Jennifer Leann Carpenter is an American actress known for her acclaimed role as Debra Morgan in the hit TV series ‘Dexter.’ With the show’s success, she garnered numerous awards including four Emmys and two Golden Globes. Her talent was further recognized with a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress. Carpenter has also showcased her acting prowess in the TV series ‘Limitless,’ and has made notable appearances in various films such as ‘Exorcism of Emily Rose’ and ‘Quarantine.’ Her versatility and captivating performances have solidified her status as a talented actress in both television and film.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Jennifer Leann Carpenter
- Age: 44 Years, 44 Year Old Females
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Seth Avett (m. 2016), Michael C. Hall (m. 2008–2011)
- Father: Robert Carpenter
- Mother: Catherine Carpenter, Catherine Mitchell Carpenter
- Children: Isaac Avett
- Born Country: United States
- Height: 5’9″ (175 cm), 5’9″ Females
- U.S. State: Kentucky
- City: Louisville, Kentucky
- More Facts:
- Education: The Juilliard School
Career
Jennifer Carpenter began her career while she was still pursuing her graduation. She was seen in the 2002 Broadway revival of Arthur Miller’s play ‘The Crucible.’ She next appeared in films, such as ‘Ash Tuesday’ (2003) and ‘White Chicks’ (2004) where she played supporting roles.
In 2005, she played a lead role for the first time in the thriller film ‘Lethal Eviction.’ The same year, she also played the lead role in the horror film ‘The Exorcism of Emily Rose.’ Directed by Scott Derrickson, the film revolved around a teenager named Emily Rose who dies after her father attempts an exorcism on her. The film was a huge commercial success, earning more than seven times its budget. It was also listed as one of the scariest films ever made.
The following year, she started appearing in the show ‘Dexter,’ playing one of the main roles. The show revolved around a forensic technician working for the ‘Miami Metro Police Department.’ The technician also lives a parallel life as a serial killer who hunts down murderers who manage to escape the justice system. The show was a huge success, earning a lot of popularity. It won many awards, including four ‘Emmy Awards’ and two ‘Golden Globe Awards.’
Carpenter was nominated for several awards for her performance. She also won the ‘Saturn Award’ for ‘Best Supporting Actress on Television.’
In 2008, she played a lead role in the film ‘Quarantine,’ which was directed by John Erick Dowdle. The film was a commercial success and won multiple awards. It was met with mixed reviews.
She acted in several films over the next few years; these include ‘Seeking Justice’ (2011), ‘Gone’ (2012), and ‘Ex-Girlfriends’ (2012), in which she was an executive producer as well. Her other important works on the big screen includes her role in the 2014 horror movie ‘The Devil’s Hand.’ Directed by Christian E Christiansen, the film starred her in a supporting role.
Carpenter has also appeared in many TV shows, mostly in supporting roles. She played the lead role in the comedy drama TV series ‘Limitless.’ Developed by Craig Sweeny, the series was based on the 2011 film of the same name. The series, which was aired on CBS, was canceled after a season.
After appearing in the 2017 thriller ‘Brawl in Cell Block 99,’ she voiced the character of ‘Selina Kyle’ in the DC comics animated movie ‘Batman: Gotham by Gaslight’ (2018). In 2018, she was seen in the thriller film ‘Dragged Across Concrete,’ which was directed by S. Craig Zahler.
In 2019, Jennifer joined the main cast of NBC drama series ‘The Enemy Within.’ She is also part of an upcoming project titled ‘A Mouthful of Air.’
Personal Life
Jennifer Carpenter was born on 7 December 1979, in Louisville, Kentucky, USA. Her parents are Catherine and Robert Carpenter. She studied at ‘St. Raphael the Archangel’ and then at ‘Sacred Heart Academy.’ She also studied at the ‘Walden Theatre Conservatory Program’ and later at the ‘Juilliard School’ at New York City, before pursuing a full-time career in acting.
In 2008, she married Michael C. Hall. However, they divorced after three years. She is currently married to Seth Avett. The couple was blessed with a baby boy in May 2015.