Sophia Michaels
Zooey Deschanel gained fame for her roles as the quirky girl next door, portraying dorky protagonists admired by male characters. However, she faced criticism for playing shallow roles, with labels like “manic pixie dream girl.” Despite pushback, Deschanel endured the scrutiny, struggling with unfair judgments throughout her career.
Besides facing criticism, Deschanel encountered various challenges, including public disputes and health issues. Despite her nice image, she remained resilient and vocal, navigating the competitive Hollywood industry. Let’s explore the tough journey of Zooey Deschanel.
Zooey Deschanel Overcame Middle School Struggles
Despite her Hollywood success, Zooey Deschanel faced bullying and insecurities during her middle school years. The challenging teenage period left a lasting impact, prompting Deschanel to help women struggling with self-esteem later in life.
Deschanel co-founded HelloGiggles in 2011, offering a positive platform for millennial women. The website aimed to provide a supportive community, reflecting Deschanel’s desire to create a space she wished for during her teenage struggles. HelloGiggles’ success led to its acquisition by Time Inc. in 2015.
Living with Celiac Disease
Zooey Deschanel faced challenges with undiagnosed Celiac disease before being officially diagnosed after 13 years of health struggles. Following the diagnosis, she transitioned to a gluten-free lifestyle, advocating for others to consider similar dietary changes.
Deschanel now leads a gluten-free life, highlighting the benefits of this lifestyle in promoting overall well-being and health. She actively encourages others to consider the impact of gluten consumption on their health.
Legal Dispute with Ex-Manager
Zooey Deschanel faced a legal battle with her former manager, Seven Summits Pictures and Management, in a disagreement over commissions from Deschanel’s projects. The lawsuit ensued after Deschanel terminated their professional association, leading to accusations and legal actions.
The conflict involved claims of breach of fiduciary duty, with Deschanel alleging retaliatory motives on the part of her ex-manager. The legal dispute shed light on the complexities of talent management and contractual obligations in the entertainment industry.
**Jackson Allegedly Interfered in Career Decisions**
According to the actor’s claims, Jackson allegedly urged her to switch from the Creative Artists Agency to the United Talent Agency due to personal reasons, resulting in a prolonged period of unemployment for the actor.
**Legal Dispute Resolution**
The legal battle was resolved in 2018, with Deschanel and Seven Summits deciding to withdraw their lawsuits. The terms of the settlement were kept confidential, with the lawyer mentioning that the matter was resolved amicably.
**Criticism of Being Typecast**
Deschanel has faced criticism for being typecast as a ‘manic pixie dream girl,’ a term with negative connotations implying a one-dimensional character that serves to enhance male characters. Deschanel defended herself against this label, emphasizing that she is a multifaceted individual.
**Condemnation by Journalist**
A journalist labeled Deschanel as a ‘snobby cow,’ which sparked controversy. Deschanel disputed the claims made in the article, clarifying that her comments were taken out of context and that she takes pride in her roots in Los Angeles.
**Challenges Post-Pregnancy**
Deschanel opened up about facing negative remarks about her post-baby body after giving birth to her daughter. She highlighted the unrealistic expectations placed on women to bounce back immediately after childbirth and emphasized the physical changes that come with pregnancy.**Zooey Deschanel’s Personal Life**
Zooey Deschanel welcomed her second child, a son named Charlie Wolf, with her former husband Jacob Pechenik in 2017. Unfortunately, the couple parted ways in 2019 and finalized their divorce in 2020.
**She Mourned the Loss of Her Former Co-Stars**
In recent years, Zooey Deschanel faced the loss of two of her former co-stars. In 2021, she mourned the passing of Emmy Award-winning actor Ed Asner, known for his role as Santa Claus in the movie “Elf.” Similarly, in 2022, Deschanel was saddened by the death of her “New Girl” co-star Ralph Ahn, who played the character Tran on the show. She paid tribute to both actors on social media.
**Deschanel Struggled with Being ‘Likable’**
While Zooey Deschanel is admired by many, she has shared that trying to maintain a likable image can be challenging. She believes that prioritizing likability over a character’s complexity can dilute their essence. Despite coming from a family with a background in the entertainment industry, Deschanel initially found fame uncomfortable. Over time, she has developed a thicker skin against criticism and embraces the support of her children and boyfriend, Jonathan Scott.
