Emily Deschanel

DOCTOR OF FINE ARTS

Emily Deschanel (CFA’98) is an actor with an impressive list of credits. She is perhaps best known for her twelve-year run as Dr. Temperance Brennan on the Fox crime procedural comedy-drama Bones, based on the novels—and career—of forensic anthropologist and author Kathy Reichs. Ms. Deschanel starred in Netflix’s Devil in Ohio, created by Daria Polatin (CFA’00), in which she played hospital psychiatrist Dr. Suzanne Mathis, who shelters a mysterious cult escapee. She also stars in the recent independent features ReEntry, with Sam Trammell and Noma Dumezweni, and Big Boys, by writer-director Corey Sherman.

Ms. Deschanel appeared in TNT’s Animal Kingdom, about a Southern California family whose excessive lifestyle is fueled by their criminal activities. She played the role of Angela, a recently released convict in recovery from substance abuse who comes calling on the family.

On the big screen, Ms. Deschanel has starred in Anne Renton’s independent comedy, The Perfect Family, opposite Kathleen Turner; Nick Cassavetes’ My Sister’s Keeper, opposite Cameron Diaz; and Jerry Bruckheimer’s Glory Road, opposite Josh Lucas, Derek Luke, and Jon Voight. Her other film credits include Anthony Minghella’s Cold Mountain, John Lee Hancock’s The Alamo, Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2, and Jane Weinstock’s Easy.

Ms. Deschanel’s voice can be heard in episodes of the animated series The Simpsons, Bojack Horseman, and American Dad! and in the feature film Beyond Beyond.

In her free time, she has volunteered for various causes related to the welfare of animals. Ms. Deschanel served on the board of directors of the farm animal protection organization Farm Sanctuary, including as the board chair. She was a founding member of the Women’s Climate Alliance for Mercy Corps, helping women and girls affected by climate change within the international aid organization.

Ms. Deschanel was born in Los Angeles and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from Boston University’s College of Fine Arts.

(Photo credit: Ben Trivett)