, 1971, in Los Angeles, California, to Sue Butala and Richard Butala. She has two siblings, a sister, Debbie, and a brother, Rick. Her mother was a homemaker whereas, her father served as a Hughes Aircraft executive. She is of Croatian descent through her father and grew up in a Roman Catholic household.

After graduating from the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, she enrolled at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). At the age five, she began receiving ballet lessons and later attended the Westside School of Ballet on a full scholarship. However, she ultimately had to quit it when the tendon separated from her bone.

Continue Reading Below

Recommended Lists:

Actresses Who Are In Their 50s

Female T V & Movie Producers

American TV & Movie Producers

Women Film & Theater Personalities

Career

As a dancer, Jenna Elfman appeared in a number of music videos, including for Depeche Mode's 'Halo' (1990), Anthrax’s ‘Black Lodge’ (1993), and Chris Isaak’s ‘Somebody’s Crying’ (1995). She was also featured on various commercials.

In 1992, she made her acting debut in the season eight episode, ‘Danse Diabolique’, of CBS’ crime-drama series ‘Murder, She Wrote’.

In 1996, she began playing Shannon Canotis in the ABC sitcom ‘Townies’. This was her first appearance in a leading role. However, ABC cancelled the show after airing 15 episodes.

She starred in several other short-lived situational comedies in the latter part of her career, including CBS’ ‘Courting Alex’ (2006), CBS’ ‘Accidentally on Purpose’ (2009-10), NBC’s ‘1600 Penn’ (2012-13), NBC’s ‘Growing Up Fisher’ (2014), ABC’s ‘Imaginary Mary’ (2017).

In 2004, she portrayed Frankie in a two-episode arc in season one of the CBS sitcom ‘Two and a Half Men’. She returned to the show in the season-nine premiere in 2011 to guest-star as her ‘Dharma & Greg’ Character, Dharma Montgomery.

Jenna Elfman was cast as the investment bank employee Naomi Walling in the fifth season of Audience Network’s legal thriller series ‘Damages’ in 2012. Over the years, she has also guest-starred in a number of TV shows, including ‘Roseanne’, ‘My Name Is Earl’, and ‘Royal Pains’. Elfman joined the cast of AMC’s ‘Fear the Walking Dead’ in season four (2018) to portray a mysterious nurse with multiple identities.

Elfman debuted on the big screen in 1997 in John Cusack and Minnie Driver-starrer ‘Grosse Pointe Blank’. In the ensuing years, she has also appeared in films like ‘Keeping the Faith’ (2000), ‘Looney Tunes: Back in Action’ (2003), ‘The Six Wives of Henry Lefay’ (2009), and ‘Barry’ (2016).

Jenna Elfman served as a producer on several episodes of ‘Dharma & Greg’, ‘Courting Alex’, and ‘Accidentally on Purpose’. She also produced her 2005 romance-drama film ‘Touched’. In 2012, she and her husband began hosting a podcast, named ‘Kicking and Screaming by Jenna and Bodhi Elfman’.

Recommended Lists:

American Film & Theater Personalities

Major Works

‘Dharma & Greg’ aired on ABC from September 24, 1997, to April 30, 2002, and was a critical and commercial hit. It helped Elfman establish herself as one of the most prominent TV actresses of late 1990s and early 2000s.

Family & Personal Life

In February 1991, Jenna Elfman became acquainted with actor Bodhi Elfman while they were both answering an audition call for a Sprite commercial. They began dating not long after. On February 18, 1995, the couple exchanged wedding vows. Elfman gave birth to their oldest son, Story Elias, on July 23, 2007. The couple welcomed their youngest son, Easton Quinn Monroe, on March 2, 2010.

A highly active member of the Church of Scientology, Jenna Elfman is involved with a number of charitable organizations, including the Environmental Working Group and Dizzy Feet Foundation.

Facts About Jenna Elfman

Jenna Elfman is an accomplished ballerina and studied dance from a young age, which has influenced her grace and poise on screen.

In addition to acting, Jenna Elfman is an avid painter and has showcased her artwork in several galleries.

Jenna Elfman is a strong advocate for animal rights and has worked with various organizations to promote animal welfare.

She is a dedicated yogi and practices yoga regularly to maintain her physical and mental well-being.

Jenna Elfman is known for her quirky sense of humor and often incorporates improv into her performances, bringing a unique energy to her roles.

Jenna Elfman Biography

You wanted to know

What TV shows has Jenna Elfman starred in?

Is Jenna Elfman a talented dancer?

Has Jenna Elfman appeared in any movies?

Does Jenna Elfman have any hobbies outside of acting?

What are some interesting facts about Jenna Elfman's career?