Zooey Deschanel is an American actress, model, and singer, born on January 17, 1980, in Los Angeles, California. She is known for her distinctive voice and quirky personality, which have made her a popular figure in both film and television. Zooey gained fame for her roles in movies like 500 Days of Summer and Elf. In addition to her film career, Zooey starred in the hit television series New Girl, where she played the lead character, Jess Day. The show earned her critical acclaim and several award nominations. Besides acting, she is also a musician and is part of the folk music duo She & Him.