Jessica Michelle Chastain, a talented actress, was born in Sacramento, California, and spent her childhood in a Northern California suburb. Her mother, Jerri Chastain, a vegan chef, hails from Kansas, and her stepfather is a dedicated fireman. Chastain's introduction to dance occurred at the tender age of nine, and by thirteen, she was an accomplished member of a local dance troupe.
As her passion for the performing arts grew, Chastain began to take on Shakespearean roles in various productions throughout the Bay area. Her impressive stage presence caught the attention of an actor in a production of "Romeo & Juliet," who encouraged her to audition for Juilliard's drama program.
With the support of a scholarship from esteemed alumni Robin Williams, Chastain became a member of "Crew 32" at Juilliard. During her final year at the prestigious institution, she was offered a holding deal with renowned TV writer/producer John Wells, which ultimately led to her working on three of his TV shows.
After completing her studies, Chastain continued to pursue her passion for theater, taking on roles in productions such as "The Cherry Orchard," "Rodney's Wife," "Salome," and "Othello." Her work took her between New York and Los Angeles, where she worked on projects in film, television, and theater.
In 2011, Chastain experienced a remarkable year in film, earning numerous award nominations and wins. Her outstanding performance in "The Help" (2011) earned her a 2012 Oscar nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role.
