Zooey Deschanel is a beloved actress known for her quirky roles and charming personality. While many adore her for the characters she portrays, her journey has not been without its challenges. From facing harsh criticism to dealing with personal struggles, Deschanel's life reflects the complexities of fame and the resilience required to navigate it.
Despite her success on screen, Zooey has faced numerous hurdles in her career and personal life. She has often been typecast as the "manic pixie dream girl," a label that many feel limits her range as an actress. Beyond the industry labels, Deschanel has battled health issues and legal disputes, showcasing her strength in the face of adversity.
In this article, we will explore the various aspects of Zooey Deschanel's life, including her early struggles, health challenges, and the impact of public perception. By shedding light on these tragic details, we aim to provide a deeper understanding of the woman behind the roles and the resilience she has shown throughout her career.
Table of Contents
- Biography
- Zooey Deschanel Hit Rock Bottom in Middle School
- She Lives with Celiac Disease
- Contentious Legal Fallout with Her Ex-Manager
- Typecast as the 'Manic Pixie Dream Girl'
- A Journalist Called Her a 'Snobby Cow'
- Struggled with Negative Comments About Her Post-Baby Body
- Mourned the Loss of Her Former Co-Stars
- Struggled with Being 'Likable'
Biography
| Name | Zooey Deschanel |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 17, 1980 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Occupation | Actress, Producer, Musician |
| Notable Works | New Girl, (500) Days of Summer, Elf |
Zooey Deschanel Hit Rock Bottom in Middle School
While Zooey Deschanel may have stolen plenty of hearts as a Hollywood star, her childhood was a far different story. Before she made a name for herself as an actor, Deschanel admitted that being popular was not one of her strong suits.
“People really teased me. It was really bad,” she told Cosmopolitan magazine of her middle school days. The "Happening" star revealed that those difficult teenage years were some of the hardest she ever faced.
Decades later, Deschanel hoped to help other women struggling with their self-esteem. The actor started her website HelloGiggles in 2011 alongside Sophia Rivka Rossi and Molly McAleer, dubbing it a "happy space for millennial women."
She Lives with Celiac Disease
Zooey Deschanel suffered in silence for years before learning she had Celiac disease. The "New Girl" star hadn't been feeling her best for most of her life, going 13 years before receiving the diagnosis from a doctor.
According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, people with Celiac disease must avoid gluten, as when consumed, "their body mounts an immune response that attacks the small intestine." Symptoms for this autoimmune disease can easily be confused with irritable bowel syndrome or stress.
Since finding out, Deschanel has led a gluten-free life and encourages others to do the same. She listed many benefits of a gluten-free lifestyle, like preventing symptoms from gluten sensitivity and avoiding interactions with glyphosate.
Contentious Legal Fallout with Her Ex-Manager
Zooey Deschanel is no stranger to public fallouts, as the actor was involved in a bitter legal feud with her former manager. She was sued by Seven Summits Pictures and Management in 2015, claiming they had not received commissions on several ad campaigns.
Deschanel countersued for breach of fiduciary duty, claiming that her former manager had wanted her to switch agencies in an act of revenge. The legal fight was ultimately settled in 2018, with both parties agreeing to drop their respective lawsuits.
Typecast as the 'Manic Pixie Dream Girl'
Zooey Deschanel has had a fair share of haters in the industry. Many critics have labeled her as a "manic pixie dream girl," a term that suggests her characters primarily serve to further male narratives. This typecasting has drawn both ire and praise over the years.
When asked about the label, Deschanel expressed that it oversimplifies her roles. "I'm not a girl. I'm a woman," she stated, emphasizing her depth beyond the label.
A Journalist Called Her a 'Snobby Cow'
Zooey Deschanel is used to criticism, but being called a "snobby cow" by a Los Angeles Times writer may have put her over the edge. The actor was the target of a scathing opinion piece by the publication, and Deschanel wasn’t about to let it go quietly.
In response, she published an open letter, clarifying that her comments had been taken out of context, reinforcing her pride in being an LA native.
Struggled with Negative Comments About Her Post-Baby Body
Zooey Deschanel welcomed her first child in 2015, a daughter named Elsie Otter, with her ex-husband Jacob Pechenik. Navigating motherhood came with its own set of challenges, particularly around body image.
Deschanel firmly believes that the expectation for women to return to their pre-baby bodies immediately is unrealistic and expressed this sentiment publicly.
Mourned the Loss of Her Former Co-Stars
Zooey Deschanel has experienced tragedy in her life, mourning the loss of two of her former co-stars in recent years.
In 2021, she honored her former co-star Ed Asner, sharing a heartfelt tribute on social media. In 2022, she faced another loss with the passing of Ralph Ahn, who played a beloved character on "New Girl."
Struggled with Being 'Likable'
Zooey Deschanel has acknowledged the pressure to be a likable character, stating that it can become a heavy weight. She believes that sacrificing depth for the sake of likability misses the point of character development.
Having grown up in a prominent family, Deschanel faced challenges adapting to fame. However, she has learned to develop a thick skin regarding public scrutiny, finding support in her personal life with her partner Jonathan Scott.
