Deschanel was born in Los Angeles, California, the daughter of Academy Award-nominated cinematographer and director Caleb Deschanel and actress Mary Jo Deschanel (née Weir). She is of Irish and French ancestry (her surname means "from the channels" in French). She has one sister, Zooey Deschanel, also an actress.

Emily is a vegan and a committed supporter of animal rights causes. She and Read more...

Deschanel made her feature film debut in 1994's It Could Happen to You. Her next notable role was in Stephen King's Rose Red in 2002. She then appeared in Cold Mountain, The Alamo and Spider-Man 2, and was named one of "six actresses to watch" by Interview Magazine in 2004. After starring in 2005's Boogeyman, Deschanel landed the role of Dr. Temperance Brennan on FOX's Bones, a series based on the Read more...

Emily Erin Deschanel (born October 11, 1976) is an American actress, perhaps best known for her starring role on the television series Bones.