Jenny Lewis

Jenny Lewis, born Jennifer Diane Lewis on January 8, 1976, in Las Vegas, Nevada, began her career as a child actress. Her early acting endeavors included a Jell-O commercial and appearances in several television shows and feature films. Notable film roles include ‘Troop Beverly Hills’ (1989) and ‘The Wizard’ (1989), where she played Haley. She also had recurring roles in TV series such as ‘Life With Lucy’ in 1986, ‘Shannon’s Deal’ around 1990, and ‘Brooklyn Bridge’ from 1991 to 1993. By the mid-1990s, Lewis started shifting her focus from acting to music, a move that would define her subsequent career.

In 1998, Lewis co-founded the indie rock band Rilo Kiley with Blake Sennett, Pierre de Reeder, and Dave Rock (later replaced by Jason Boesel). The band released several albums, including ‘Take Offs and Landings’ (2001), ‘The Execution of All Things’ (2002), and ‘More Adventurous’ (2004), the latter of which achieved commercial success following a distribution deal with Warner Bros. Lewis later embarked on a solo career, releasing her debut album, ‘Rabbit Fur Coat,’ in 2006, followed by ‘Acid Tongue’ in 2008. These albums showcased her blend of folk, country, and rock influences, establishing her as a versatile musician.

Lewis continued to evolve her musical artistry with subsequent solo albums like ‘The Voyager’ (2014), ‘On the Line’ (2019), and ‘Joy’All’ (2023). ‘The Voyager’ notably reflected on personal transitions, while ‘Joy’All’ incorporated songs developed during a songwriting workshop with Beck. Beyond her solo work and Rilo Kiley, Lewis has collaborated with various artists and projects, including The Postal Service, Elvis Costello, and her duo Jenny and Johnny with Johnathan Rice. She also formed Nice as Fuck in 2016. Her contributions to film soundtracks, such as ‘Bolt’ (2008) and ‘Ricki and the Flash’ (2015), further highlight her diverse musical engagement. In 2015, Lewis appeared in the Netflix movie ‘A Very Murray Christmas,’ performing a duet with Bill Murray, which showcased her enduring presence in both music and entertainment.