Zoe Lister-Jones

Zoe Lister-Jones – Life, Career, and Memorable Quotes

Zoe Lister-Jones (born September 1, 1982) is an American actress, writer, director, and producer. Learn about her upbringing, creative journey, signature works, and inspiring quotations.

Introduction

Zoe Lister-Jones is a multi-hyphenate creative force in Hollywood: an actress, screenwriter, director, and producer. Born on September 1, 1982, she has built a career combining mainstream television roles with independent filmmaking. She is known for her series work (such as Life in Pieces) and for writing/directing films like Band Aid. Her work often explores relationships, identity, and storytelling from a personal perspective.

Early Life and Family

Zoe Lister-Jones was born in Brooklyn, New York City. 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, and her father converted to Judaism; the family attended a synagogue and maintained a kosher home.

She went on to study at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, graduating with honors, and also studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.

Career and Achievements

Acting and Television

Zoe Lister-Jones began her career with roles in guest spots across procedural series and independent films. Over time, she gained greater visibility:

• She appeared in Delocated (2009–2010), Whitney (2011–2013), and had a recurring role in New Girl as Fawn Moscato.

• From 2015 to 2019, she starred as Jen Short in the sitcom Life in Pieces.

• She also appeared in Friends with Better Lives, Confirmation, and other television projects.

Her television work afforded her both comedic and dramatic opportunities, allowing her to hone her craft across genres.

Filmmaking, Writing & Directing

Beyond acting, Lister-Jones has been deeply involved in creating work behind the camera:

• In 2009, she co-wrote and co-produced Breaking Upwards, an independent film about the dynamics of a young couple’s relationship.

• She wrote and starred in Lola Versus (2012).

• Her directorial debut came with Band Aid (2017), a dramedy she wrote, directed, produced, and in which she starred.

• She wrote and directed The Craft: Legacy (2020), a reboot/sequel of The Craft.

• During the COVID-19 pandemic, she co-wrote and co-directed How It Ends (2021).

• In 2023, she created, wrote, directed, and starred in the comedy series Slip for Roku, and in December 2023 it was announced Slip had received two Independent Spirit Award nominations.

Thus, her creative footprint spans multiple roles in storytelling, not only in front of the camera but also behind it.

Personal & Public Life

• In 2013, Zoe Lister-Jones married Daryl Wein, her longtime creative partner.

• In 2021, she publicly accused actor Chris Noth of sexual harassment during a 2005 production.

• In early 2024, she disclosed that she considers herself queer and revealed that she is dating filmmaker Sammi Cohen.

Lister-Jones has also been vocal about gender imbalance in the entertainment industry, and in her directorial work she has sometimes employed all-women crews, citing the positive atmosphere and communication on set.

Themes & Style

Zoe Lister-Jones’s body of work often weaves together:

• Relational dynamics & romantic complexities: Her films and writing often explore the emotional terrain of relationships, breakups, intimacy, and selfhood.

• Authenticity & personal voice: She tends to infuse her creative work with her own sensibilities—her perspectives, struggles, and worldview come through in both her acting and writing.

• Hybrid genres: She blends drama, comedy, music, and introspection in her projects (for example, Band Aid involves musical elements and relationship drama).

• Collaboration & empowerment: She actively works to change power dynamics behind the camera (e.g., hiring women’s crews) and advocate for more equitable and communicative environments.

• Vulnerability & self-reflection: Her public commentary—on identity, relationships, career choices—echoes the introspective tone of her creative work.

Famous Quotes by Zoe Lister-Jones

Here are some notable quotations attributed to her:

“Nobody’s life is wrapped up neatly in a bow.” “I’ve always been a writer, and in high school, I was the editor of my school newspaper … It’s always been a passion of mine.” “Most actors and actresses are performative as people.” “I have a hard time waiting for things to happen.” “The secret to a long-lasting relationship is perpetually imagining the worst.” “Women always try to see the one good part of The Weird Guy … ‘He’s very odd, but he likes to cook. He’s creepy, but he makes good pancakes!’”

These quotes reflect a playful but thoughtful voice—aware of human contradictions, emotional complexity, and the everyday realness behind relationships and art.

Lessons from Zoe Lister-Jones’s Path

1. Be multitalented & not limited to one role — She moves fluidly between acting, writing, directing, and producing, refusing to confine herself.

2. Own your voice — Many of her stories are personal or emotionally honest; she doesn’t shy away from vulnerability.

3. Change the system from within — Her choices (e.g. hiring women crews) show a commitment to shifting power structures in entertainment.

4. Embrace uncertainty — The progression from small projects to indie films to television creations underscores the importance of risk and perseverance.

5. Integrate public and private growth — Her later coming out, boundary setting, and activism show that personal evolution can parallel artistic evolution.

Conclusion

Zoe Lister-Jones is a contemporary creative whose presence in Hollywood is marked by both artistic ambition and integrity. Her journey—from actor to writer-director, from private identity to public advocate—demonstrates a commitment to storytelling grounded in self-reflection, emotional honesty, and structural change. If you like, I can generate a timeline of her works, do a deep dive into Band Aid, or compare her style with other modern multi-hyphenate filmmakers. Which would you prefer?