Biography

Jean Louisa Kelly

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Jean Louisa Kelly was born in Worcester, Massachusetts. She is an actress, known for Yes, Dear (2000), Uncle Buck (1989), as John Candy's mean-spirited, rebellious niece, Mr. Holland's Opus (1995), Luisa in Michael Ritchie's film version of the long running musical The Fantasticks (2001), and Sarah Kazansky, the Iceman's wife, in Top Gun: Maverick. She has been married to James Pitaro since May 24, 1997. They have two children together: a son and a daughter.
- IMDb mini biography by: Blogmonstermike

In addition to acting, she is also a singer and dancer. The musical film The Fantasticks (2000) showcases all her own singing and dancing talent. She also sang "Someone To Watch Over Me", which was featured in an uncredited performance as background music on Worlds Apart (1996) and she sang this song again (and other George Gershwin songs) in the film Mr. Holland's Opus (1995).
Has been close friends with Jennifer Garner since they worked together on the TV movie Harvest of Fire (1996).
Began her career as a child actor in stage musicals throughout New England and New York.
Played Snow White and was the understudy for Rapunzel and Little Red Riding Hood in the original Broadway production of Into the Woods.
As a child, she took lessons in voice, ballet, tap, and jazz.

It's real difficult to sing out in the elements at 2 in the morning in 35-degree weather while you're dancing in a sleeveless chiffon dress.
When they're watching musicals, I've heard people say, 'That's not realistic! Why would they just start singing?' But, I think they can believe it if they try! I mean, science fiction requires a suspension of disbelief, but people allow themselves to sit back and enjoy it anyway.
I always sang around the house. My brother and I would sing songs like 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame' and stuff like that.
I would love for musicals to come back on the screen.
In TV, it is important to get everything on film as fast as possible. You rehearse every day of the week, and each day, the performance may be changed. The process is more result-oriented than in the movies. It's more about working quickly.

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