Jessica Rothe has certainly made a name for herself in Hollywood with an impressive and diverse filmography that showcases her range as an actress. Born in Denver, CO, Jessica Rothe discovered her love for acting during a summer theater camp in Kansas—an experience that ultimately set her on the path to stardom. She honed her craft by studying Drama at Boston University, and soon after, made her screen debut playing Bojana Mitic, a jewel thief, in the true crime series “America’s Most Wanted: America Fights Back” (Fox, 1998–2012).
Early in her career, Jessica Rothe appeared in guest roles on popular TV shows like “Happy Endings” (ABC, 2011–13), “Gossip Girl” (The CW, 2007–2012), and “Blue Bloods” (CBS, 2010–). These small but notable appearances helped build momentum, leading her to transition into film. She took on supporting roles in a variety of genres, including the middle-aged basketball comedy “The Hot Flushes” (2013), the introspective thirtysomething drama “Bastards of Young” (2013), and the family fantasy adventure “The Lost Keepers” (2013).
As her confidence grew, so did her roles. Jessica Rothe began sharing top billing in several indie projects, such as the coming-of-age films “Jack, Jules, Esther and Me” (2013) and “Lily & Kat” (2014), as well as the sci-fi thriller “Parallels” (2015). Around this time, she also added more depth to her resume with performances in the real-life drug drama “The Preppie Connection” (2015), the cross-cultural road trip movie “Summertime” (2016), and the intense action thriller “Juveniles” (2016).
By 2016, Jessica Rothe was on a roll. She delivered strong co-starring turns in the teen drama “Trust Fund,” the New York-set romantic comedy “Better Off Single,” and once again proved her versatility in the post-apocalyptic thriller “The Tribe.” But it was her role as Alexis, Emma Stone’s energetic and musically talented roommate in the Oscar-winning musical “La La Land” (2016), that truly brought Jessica Rothe into the spotlight. Her performance resonated with audiences and critics alike, marking a turning point in her career.
That same year, Jessica Rothe landed her first recurring television role in MTV’s stoner sitcom “Mary + Jane,” where she played one of two young entrepreneurs navigating the challenges of launching a weed delivery service in Los Angeles. The show allowed her to explore comedic timing and millennial culture, further showcasing her dynamic range.
Not one to slow down, Jessica Rothe continued building her momentum with roles in “Half to Death” (2016), where she played the central murder victim in a gripping thriller, and as Julia, the heartfelt love interest opposite Alex Roe in the country music romance “Forever My Girl” (2018). She also delivered a nuanced performance in the indie drama “Tater Tot & Patton” (2016), portraying a millennial whose arrival shakes up her alcoholic uncle’s life.
In 2017, Jessica Rothe appeared alongside Toni Collette and Dakota Fanning in the touching dramedy “Please Stand By,” a film centered around autism and personal ambition. That same year, she stepped into the iconic shoes of Deborah Foreman’s character in the musical remake “Valley Girl” (2017), proving once again that her vocal abilities were just as strong as her acting chops.
But perhaps the most defining chapter in Jessica Rothe’s career came with the surprise horror-comedy hit “Happy Death Day” (2018), where she starred as the lead, trapped in a time loop on the day of her murder. Her performance was both thrilling and darkly funny, earning widespread acclaim. The success led to a sequel, “Happy Death Day 2U” (2019), solidifying Jessica Rothe as a rising star who could carry a franchise. Through talent, perseverance, and a string of smart career choices, Jessica Rothe continues to evolve as one of Hollywood’s most compelling and versatile actresses.
Jessica Rothe is perhaps best known for her role in La La Land (2016), which remains her highest-rated film to date. On the other hand, The Preppie Connection (2015) stands out as the lowest-rated project in her filmography. While she has appeared in a variety of roles, these two films represent the high and low points in terms of critical reception. Her performance in La La Land continues to be widely praised, whereas The Preppie Connection received a more lukewarm response from audiences and critics alike.