Jessica Rothe
Discover the journey of Jessica Rothe, the American actress born May 28, 1987, known for Happy Death Day, La La Land, Valley Girl, and more. Explore her early life, acting highlights, philosophy, and best quotes.
Introduction
Jessica Ann Rothenberg, professionally known as Jessica Rothe (born May 28, 1987), is an American actress celebrated for her versatility, charisma, and presence in both genre films and heartfelt dramas.
While she appeared in several supporting roles early in her career, Rothe broke through with her portrayal of Tree Gelbman in the Happy Death Day films, earning her a reputation as a modern “scream queen.”
Her film credits also include La La Land (2016), Valley Girl (2020), All My Life (2020), and Boy Kills World (2023).
Below, you’ll find a deeper look into her life, influences, key roles, personality, and the ideas she’s expressed in her own words.
Early Life and Family
Jessica was born in Denver, Colorado, to parents Susan and Steve Rothenberg. Colleen Rothenberg, was a theater actress, which suggests some performing arts influence in the family.
From a young age, Rothe was drawn to performance. She began ballet classes at about age 8, and she attended summer theater camps in Kansas City.
She graduated from Boston University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
Career and Achievements
Early Years and Supporting Roles
Rothe began her professional acting journey under her birth name, Jessica Rothenberg, appearing in minor television roles, independent films, and stage performances.
Her early credits include guest spots on The Onion News Network, Happy Endings, Gossip Girl, and Blue Bloods.
She also appeared in independent features like The Hot Flashes, Jack, Jules, Esther & Me, Lily & Kat, Parallels, and The Preppie Connection.
During this time, she also acted on stage — for example, in the play The Dream of the Burning Boy.
Breakthrough & Signature Roles
Her breakthrough came when she was cast as Tree Gelbman in the horror/comedy Happy Death Day (2017). The film was a commercial success and elevated her profile as a lead actress in genre films. Happy Death Day 2U (2019).
In La La Land (2016), she played Alexis, the roommate of Emma Stone’s character, contributing to the ensemble cast of the Oscar-winning film.
She also starred in Valley Girl (2020), Forever My Girl (2018), All My Life (2020), and Boy Kills World (2023).
On television, she starred in the MTV comedy series Mary + Jane (2016) and appeared in the Amazon Prime sci-fi drama Utopia (2020).
Style & Recognition
With her role in Happy Death Day, Jessica Rothe gained recognition as a contemporary scream queen — combining vulnerability, wit, and resilience in a horror setting.
Her performances are often praised for their emotional depth, comedic timing, and ability to balance genre expectations with genuine character moments.
Personality, Philosophy & Influence
Rothe often emphasizes growth, vulnerability, and transformation—both personally and in her roles. Her public statements reveal a thoughtful actor who values connection, learning, and authenticity.
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She has said:
“People can change, learn, and grow, and it's better to face your demons instead of perpetually running away from them.”
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On the joy of acting:
“I love getting to be someone else, to explore the parts of myself and other people that we may keep locked away…”
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On lifelong learning:
“Every project I do, I learn something new.” “Every person I work with, I learn something from.”
She also often acknowledges her supportive family:
“I'm lucky my parents are incredibly supportive … they have put so much faith in me as I jump into this crazy business.”
Rothe has discussed the unpredictable nature of acting, noting that hard work sometimes isn’t enough in an industry defined by chance and timing.
These reflections suggest an artist who is grounded, grateful, continually evolving, and aware of both the dreams and challenges of her profession.
Famous Quotes by Jessica Rothe
Here are some of her standout quotes:
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“People can change, learn, and grow, and it’s better to face your demons instead of perpetually running away from them.”
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“I love getting to be someone else, to explore the parts of myself and other people that we may keep locked away…”
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“Every project I do, I learn something new.”
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“Every person I work with, I learn something from.”
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“I'm lucky my parents are incredibly supportive … they have put so much faith in me as I jump into this crazy business.”
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“I loved rom-coms growing up. So, of course I wanted to be in one and be the girl that I had watched up on the screen so many times when I was 13.”
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“Change is hard. A lot of times, at the end of films … I look back, and I’m like, ‘I don’t think anyone changed,’ and that’s an important thing to see.”
These quotes reflect themes of courage, growth, gratitude, and the emotional risks that come with creative work.
Lessons from Jessica Rothe’s Journey
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Embrace transformation
Rothe’s career shows that stepping into varied roles—and sometimes discomfort—is how growth happens. -
Value learning above mastery
Her insistence on learning from both work and collaborators suggests humility is a strength in the arts. -
Let support sustain you
Acknowledging the role of family and community reminds us that no creative journey is entirely solo. -
Merge genre with meaning
She demonstrates that horror, comedy, romance, and drama each carry emotional truth—if you commit to authenticity. -
Own vulnerability
Her openness about fear, change, and self-discovery shows that vulnerability need not be weakness—it can be creative power.
Personal Life
Jessica Rothe married actor Eric Clem on September 12, 2020, in Morrison, Colorado.
She is also active in social issues and often uses her platform to speak on mental health, authenticity, and the challenges in entertainment.
Conclusion
Jessica Rothe’s journey is one of bold transitions and deep emotional resonance. From smaller roles and stage work to leading genre films and heartfelt dramas, she has carved a space for herself as a dynamic, empathetic actress.
Her reflections—about change, learning, and self-exploration—offer insight not just into her career but into how creativity, identity, and art can intersect in everyday life.