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Jessica Capshaw
Born
Jessica Brooke Capshaw

(1976-08-09) August 9, 1976 (age 48)
Alma mater Brown University (BA)
Occupation
  • Actress
  • activist
  • entrepreneur
Years active 1996–present
Spouse(s)
Christopher Gavigan
(m. 2004)
Children 4
Parents
Relatives Steven Spielberg (stepfather)
Sasha Spielberg (half-sister)
Sawyer Spielberg (half-brother)
Destry Spielberg (half-sister)

Jessica Brooke Capshaw (born August 9, 1976) is an American actress. She is well-known for playing Jamie Stringer in the TV show The Practice. She also played Dr. Arizona Robbins in the medical drama Grey's Anatomy.

Early Life and Education

Jessica Capshaw was born in Columbia, Missouri. Her mother, Kate Capshaw, is also an actress. When Jessica was 15, her mother married the famous director Steven Spielberg. This made Steven Spielberg her stepfather.

School Days and College

Jessica went to Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles. She graduated from there in 1994. After high school, she attended Brown University. There, she studied English Literature and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1998. During her summer breaks, Jessica also took acting classes. She studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) in London. While there, she performed in a play called A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Acting Career Highlights

Jessica Capshaw started her acting career in the late 1990s. She appeared in several movies and TV shows.

Early Roles in Movies

In 1997, Jessica had a small role in the movie The Locusts. She then appeared in the independent film Denial in 1998. She also played Dorothy Wheeler in the movie Valentine in 2001. Later, she had a small part in the science fiction film Minority Report (2002). In 2006, she took on a main role in the movie The Groomsmen.

Becoming a Star on Grey's Anatomy

In 2009, Jessica Capshaw joined the popular medical drama Grey's Anatomy. She played a pediatric surgeon named Dr. Arizona Robbins. At first, she was only supposed to be in a few episodes. However, the show's creator, Shonda Rhimes, liked her so much. Jessica's role was expanded, and she became a regular cast member in the sixth season.

Her character, Arizona Robbins, became a love interest for another character, Callie Torres. Many fans enjoyed watching their story. Shonda Rhimes said she was very proud of adding Jessica to the cast. She felt their characters had great chemistry on screen.

Leaving and Returning to Television

Jessica Capshaw left Grey's Anatomy in March 2018. The show's producers made this decision for creative reasons. Jessica shared a message saying how important her character was. Dr. Arizona Robbins was one of the first LGBTQ+ characters to be a regular on network television. Her role had a lasting impact on many viewers.

In April 2025, it was announced that Jessica Capshaw would join a new TV series. She is part of the main cast for 9-1-1: Nashville. This show is expected to start in the fall of 2025.

Personal Life

Jessica Capshaw married Christopher Gavigan in 2004. They have four children together.

Filmography

Film Roles

Year Title Role Notes
1997 The Locusts Patsy
1998 Denial Marcia
1999 The Love Letter Kelly
2001 Valentine Dorothy Wheeler
2002 Minority Report Evanna
2006 The Groomsmen Jen
2014 The Hero of Color City Duck
2020 Holidate Abby Benson
2022 Dear Zoe Elly Gladstone

Television Roles

Year Title Role Notes
1999 ER Sally McKenna 1 episode
1999–2000 Odd Man Out Aunt Jordan Main cast; 13 episodes
2002–2004 The Practice Jamie Stringer Main cast; 42 episodes
2005 How I Met Your Mother uncredited 1 episode
2005 Into the West Rachel Wheeler 1 episode
2006 Bones Rebecca Stinson 2 episodes
2007 The L Word Nadia Karella 3 episodes
2009–2018; 2024 Grey's Anatomy Dr. Arizona Robbins Main Cast (Seasons 6–14); Guest star (Season 20); 214 episodes
2010 One Angry Juror Sarah Walsh TV movie
2022 Tell Me Lies CJ Albright 3 episodes
2025 9-1-1 Nashville Blythe Ward Upcoming series

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Jessica Capshaw para niños

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