Written by: Rajesh Kumar

Zoe Lister-Jones: The Multifaceted Actress, Filmmaker, and Rockstar

Zoe Lister-Jones is an American actress, filmmaker, and musician known for her versatility and impressive range in various creative fields. She is best recognized for her roles in the television shows Life in Pieces, Delocated, Whitney, and New Girl, as well as her directorial debut with the 2017 comedy-drama film Band Aid.

Early Life and Education

Born on September 1, 1982, in Brooklyn, New York City, Lister-Jones grew up in a creative and culturally rich environment. Her mother, Ardele Lister, is a Canadian-born video artist, and her father, Bill Jones, is an American photographer and media artist. Her mother was born into a Jewish family, while her father converted to Judaism. Lister-Jones' upbringing in a culturally diverse household had a significant impact on her artistic expression and worldview.

Career Highlights and Major Works

After graduating with honors from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University and studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, Lister-Jones began her acting career with a solo CD titled Skip the Kiss. Kyle Forester, who composed the score for Breaking Upwards, arranged the music for the album. Her early New York City theater credits include Seminar, The Little Dog Laughed, and The Accomplices.

Her breakthrough role came as Jen Collins-Short in the CBS sitcom Life in Pieces, which she played from 2015 to 2019. During this period, she also appeared in the television shows Delocated, Whitney, and New Girl. Lister-Jones made her directorial debut with the 2017 comedy-drama film Band Aid, showcasing her versatility as a filmmaker.

In 2020, she wrote and directed the horror film The Craft Legacy, followed by the comedy-drama film How It Ends in 2021, which she co-wrote and co-directed with Daryl Wein during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, she wrote, directed, and starred in the comedy series Slip for The Roku Channel, with Dakota Johnson as an executive producer under her TeaTime Pictures banner.

Awards and Honors

On December 5, 2023, it was announced that Slip was nominated for two Independent Spirit Awards, a testament to Lister-Jones' dedication to her craft and innovative storytelling.

Personal Milestones and Key Life Events

Lister-Jones' childhood experiences had a profound impact on her artistic expression. She grew up attending a local Conservative egalitarian synagogue with her family every Saturday and was raised in a kosher home. Her diverse upbringing and creative family background instilled in her a strong sense of curiosity and exploration, which is reflected in her diverse range of roles and projects.

As a multifaceted artist, Lister-Jones continues to push boundaries and take on new challenges in the entertainment industry. With her unique perspective and passion for storytelling, she is an inspiration to aspiring artists and a testament to the power of creativity and hard work.