Born Jennifer Mary Butula on September 30, 1971, in Los Angeles, Elfman initially trained as a classical ballerina. However, a foray into acting brought with it new opportunities and Elfman found work in various television shows before being cast in a bit role in Grosse Point Blank in 1997. The same year, she won the role of Dharma in Dharma and Greg and was soon being touted as one of the most exciting new actors on television. She would go on to appear in movies like Can't Hardly Wait, EdTV, Keeping the Faith, Town & Country, and Friends with Benefits. Elfman would also continue to find success on the small screen on shows like Courting Alex and Accidentally on Purpose.
If Elfman's last name sounds familiar, it's probably because she is related to Danny Elfman, composer of soundtracks ranging from The Simpsons to Good Will Hunting. The composer is uncle to Bodhi Elfman, whom Jenna Elfman married in 1995.
