Patty Jenkins

Patty Jenkins was born on July 24, 1971, at George Air Force Base in Victorville, California. Her early childhood involved frequent moves due to her father’s military service, including stays in Thailand and Germany, before the family settled in Lawrence, Kansas. Her interest in filmmaking was sparked at a young age after watching the original Superman. She pursued her artistic passions, earning an undergraduate degree in Painting from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in 1993, and later a master’s degree in directing from the American Film Institute’s AFI Conservatory in 2000.

Jenkins began her career in film as an assistant camera person and focus puller for eight years on commercials and music videos. This hands-on experience provided a strong foundation for her directorial aspirations. Her breakthrough came with her debut feature film, “Monster” (2003), which garnered significant critical acclaim, including Roger Ebert naming it the #1 Best Film of 2004 and #3 Best Film of the decade. The film also earned Charlize Theron an Oscar for Best Actress. Following “Monster’s” success, Jenkins transitioned into television, directing episodes for popular shows such as “Arrested Development” and “Entourage,” and earning a DGA award for her work on “The Killing” pilot in 2011.

In 2017, Jenkins directed “Wonder Woman,” which shattered box office records, becoming the highest-grossing live-action film directed by a woman domestically and worldwide at the time. The film received widespread critical praise and solidified her position as a major force in Hollywood. She continued her success with “Wonder Woman 1984” in 2020 and has been involved in other prominent projects, demonstrating her consistent impact and influence in the entertainment industry. Her career illustrates a steady progression from her artistic roots to helming major tentpole productions.