Zooey Deschanel: A Star With Many Talents
- Category:
- Richest Celebrities › Actors
- Net Worth:
- $25 Million
- Salary:
- $125 Thousand Per Episode
- Birthdate:
- Jan 17, 1980 (45 years old)
- Birthplace:
- Los Angeles
- Gender:
- Female
- Height:
- 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
- Profession:
- Actor, Musician, Model, Singer-songwriter, Television producer, Voice Actor
- Nationality:
- United States of America
How Much Is Zooey Deschanel Really Worth?
Let’s talk about Zooey Deschanel, the multi-talented star who’s captured our hearts on-screen and off. Born into a family of Hollywood royalty, Zooey has built an impressive career as an actress, model, singer, songwriter, and musician. With a net worth of $25 million, she’s one of the most successful actresses in the industry today. Her parents—Caleb Deschanel, an Academy Award-nominated cinematographer, and Mary Jo Deschanel, an actress—and her sister Emily Deschanel, also an actress, laid the groundwork for her rise to fame. And let’s not forget her incredible journey from small roles to starring in hit shows like "New Girl."
Zooey’s big break came in the early 2000s when she starred alongside Will Ferrell in the holiday comedy "Elf." But her talent didn’t stop there. She went on to deliver unforgettable performances in films like "(500) Days of Summer" and "Failure to Launch." Beyond acting, Zooey’s musical career with the indie pop duo She & Him has also been a huge success. Collaborating with M. Ward, the duo has released several albums and holiday records, showcasing her versatility as a singer-songwriter. And if that wasn’t enough, she co-founded the lifestyle website HelloGiggles, which was acquired for a cool $30 million in 2015.
Branding Herself: Zooey’s Endorsements
Throughout her career, Zooey has lent her charming personality to various brands, including Pantene, Macy’s, and Apple. While some of her commercial work was well-received, her Apple ads promoting Siri didn’t quite resonate with audiences and were often criticized. But hey, even the best have their misses, right? Despite the mixed reception, her presence in these campaigns only added to her star power and influence.
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HelloGiggles: A Creative Venture
In 2011, Zooey joined forces with two friends to launch HelloGiggles, a lifestyle website that quickly became a go-to destination for women seeking inspiration, humor, and relatable content. Just four years later, Time Inc. acquired the site for a whopping $30 million. This venture not only highlighted Zooey’s entrepreneurial spirit but also showed her ability to connect with people beyond the screen.
A Look Back: Early Life and Roots
Zooey Claire Deschanel was born on January 17, 1980, in Los Angeles, California, into a family deeply rooted in the entertainment world. Her mother, Mary Jo Deschanel, worked as an actress, and her father, Caleb Deschanel, is a renowned cinematographer and director. Her older sister, Emily Deschanel, is best known for her starring role in the hit TV series "Bones." Growing up, Zooey lived in Los Angeles but traveled frequently because of her father’s work in the film industry. She attended Crossroads, a private preparatory school in Santa Monica, where she rubbed shoulders with future stars like Jake Gyllenhaal and Kate Hudson.
After high school, Zooey enrolled at Northwestern University in Chicago, but after just nine months, she decided to drop out to focus on her acting career full-time. It was a bold move, but it paid off, as she soon began landing roles that would set the stage for her future success.
Acting: Her Journey to Stardom
Zooey’s acting career took off in 1999 when she made her film debut in Lawrence Kasdan’s comedy "Mumford." The following year, she co-starred in Cameron Crowe’s critically acclaimed film "Almost Famous," which won the Golden Globe for Best Film – Musical or Comedy. The early 2000s were a busy time for Zooey, as she appeared in several films, including "Big Trouble," "The New Guy," "The Good Girl," and "Abandon." In 2003, she landed her first leading role in the indie drama "All the Real Girls," which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and earned her praise from critics.
That same year, she starred opposite Will Ferrell in the holiday comedy "Elf," a film that became a beloved classic and grossed over $220 million worldwide. Over the next decade, Zooey continued to build her resume with roles in films like "Eulogy," "The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy," "Winter Passing," "Failure to Launch," "Bridge to Terabithia," "The Happening," "Yes Man," and "(500) Days of Summer." Many of these films, especially "Yes Man" and "(500) Days of Summer," were box office hits, cementing her status as a leading lady in Hollywood.
But it was her role as Jessica "Jess" Day in the Fox comedy series "New Girl" that truly defined her career. From 2011 to 2018, Zooey brought her quirky charm to the small screen, earning an Emmy nomination and three Golden Globe nominations for her portrayal of the bubbly teacher. As the series progressed, she also became a producer on the show, further showcasing her versatility and talent behind the scenes.
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Zooey’s Paycheck: How Much Did She Earn?
So, how much was Zooey Deschanel making per episode of "New Girl"? A cool $125,000 per episode. In 2012 alone, she earned over $9 million from her various television, movie, and commercial roles. That’s some serious cash for a girl who started out with small roles in indie films!

Harmonizing Success: Her Music Career
Zooey’s talents extend far beyond acting. In 2001, she teamed up with actress Samantha Shelton to create the jazz cabaret act "If All the Stars Were Pretty Babies," performing around Los Angeles. But her biggest musical success came in 2007 when she partnered with M. Ward to form the indie pop duo She & Him. Their debut album, "Volume One," released in 2008, was a hit, earning praise from critics and fans alike. Over the years, they’ve released multiple albums, including "Volume Two," "A Very She & Him Christmas," "Volume 3," "Classics," and "Christmas Party." Zooey’s voice has also been featured on other projects, such as M. Ward’s solo album "A Wasteland Companion," Tired Pony’s "The Place We Ran From," and the Buddy Holly tribute album "Listen to Me: Buddy Holly."
Behind the Scenes: Her Personal Life
On the personal front, Zooey’s life has been just as fascinating as her career. She was married to Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service from 2009 to 2012. During their divorce proceedings in 2012, her net worth was reported to be $3.5 million, with assets including $1.6 million in cash, $1.7 million in securities, and real estate valued at $700,000 at the time. Her monthly expenses were around $22,500.
From 2015 to June 2020, Zooey was married to film producer Jacob Pechenik, with whom she shares two children. They announced their separation in September 2019, and shortly after, Zooey began dating "Property Brothers" star Jonathan Scott. It’s clear that her personal life, much like her career, is filled with twists and turns.
Real Estate Ventures: Where Does She Call Home?
In 2015, Zooey and Jacob purchased a home in Manhattan Beach, California, for $4.6 million. When they sold it in 2019 for $4.7 million, they likely took a loss considering the upgrades they made to the property. But that wasn’t the only home they owned in the area. In 2017, they bought another property in Manhattan Beach for $5.6 million, which they listed for sale in November 2019 for $6 million. While the real estate market can be unpredictable, it’s clear that Zooey has a love for beautiful homes and a knack for investing in prime locations.
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