Mary Jo Deschanel - Actor Profile

Mary Jo Deschanel

Acting
Freshness: Jan 26, 2026
16Total Films
8.5 Highest Rated
Born: Nov 25, 1945
Birth Place: Los Angeles, California, USA

About Mary Jo Deschanel

Mary Jo Deschanel (born 25 November 1945) is an American actress, known for her roles in the movies The Right Stuff and The Patriot, and for the TV series Twin Peaks. She is married to 6-time Academy Award nominated cinematographer Caleb Deschanel, and mother of actresses Emily Deschanel (Bones) and Zoey Deschanel (New Girl).

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Mary Jo Deschanel reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 16 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Mary Jo Deschanel's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 56% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Mary Jo Deschanel remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Twin Peaks, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Mary Jo Deschanel Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Mary Jo Deschanel's career based on audience ratings.

★8.5
Twin Peaks (1989) movie poster
★8.5

Twin Peaks: An idiosyncratic FBI agent investigates the murder of a young woman in the even more idiosyncratic town of Twin Peaks. (

Twin Peaks

1989•Mystery
★7.4
The Right Stuff (1983) movie poster
★7.4

The Right Stuff: At the dawn of the Space Race, seven test pilots set out to become the first American astronauts to enter space. However

The Right Stuff

1983•Drama
★7.4
Secrets from Another Place: Creating Twin Peaks (2007) movie poster
★7.4

Secrets from Another Place: Creating Twin Peaks: A select group of key creative forces involved in the making of Twin Peaks reveals their take on the fascinating creatio

Secrets from Another Place: Creating Twin Peaks

2007•Documentary
★7.4
My Sister's Keeper (2009) movie poster
★7.4

My Sister's Keeper: Sara and Brian live an idyllic life with their young son and daughter. But their family is rocked by sudden, heartbreaki

My Sister's Keeper

2009•Drama
★7.3
Twin Peaks: The Missing Pieces (2014) movie poster
★7.3

Twin Peaks: The Missing Pieces: Ninety minutes of deleted and alternate takes from Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, assembled by David Lynch to continue t

Twin Peaks: The Missing Pieces

2014•Thriller

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Mary Jo Deschanel.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2014 Twin Peaks: The Missing Pieces Eileen Hayward Hit Similar →
2012 Ruby Sparks Female Professor Hit Similar →
2009 My Sister's Keeper Saleswoman Hit Similar →
2007 Secrets from Another Place: Creating Twin Peaks - Hit Similar →
2007 Breach Vivian O'Neill Hit Similar →
2006 Winter Passing Mary Average Similar →
2002 Bark! Betty Flop Similar →
2000 The Patriot Mrs. Howard Hit Similar →
1989 Twin Peaks Eileen Hayward Super Hit Similar →
1987 Cameo by Night Mrs. Schwinn Flop Similar →
1986 A Winner Never Quits Mrs. Gary Average Similar →
1984 2010 Betty Fernandez Hit Similar →
1983 The Right Stuff Annie Glenn Hit Similar →
1969 Anatomy of a Crime Marcie Average Similar →
1968 The Wild Racers Dancing Girl Flop Similar →
1966 Wendy Wendy Flop Similar →

Mary Jo Deschanel - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Mary Jo Deschanel?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Mary Jo Deschanel is "Twin Peaks" with a rating of 8.5/10.

How many movies has Mary Jo Deschanel acted in?

Mary Jo Deschanel has been featured in at least 16 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Mary Jo Deschanel?

Other notable films include "The Right Stuff", "Secrets from Another Place: Creating Twin Peaks", and "My Sister's Keeper".