Emily Deschanel Biography

Emily Erin Deschanel was born in Los Angeles, California on October 11th, 1976. Her parents are famed cinematographer Caleb Deschanel and actress Mary Jo Deschanel (of Twin Peaks fame.) As a child Emily traveled and lived around the world, including Canada and Africa. She has one younger sister, Zooey, who is also an actress and musician.

Emily attended theatre school in Boston and began her career with a walk on role in one of her father’s films, “It Could Happen to You” in 1994, playing a paint throwing fur activist. She had small parts in various films, and made guest appearances on several television series. In 2005, Emily’s career took off when she was cast as Dr. Temperance Brennan on the FOX series, “Bones.” Now in its sixth season, “Bones” remains a top 25 television program and has earned Emily critical and fan recognition for her portrayal of the socially awkward scientist.

Emily has been a vegan since high school and is passionate about veganism and other animal rights causes, actively supporting Farm Sanctuary and PETA among other charities.

In September of 2010, Emily married writer/actor David Hornsby (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) in a small, private ceremony at her parent’s home in Los Angeles. She will next be seen starring with Kathleen Turner in “The Perfect Family” set to debut at film festivals in early 2011.