Jena Malone is an American singer-actor, composer, and photographer best known for her roles in independent films and Hollywood blockbuster movies. She is also well-known for her multiple accolades including a Saturn Award and several Screen Actors Guild Awards for her work in the film industry. Jena was born in Southern California and grew up in small towns near Santa Barbara.
Jena was one of two girls whose parents were teachers. She attended Mission Viejo High School in Encinitas, California and worked her way through college, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at San Diego. Jena went on to star as a dancer in the musical “Dirty Laundry” as well as being an actress in numerous television shows including “Heroes.” After breaking into the Hollywood film industry in the late 1990s, Jena was often cast as characters that were meant to be sexy, egotistical, and flirtatious. Her body image problem, combined with her thin frame and freckles made this aspect of her career difficult to survive.
Following a brief stint in Las Vegas, Jena moved to Florida and was involved in the controversial real estate bubble bust. Following the crash, she moved back to California and was involved in performing stand-up comedy. While performing at clubs in California, Jena was propositioned by men who propositioned her. One of the incidents was captured on tape and portions were later used in an anti-harassment commercial produced by Comedy Central. The tape was called “Tranny,” after the common practice of female housekeepers being called by pimps for sexual favors.
After being asked to leave one of her clubs by the club’s owner because of the content of “tranny” on tape, Jena went on a publicized search for her biological mother who could have been her biological father. Her biological father was legally removed from her custody following the controversy and she was never able to meet him. After going through a number of lows and highs during her rise to fame, Jena Malone has settled into a low-key life as a stepmom. She continues to work hard to raise her children, working long hours and taking care of her aging mother.
In the aforementioned drama film, “Catch Me If You Can,” Jena Malone’s character was played by Lea Michele, who is best known for her memorable role as a young girl in the movie “Pulp Fiction.” Lea Michele is not the only young actor to receive a Young Artist Award for his work with Jena. Also nominated in the same category as “Catch Me If You Can,” is actress Camryn Manheim for her performance as a teen in the movie “Election.” Both actors will soon be seen in the second “Transformers” movie, which is slated for release in summer of 2007. While details of the movie were kept under wraps, it is expected that Jena will play the role of Megatron, the evil leader of the Decepticons.
In all, Jena Malone has had quite a few successes since her first breakout performance in her 1997 Young Artist Award-winning film “Catch Me If You Can.” However, even if she hasn’t been nominated for an actual award yet, Jena has proven that she is a force to be reckoned with. And given her impressive resume so far, she might just be the next Marlon Brando or George Clooney. Jena will continue to make headlines and hopefully inspire other actors and actresses to get their chance in Hollywood.
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