Jenna Elfman

Jenna Elfman

54 · Born: Sep 30, 1971

Personal Details

Official Socials
BornSep 30, 1971 Los Angeles, California, USA
Parents
  • Sue Grace Butala
  • Richard Wayne Butala
Relatives
  • Tony Butala (Aunt or Uncle)

Biography

Jenna Elfman's career as a professional dancer was a launching pad for her future success, with notable appearances in music videos by Depeche Mode and Anthrax, as well as a memorable performance on the 1991 Academy Awards live broadcast, skillfully choreographed by the renowned Debbie Allen.

She then transitioned to acting, with her breakout role as Dharma in the hit television series "Dharma and Greg," earning her a Golden Globe Award, three Emmy Award nominations, and two TV Guide Awards.

In recent years, Elfman has appeared in a variety of television shows, including the comedy series "Imaginary Mary," "Growing Up Fisher," "1600 Penn," and critically-acclaimed guest appearances on "Shameless" and the final season of the award-winning drama "Damages."

Her impressive television credits also include guest appearances on "The Mindy Project," "Two and a Half Men," "My Name is Earl," and "Royal Pains."

Elfman has also made a mark in the film industry, with notable roles in the hit comedy feature film "Friends with Benefits," alongside Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis, as well as appearances in "Keeping the Faith," "Can't Hardly Wait," "Big Stone Gap," and "Edtv."

As a classically trained ballerina, Jenna has been honored to serve as a guest judge on the hit dance competition show "So You Think You Can Dance" twice. Additionally, she proudly serves on the board of trustees of the Dizzy Feet Foundation, which aims to support, improve, and increase access to dance education in the United States.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Elfman currently resides there with her husband, Bodhi Elfman, and their two young sons.

Career

2025
Dark Winds
Dark Winds as Agent Sylvia Washington
2017
2016
Barry
Barry as Kathy Baughman
2014
Big Stone Gap
Big Stone Gap as Iva Lou Wade
Growing Up Fisher
Growing Up Fisher as Joyce Fisher
2012
1600 Penn
1600 Penn as Emily Nash Gilchrist
2011
Love Hurts
Love Hurts as Darlene
2006
Best of Chris Isaak
Best of Chris Isaak as (segment "Somebody's Crying") (archive footage) (uncredited)
Courting Alex
Courting Alex as Alex Rose
2005
Touched
Touched as Angela Martin
2004
2002
Obsessed
Obsessed as Ellena Roberts
2001
Dharma & Greg
Dharma & Greg as Dharma Montgomery
CyberWorld
CyberWorld as Phig (voice)
Keeping the Faith
Keeping the Faith as Anna Riley
1999
Edtv
Edtv as Shari
1998
Doctor Dolittle
Doctor Dolittle as Owl (Voice)
Can't Hardly Wait
Can't Hardly Wait as The Angel (uncredited)
1996
Townies
Townies as Shannon Canotis
1993
Double Deception
Double Deception as Lisa Majorski (as Jenna Butala)