Emily Deschanel: Actress and Activist

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Introduction
Deschanel's Birth and Education
Early Film Roles and Breakthroughs
Emily Deschanel: The Star Behind Dr. Temperance 'Bones' Brennan
Bones: Behind the Scenes
Notable Film Roles
Awards and Nominations
How Emily Deschanel Uses Her Fame to Champion Animal Rights
Deschanel's Marriage and Family Life

Emily Deschanel: Actress and Activist

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Emily Deschanel is an American actress best known for her starring role as Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan on the Fox crime procedural comedy-drama series Bones from 2005 to 2017.

Deschanel's Birth and Education

firstforwomen.com

Emily Erin Deschanel was born on October 11, 1976, in Los Angeles, California, to cinematographer and director Caleb Deschanel and actress Mary Jo Deschanel (née Weir).

She has a younger sister, Zooey Deschanel, who is also an actress and singer-songwriter.

Emily's paternal grandfather was French, and her ancestry includes Swiss, Dutch, English, and Irish roots.

She attended Harvard-Westlake and Crossroads School in Los Angeles before graduating from Boston University's Professional Actors Training Program with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater.

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Early Film Roles and Breakthroughs

people.com

Emily Deschanel's breakthrough role came in 2005 when she was cast as Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan, a forensic anthropologist, in the Fox crime procedural comedy-drama series Bones.

Prior to this star-making performance, Deschanel had appeared in several films in supporting roles, including It Could Happen to You in 1994, Cold Mountain in 2003, and Glory Road in 2006.

However, it was her leading role on Bones, which ran for 12 seasons from 2005 to 2017, that established Deschanel as a household name and showcased her talent for portraying a brilliant yet socially awkward scientist with a dry sense of humor.

5 sources

Emily Deschanel: The Star Behind Dr. Temperance 'Bones' Brennan

parade.com

Emily Deschanel's portrayal of Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan in the Fox crime procedural comedy-drama series Bones is arguably her most iconic role. The series, which aired from 2005 to 2017, was based on the novels and career of forensic anthropologist and author Kathy Reichs. Deschanel's character, a brilliant but socially awkward forensic anthropologist, worked alongside FBI agent Seeley Booth, played by David Boreanaz, to solve crimes by examining human remains. The show was notable for its blend of crime-solving, humor, and character development, which contributed to its 12-season run

. Deschanel's involvement in Bones extended beyond acting; she and Boreanaz served as co-producers starting in the third season and became full producers by the middle of the fourth season

. This role allowed her to have a significant influence on the show's direction and production. Her performance earned her several award nominations, including a 2006 Satellite Award and a 2007 Teen Choice Award

. The series was not without its controversies and challenges. Deschanel faced public scrutiny for maintaining a vegan diet during her pregnancies, which were written into the show

. Additionally, she and Boreanaz sued Fox for "tens of millions of dollars" ahead of the twelfth season, claiming they were owed a greater share of the series' profits

. Despite these issues, Bones remained a beloved series, and Deschanel's portrayal of Dr. Brennan left a lasting impact on fans and the television landscape

5 sources

Bones: Behind the Scenes

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Emily Deschanel faced controversy for remaining vegan during her pregnancy while filming Bones, with critics accusing her of prioritizing her appearance over her baby's health.

However, Deschanel worked closely with a nutritionist to ensure proper nutrition.

Behind the scenes, Deschanel admitted to being grossed out by some of the show's content, particularly "weird" things like coral inside bones rather than the gore itself.

She also expressed surprise at the series' longevity, initially expecting it to last only three years.

Deschanel and her co-star David Boreanaz even sued Fox for "tens of millions of dollars" ahead of season 12, claiming they were owed a greater percentage of profits as the show's main draws.

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Notable Film Roles

Emily Deschanel has had a diverse career in film and television. Below is a table summarizing her notable roles:

Year	Title	Role	Notes
1994	It Could Happen to You	Animal rights activist	Feature film debut
2000	It's a Shame About Ray	Maggie	Short film
2003	Easy	Laura Harris	Supporting role
2003	Cold Mountain	Mrs. Morgan	Supporting role
2004	The Alamo	Rosanna Travis	Supporting role
2004	Spider-Man 2	Receptionist	Cameo
2005	Boogeyman	Kate Houghton	Supporting role
2006	Glory Road	Mary Haskins	Supporting role
2009	My Sister's Keeper	Dr. Farquad	Supporting role
2011	The Perfect Family	Shannon Cleary	Supporting role
2015	Unity	Narrator	Documentary
2023	Big Boys	Nicole	Feature film

Deschanel's television career is equally impressive, with her most iconic role being Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan in the series Bones (2005–2017). She has also appeared in various other TV shows, including Rose Red, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Animal Kingdom

5 sources

Awards and Nominations

Emily Deschanel has received numerous nominations and awards throughout her career, particularly for her role in Bones. Below is a list of some of her notable recognitions:

Satellite Awards
- 2006: Nominated for Best Actress – Television Series Drama for Bones
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Teen Choice Awards
- 2007: Nominated for Choice TV Actress: Drama for Bones
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- 2011: Nominated for Favorite TV Crime Fighter for Bones
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- 2012: Nominated for Favorite TV Drama Actress for Bones
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- 2013: Nominated for Favorite Dramatic TV Actress for Bones
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- 2015: Nominated for Favorite TV Duo (with David Boreanaz) and Favorite Crime Drama TV Actress for Bones
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- 2016: Nominated for Favorite Crime Drama TV Actress for Bones
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People's Choice Awards
- 2011: Nominated for Favorite TV Crime Fighter for Bones
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- 2012: Nominated for Favorite TV Drama Actress for Bones
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- 2013: Nominated for Favorite Dramatic TV Actress for Bones
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- 2015: Nominated for Favorite TV Duo (with David Boreanaz) and Favorite Crime Drama TV Actress for Bones
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- 2016: Nominated for Favorite Crime Drama TV Actress for Bones
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Humane Advocate Award
- Recognized by The Humane Society for her environmental activism and advocacy for animal rights
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Deschanel's contributions to television and her commitment to activism have earned her a respected place in both the entertainment industry and the animal rights community.

5 sources

How Emily Deschanel Uses Her Fame to Champion Animal Rights

livekindly.com

Emily Deschanel is a passionate animal rights advocate who has used her celebrity platform to raise awareness about animal welfare issues. She has been a vegan since 1993 and has worked with organizations like PETA and Farm Sanctuary to promote plant-based diets and combat animal cruelty.

Deschanel has participated in numerous campaigns, including a video exposé of the dairy industry's mistreatment of cows and calves.

She also narrated the documentary Unity, which explores humanity's connection with the animal world.

Through her advocacy, Deschanel aims to educate the public about the ethical, environmental, and health benefits of veganism and inspire positive changes in our treatment of animals.

5 sources

Deschanel's Marriage and Family Life

people.com

Emily Deschanel married actor and writer David Hornsby on September 25, 2010, in a small private ceremony in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles

. The couple welcomed their first son, Henry Lamar Hornsby, in September 2011, and their second son, Calvin Hornsby, in June 2015

. Deschanel's pregnancies were written into her role on Bones, allowing her to balance her professional and personal life

. She is also best friends with her Bones co-star Michaela Conlin and maintains a strong working relationship with David Boreanaz, her on-screen partner