Jean Louisa Kelly facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jean Louisa Kelly
Kelly in October 2009
Born	March 9, 1972 (1972-03-09) (age 53) Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.
Education	Columbia University (BA)
Occupation	Actress, singer
Years active	1987–present
Notable work	Uncle Buck (1989) Mr. Holland's Opus (1995) Yes, Dear (2000–06)
Spouse(s)	James Pitaro ​ (m. 1997)​
Children	2

Jean Louisa Kelly (born March 9, 1972) is an American actress and singer. She is known for her roles in movies and TV shows. She first appeared in the film Uncle Buck (1989) with John Candy. Later, she starred in movies like The Fantasticks (1995) and Mr. Holland's Opus (1995). From 2000 to 2006, she played Kim Warner in the TV show Yes, Dear.

Jean Louisa Kelly's Acting Journey

Early Roles and Broadway Debut

Jean Louisa Kelly started acting when she was a kid. Her very first paid job was in the musical "Annie." She played the main character, Annie, at the Theater by the Sea in Rhode Island. The next summer, she played Annie again in Connecticut.

Before going to college, Jean Louisa was already on Broadway. At just 15 years old, she was in the original cast of Sondheim's musical Into the Woods. She played Snow White and was also a backup for the roles of Rapunzel and Little Red Ridinghood. Around the same time, she got her first movie role as Tia Russell in Uncle Buck, starring with John Candy.

Becoming a Star: Movies and TV Shows

After finishing college at Columbia University in the mid-1990s, Jean Louisa Kelly became well-known. She appeared in many TV commercials for MCI long distance, where she played a telephone operator.

In 1995, she starred as Luisa in the musical movie The Fantasticks. The movie was not released until 2000. In the same year, she played Rowena Morgan in Mr. Holland's Opus. Her character was a special inspiration for the main character in the movie.

During the 1990s, she also appeared in other films like "Origin of the Species" and "The Day Lincoln was Shot." She also acted in plays Off Broadway, including The It Girl.

Voice Acting and Sitcom Success

In 1996, Jean Louisa Kelly lent her voice to the main character, Princess Gwenevere, in the animated TV series Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders.

She also appeared in several TV movies. Her biggest TV role was in the sitcom Yes, Dear, where she played Kim Warner from 2000 to 2006. She also made guest appearances in popular shows like Mad About You and Grey's Anatomy.

More recently, she has continued to act in both movies and TV shows. In 2019, she acted with Bradley Whitford in "Call of the Wild." She also appeared in the movie "Malignant" as Jane Doe/Serena May. In 2022, she played Sarah Kazansky in the action movie Top Gun: Maverick. Sarah is the wife of Val Kilmer's character, Tom "Iceman" Kazansky.

Music Career and Albums

Besides acting, Jean Louisa Kelly is also a singer. In 2013, she released an album of music for children called Color of Your Heart. She released a five-song collection called Willing in 2015. In 2017, she released another album titled "For My Folks," which features classic songs.

Jean Louisa Kelly's Life Outside Acting

Family and Education

Jean Louisa Kelly was born on March 9, 1972, in Worcester, Massachusetts. Her father, J. Joseph Kelly III, was a high school English teacher. Her mother, Wendy Kelly, taught piano. Jean Louisa grew up in Boylston, Massachusetts. When she was in high school, her family moved to Maryland.

In 1994, she graduated from Columbia University's Columbia College. She earned a degree in English.

Marriage and Children

In 1997, Jean Louisa Kelly married James Pitaro, who is an attorney. They have two children together. She is also good friends with actress Jennifer Garner.

Film and Television Appearances

Movies Jean Louisa Kelly Has Been In

TV Shows Jean Louisa Kelly Has Been In

See also

In Spanish: Jean Louisa Kelly para niños