Jenna Lee Dewan (/dəˈwɑːn/; born December 3, 1980) is an American actress and dancer. She started her career as a backup dancer for Janet Jackson, and later worked with artists including Christina Aguilera, Pink, and Missy Elliott. She is known for her role as Nora Clark in the 2006 film Step Up. She has also starred on the short-lived NBC series The Playboy Club and had a recurring role on the FX series American Horror Story: Asylum. She portrayed Freya Beauchamp on the Lifetime series Witches of East End, Lucy Lane in The CW series Supergirl and Superman & Lois, and Joanna in Soundtrack on Netflix. Dewan has hosted the reality television shows World of Dance and Flirty Dancing and served as a judge on Come Dance with Me. She currently stars as Bailey Nune on ABC's The Rookie. She also had a recurring role on the FOX medical drama The Resident.

Jenna Dewan
Dewan in 2012
Born
Jenna Lee Dewan

(1980-12-03) December 3, 1980 (age 43)
Alma materUniversity of Southern California
Occupations
  • Actress
  • dancer
Years active1990–present
Spouse
(m. 2009; div. 2024)
[1]
Partner(s)Steve Kazee (2018–present; engaged)
Children3

Early life

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Dewan was born December 3, 1980[2] in Hartford, Connecticut, the daughter of Nancy Smith (née Bursch) and Darryll Dewan, who was a running back on the 1972 Notre Dame football team.[3] Her father is of Syrian, Lebanese and Polish descent and her mother is of Cornish, German and English ancestry.[4][5]

As a child, Dewan moved frequently; she mentioned in an interview that she lived in seven cities before reaching the seventh grade.[6] While attending high school at Notre Dame Preparatory School in Towson, Maryland, Dewan was a varsity cheerleader. She transferred to Grapevine High School in Grapevine, Texas. She was also a varsity cheerleader there and was voted prom queen during her senior year. She attended the University of Southern California and was a member of the California Gamma chapter of Pi Beta Phi.[7][8]

Career

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Dancing

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Dewan first appeared in Janet Jackson's "Doesn't Really Matter" video in 2000 and later in "All for You" and the All for You Tour in 2001.[9] She credits working with Jackson for aiding her career, allowing her to later work with many other artists and giving her the experience necessary to co-star in the dance film Step Up.[10] In 2016, Dewan modeled as the face of dancewear manufacturer Danskin in a campaign and photo shoot that captured and featured her athleticism as a dancer.[11]

Acting

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In 2006, Dewan co-starred with Channing Tatum in Step Up, as well as starring in Take the Lead that same year.[citation needed]

In August 2008, Dewan starred in the Lifetime made-for-television film Fab Five: The Texas Cheerleader Scandal which follows five rule-breaking teens. She portrayed the role of disciplinarian Coach Emma Carr. In November 2009, she appeared in the straight-to-DVD comedy American Virgin alongside Rob Schneider.[citation needed]

In March 2011, Dewan was cast in the NBC pilot of The Playboy Club. In May 2011, NBC picked up the series for a full season. She portrayed the role of Bunny Janie, a provocative Playboy bunny who works at a Playboy Club in Chicago in 1961. The series premiered on September 19 to 5.2 million viewers with mixed reviews from critics. Due to low ratings, NBC cancelled the series after just three episodes in October 2011.[citation needed]

In November 2011, Dewan starred in the film The Jerk Theory. This was first released in Germany in 2009. It was later released in the United States in November 2011.[citation needed]

Dewan appeared in the romantic-comedy film 10 Years, alongside her then-husband Channing Tatum, who also co-produced. The film was released on September 14, 2012. That same year, she appeared as Teresa Morrison in American Horror Story: Asylum, the second season of the horror television series.[citation needed]

In 2013, Dewan began starring in the Lifetime series Witches of East End as Freya Beauchamp, one of the lead characters. In late 2015, she began a recurring role in the CBS/CW series Supergirl as Lucy Lane, and reprised the role in its spinoff Superman & Lois.[12] She also had a recurring role in FOX's The Resident. Dewan's upcoming projects include The Wedding Year, Berlin, I Love You and Soundtrack.[13][14][15][16][17]

She joined the cast of ABC's The Rookie as Bailey in its third season, and was promoted to series regular in its fourth season.[18]

In 2018, Dewan makes an appearance on the television series Seatbelt Psychic and receives a spooky reading from the famous medium Thomas John.[19]

In 2022, Dewan starred and executive produced in the Lifetime film Let's Get Physical as part of the "Ripped from the Headlines" feature film. She portrays Sadie Smith who is loosely based on Zumba instructor Alexis Wright with the film inspired by Alexis' and her side prostitution gig.[20]

33andOut Productions

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Along with friends Reid Carolin, Adam Martingano, Brett Rodriguez and Channing Tatum, Dewan started a production company called 33andOut Productions.[21] Their first production is a documentary called Earth Made of Glass that follows Rwandan President Paul Kagame and genocide survivor Jean-Pierre Sagahutu. It premiered at the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival.[22] Dewan and Tatum collaborated in a YouTube Premium/Starz television series Step Up, where they executive produced together.[citation needed]

Personal life

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In 2006, Dewan started dating actor Channing Tatum after meeting on the set of their film Step Up. They married on July 11, 2009, in Malibu, California.[23][24] They have one daughter, named Everly Elizabeth Maiselle Tatum born on May 31, 2013.[25] On April 2, 2018, the couple announced that they were separating.[26][27] Six months later, Dewan filed for divorce from Tatum.[28] Their divorce was finalized on September 25, 2024. [29][1]

In October 2018, it was confirmed that Dewan was in a relationship with actor Steve Kazee.[30][31] In February 2020, she and Kazee announced their engagement.[32][33] Their first child, a son named Callum Michael Rebel Kazee was born on March 6, 2020.[34] On January 17, 2024 it was confirmed via Dewan's Instagram that she and Kazee were expecting their second child.[35] Their daughter, Rhiannon Lee Kathryn Kazee, was born on June 14, 2024.[36]

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes
2002 The Hot Chick Bianca Salsa Girl
2005 Waterborne Devi
Tamara Tamara Riley
2006 Take the Lead Sasha Bulut
Step Up Nora Clark
The Grudge 2 Sally
2008 Love Lies Bleeding Amber Video
The Jerk Theory Molly Taylor
Fab Five: The Texas Cheerleader Scandal Emma Carr TV movie
2009 Falling Awake Alessandra
The Six Wives of Henry Lefay Sarah Jane
American Virgin Priscilla White
2011 The Legend of Hell's Gate: An American Conspiracy Katherine Prescott
Balls to the Wall Rachel Matthews
10 Years Jess
Setup Mia
2012 Slightly Single in L.A. Hallie
2013 She Made Them Do It Sarah Pender TV movie
2019 Berlin, I Love You Mandy
The Wedding Year Jessica
2022 Let's Get Physical Sadie Smith TV movie
2023 Devil on My Doorstep Natasha TV movie

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
2004 Quintuplets Haley Episode: "Little Man on Campus"
The Young and the Restless Donna Episode: "Episode #1.7935" & "#1.7938"
2005 Joey Tanya Episode: "Joey and the Break-Up"
2009 Melrose Place Kendra Wilson Episode: "Windsor" & "Gower"
2011 The Playboy Club Bunny Janie Main Cast
2012–2013 American Horror Story Teresa Morrison Recurring Cast: Season 2 (5 episodes)
2013–2014 Witches of East End Freya Beauchamp Main Cast
2014 The Mindy Project Brooke Episode: "Be Cool"
So You Think You Can Dance Herself/Guest Judge Episode: "Episode #11.12" & "#11.15"
2015 The Real Girl's Kitchen Herself Episode: "The H Word"
2015–2016 Supergirl Lucy Lane Recurring role (season 1); 13 episodes
2016 Lip Sync Battle Herself/Competitor Episode: "Channing Tatum vs. Jenna Dewan-Tatum"
No Tomorrow Tuesday Episode: "No Holds Barred"
2017 Hollywood Medium with Tyler Henry Herself Episode: "Jenna Dewan-Tatum/Emily VanCamp/Pauly D"
2017–2018 World of Dance Herself/Host Main Host: Season 1-2
Man with a Plan Jen Guest Cast: Season 1-2
2018 Blaze and the Monster Machines Little Bunny (voice) Episode: "Breaking the Ice"
2018–2019 The Resident Julian Booth Recurring Cast: Season 2
2019 Soundtrack Joanna Main Cast
2019–2020 Flirty Dancing Herself/Host[37] Main Host
2020 Robot Chicken College Girl #3 (voice) Episode: "Buster Olive in: The Monkey Got Closer Overnight"
2021–present The Rookie Bailey Nune Recurring Cast: Season 3, Main Cast: Season 4-present
2022 Come Dance with Me Herself/Judge[38] Main Judge
2022–2023 Superman & Lois Lucy Lane Recurring role (season 2); Guest (season 3); 6 episodes[39]
2023 That's My Jam Herself Episode: "Jenna Dewan & JoJo Siwa vs. Nikki Glaser & Jay Pharoah"
Celebrity Family Feud Herself/Contestant Episode: "Episode #10.8"

Music Videos

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Year Title Artist(s)
1999 "So Real" Mandy Moore
2000 "He Wasn't Man Enough" Toni Braxton
"Upside Down" A-Teens
"Doesn't Really Matter" Janet Jackson
"Honey Bee" Belle Perez
2001 "All for You" Janet Jackson
"You're No Good" Ellie Campbell
2002 "Gossip Folks" Missy Elliott
2003 "One Heart" Celine Dion
"Juramento" Ricky Martin
2006 "(When You Gonna) Give It Up to Me" Sean Paul featuring Keyshia Cole
"Get Up" Ciara featuring Chamillionaire
2010 "Not Myself Tonight" Christina Aguilera
2019 "Happy Anniversary, All I Want for Christmas Is You!"[40] Mariah Carey

Producer

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Year Title Role Notes
2010 Earth Made of Glass Executive producer Documentary
2018–2022 Step Up Executive producer
2019–2020 Flirty Dancing Producer
2022 Let's Get Physical Executive producer
2023 Devil on My Doorstep Executive producer

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Category Work Result
2007 Teen Choice Awards Choice Movie: Dance Scene (with Channing Tatum) Step Up Won
2012 Peabody Award Executive producer (with Channing Tatum) Earth Made of Glass

References

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  1. ^ a b "Channing Tatum, Jenna Dewan Are Legally Single, Divorce Final". TMZ. November 20, 2019. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  2. ^ Burtt, Kristyn. "Jenna Dewan Celebrates Birthday With Steamy Nude Dip in Hot Tub With Fiancé Steve Kazee". Archived from the original on March 12, 2022. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  3. ^ "All Time Lineups -- 1970–1979". Notre Dame Football. Archived from the original on June 17, 2011. Retrieved September 28, 2011.
  4. ^ Jenna Dewan's Fan Q&A on Twitter and New Photos at Nylon Magazine's Archived December 22, 2013, at the Wayback Machine. channingtatumunwrapped.com. Retrieved August 26, 2009.
  5. ^ "Here's What Jenna Dewan-Tatum Eats Most Days". Self.com. June 30, 2016. Archived from the original on April 18, 2021. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
  6. ^ "Jenna Dewan-Tatum: 25 Things You Don't Know About Me". October 4, 2013. Archived from the original on April 15, 2019. Retrieved November 9, 2016.
  7. ^ "Jenna Dewan struggled with Channing Tatum's soaring career, report says". The Mercury News. April 4, 2018. Archived from the original on August 18, 2020. Retrieved September 24, 2018.
  8. ^ "Pi Beta Phi Fraternity For Women". www.pibetaphi.org. Archived from the original on November 24, 2018. Retrieved September 24, 2018.
  9. ^ "Extratv.com : Justin Timberlake". Extra. September 9, 2002. Archived from the original on September 6, 2014. Retrieved July 2, 2014.
  10. ^ "Timberlake's Ex Is Out for Blood - Today's News: Our Take". TV Guide. Webb, Matt. June 17, 2002. Archived from the original on January 30, 2009. Retrieved July 2, 2004.
  11. ^ "Jenna Dewan-Tatum Returns to Her Dancer Roots in Danskin Campaign". E! Online. September 28, 2016. Archived from the original on November 10, 2016. Retrieved November 9, 2016.
  12. ^ Swift, Andy (October 29, 2021). "Jenna Dewan Joins Superman & Lois, Reprising Supergirl Character Lucy Lane". TVLine. Archived from the original on October 29, 2021. Retrieved October 30, 2021.
  13. ^ N'Duka, Amanda (May 30, 2018). "Anna Camp, Wanda Sykes, Jenna Dewan & More RSVP For 'The Wedding Year'". Archived from the original on July 15, 2018. Retrieved July 15, 2018.
  14. ^ "Wanda Sykes, Jenna Dewan and Anna Camp to Star With Sarah Hyland in 'The Wedding Year' - THR News". The Hollywood Reporter. May 30, 2018. Archived from the original on July 15, 2018. Retrieved July 15, 2018.
  15. ^ N'Duka, Amanda (October 12, 2017). "Jenna Dewan Tatum Joins The Cast Of 'Berlin, I Love You'". Archived from the original on July 14, 2018. Retrieved July 14, 2018.
  16. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (July 2, 2018). "'Mixtape': Netflix Picks Up Fox Musical Drama Pilot To Series". Archived from the original on July 3, 2018. Retrieved July 14, 2018.
  17. ^ "Jenna Dewan Lands New Musical Drama 'Mixtape' on Netflix". July 2, 2018. Archived from the original on July 14, 2018. Retrieved July 14, 2018.
  18. ^ Swift, Andy (November 1, 2021). "The Rookie Promotes Jenna Dewan to Series Regular for Season 4". TVLine. Archived from the original on November 1, 2021. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
  19. ^ "Jenna Dewan Is Told 'Soulmates Take on Many Different Forms' in Emotional Psychic Reading | Entertainment Tonight". www.etonline.com. July 31, 2018. Archived from the original on August 28, 2022. Retrieved August 28, 2022.
  20. ^ Cain, Brooke (October 15, 2022). "What to Watch Saturday: Zumba prostitution ring in 'true story' Lifetime movie". The News & Observer. Archived from the original on January 18, 2024. Retrieved March 9, 2023.
  21. ^ "33andout.com". Archived from the original on July 1, 2010. Retrieved April 16, 2010.
  22. ^ "ChanningTatumUnwrapped.com". Earth Made of Glass. Archived from the original on March 8, 2012. Retrieved March 29, 2010.
  23. ^ "Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan Get Married". Celebrity Bride Guide. July 11, 2009. Archived from the original on August 2, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  24. ^ ". | Channing Tatum Unwrapped | Official Website". Channing Tatum Unwrapped. July 11, 2009. Archived from the original on February 10, 2012. Retrieved September 28, 2011.
  25. ^ Galla, Brittany (June 2, 2013). "Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan-Tatum's Baby: It's a Girl!". Us Weekly. Archived from the original on March 18, 2022. Retrieved June 3, 2013.
  26. ^ "Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan Split After Nearly 9 Years of Marriage". Archived from the original on March 13, 2022. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
  27. ^ Melas, Chloe (April 3, 2018). "Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan Tatum announce separation". Archived from the original on July 5, 2021. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
  28. ^ "Jenna Dewan Files for Divorce From Channing Tatum". E! Online. October 26, 2018. Archived from the original on March 18, 2022. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  29. ^ Siwak, Miranda (September 25, 2024). "Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan's Messy Divorce: A Timeline". Us Weekly. Archived from the original on September 26, 2024. Retrieved September 26, 2024.
  30. ^ Marcus, Emily (October 30, 2018). "Who Is Steve Kazee? 5 Things to Know About Jenna Dewan's Boyfriend". USWeekly. Archived from the original on February 5, 2022. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
  31. ^ Koerner, Allyson (June 5, 2019). "Jenna Dewan's Boyfriend Steve Kazee Finally Made His Debut On Her Instagram". Bustle. Archived from the original on April 21, 2021. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
  32. ^ Jackson, Vanessa; Morin, Alyssa (February 18, 2020). "Jenna Dewan Engaged to Steve Kazee". Eonline.com. Archived from the original on December 14, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2020.
  33. ^ Kubota, Samantha (February 18, 2020). "Jenna Dewan Announces Engagement to Steve Kazee". Today.com. Archived from the original on November 4, 2020. Retrieved March 11, 2020.
  34. ^ @SteveKazee (March 10, 2020). "In an instant our universe burst wide open and nothing would ever be the same. Welcome to earth star child. Callum Michael Rebel Kazee 3/6/20" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  35. ^ "Jenna Dewan is expecting her third child, second with fiancé Steve Kazee". USA Today. January 17, 2024. Archived from the original on January 18, 2024. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  36. ^ Burke, Michelle Stein and Sammi (June 20, 2024). "Jenna Dewan Welcomes Baby No. 3 With Birth Photos From the Hospital". Parade. Archived from the original on June 20, 2024. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  37. ^ Iannucci, Rebecca (October 9, 2019). "Jenna Dewan to Host Blind Dating Series Flirty Dancing at Fox". TVLine. Archived from the original on January 28, 2023. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
  38. ^ White, Peter (April 13, 2021). "Jenna Dewan Set As Judge For CBS Reality Competition Come Dance With Me". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on March 25, 2022. Retrieved March 25, 2022.
  39. ^ Goldberg, Lesley (October 29, 2021). "Jenna Dewan to Reprise Supergirl Role on Superman & Lois (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on October 29, 2021. Retrieved October 29, 2021.
  40. ^ Reda, Natasha (December 23, 2019). "Ariana Grande, Katy Perry and More Star in Mariah Carey's Christmas Video Tribute: Watch". PopCrush. Archived from the original on March 6, 2020. Retrieved December 24, 2019.
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