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Jewel StaiteCanadian actress
Date of Birth: 02.06.1982
Country:  Canada |
Content:
Biography of Jewel Staite
Jewel Staite is a Canadian actress known for her roles as Catalina in the series "Space Cases," Kaylee Frye in the series "Firefly" and the film "Serenity" (2005), as well as Dr. Jennifer Keller in the series "Stargate Atlantis." She has appeared in over 40 film and television roles throughout her career.
Early Life and Career
Jewel Staite was born on June 2, 1982, in White Rock, British Columbia, Canada. She spent her first three years of life in Maui. From a young age, Staite worked as a model and began acting at the age of 6. She was discovered by scouts from an agency while shopping with her mother at a Vancouver mall. Staite has a diverse ancestral background, including English, Irish, French-Canadian, and even Iroquois heritage.
She studied at the Vancouver Film School and worked at the Vancouver Youth Theatre. Staite made her first television appearance in 1991 in the drama "Posing: Inspired by Three Real Stories." She then went on to appear in several television films and series, including "Liar, Liar," "The Only Way Out," and "The Odyssey." Staite gained recognition for her role in the popular youth science fiction series "Space Cases" and the Disney show "Flash Forward."
Breakthrough Roles
In 2002, Staite landed the role of mechanic Kaylee Frye in the cult-favorite series "Firefly" and its film continuation, "Serenity." She had to gain 20 pounds for the role but later had to lose weight during the hiatus between the series and the film. However, the producers reassured her that they couldn't imagine anyone else in the role.
Staite wrote a chapter in the book "Finding Serenity" titled "Kaylee Speaks: Jewel Staite On Firefly." She also played the role of Dr. Jennifer Keller in the spin-off series "Stargate Atlantis," becoming the third "Firefly" cast member to join the "Stargate" universe.
Recent Work and Personal Life
In addition to her acting career, Staite is involved in charitable work with organizations dedicated to fighting AIDS and supporting individuals with dyslexia. Her hobbies include writing, traveling, and blogging about cooking. Staite's most recent role was as Raquel Westbrook in the Canadian series "The L.A. Complex" (2012).
Staite was previously married to actor Matthew Kevin Anderson, but they divorced in 2011. She remains close friends with fellow "Firefly" cast member Morena Baccarin, who served as a bridesmaid at Staite's wedding. Staite has also lent her voice to several animated series, including "Mummies Alive!" and "Sabrina: The Animated Series."
