Jennifer O'Neill
Biography
Jennifer O'Neill is a Brazilian-born American author, model, and former actress. She was born on February 20, 1948, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and moved to the United States as an infant. Her father was Oscar O'Neill, a businessman of American-Irish descent. O'Neill first gained prominence as a teenage model and as a spokesperson for CoverGirl cosmetics, holding that role for three decades. Her acting career began with a feature-film debut in the comedy film For Love of Ivy in 1968, followed by a lead role in Howard Hawks's Western film Rio Lobo in 1970. Her breakthrough role came in 1971 in Robert Mulligan's period drama Summer of '42, playing the wife of an army serviceman during World War II.
Career overview
Jennifer O'Neill is a Brazilian-born American author, model, and former actress. She was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on February 20, 1948, and moved to the United States as an infant. O'Neill first gained prominence as a teenage model and as a spokesperson for CoverGirl cosmetics, holding that role for three decades.
Her acting career began with a feature-film debut in the 1968 comedy film For Love of Ivy. This was followed by a lead role in Howard Hawks's Western film Rio Lobo in 1970. Her breakthrough role came in 1971 in Robert Mulligan's period drama Summer of '42. In that film, she played the wife of an army serviceman during World War II, who becomes the subject of a teenage boy's romance.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
60 titles- Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy (2025) as Self - Former Celebrity Assistant
- Reagan (2024) as Older Nelle Reagan
- I'm Not Ashamed (2016) as Linda
- Doonby (2013) as Barbara Ann Reaper
- Last Ounce of Courage (2012) as Dottie Revere
- Set Apart (2009) as Michele Gunn
- Billy: The Early Years (2008) as Reporter
- Time Changer (2003) as Michelle Bain
- The Prince and the Surfer (1999) as Queen Albertina
- The View (1997) as Self
- The Corporate Ladder (1997) as Irene Grace
- The Ride (1997) as Ellen Stillwell
- Poltergeist: The Legacy (1996) as Lorraine Compton
- E! True Hollywood Story (1996)
- Silver Strand (1995) as Louellen Peterson
- Discretion Assured (1994) as Paige
- The Visual Bible: Acts (1994) as Lydia
- Jonathan Stone: Threat of Innocence (1994) as Nan Stone
- The Cover Girl Murders (1993) as Kate
- Love Is Like That (1992) as Ms. Alman
- Perfect Family (1992) as Maggie
- Invasion of Privacy (1992) as Hillary Wayne
- Committed (1991) as Susan Manning
- Personals (1990) as Heather Moore
- Full Exposure: The Sex Tapes Scandal (1989) as Debralee Taft
- The Red Spider (1988) as Stephanie Hartford
- Glory Days (1988) as Scotty Moran
- The Grand Knockout Tournament (1987) as Self
- I Love N.Y. (1987) as Irene
- Perry Mason: The Case of the Shooting Star (1986) as Alison Carr
- A.D. (1985) as Messalina
- Night of 100 Stars II (1985) as Self
- Chase (1985) as Sandy Albright
- Cover Up (1984) as Danielle Reynolds
- Bare Essence (1983) as Lady Bobbi Rowan
- Scanners (1981) as Kim Obrist
- The Other Victim (1981) as Nancy Langford
- Cloud Dancer (1980) as Helen St. Clair
- A Force of One (1979) as Mandy Rust
- Love's Savage Fury (1979) as Laurel Taggart
- Steel (1979) as Cass Cassidy
- Caravans (1978) as Ellen Jasper
- The Psychic (1977) as Virginia Ducci
- US Against the World (1977) as Self
- The Innocent (1976) as Teresa Raffo
- Call girl: la vida privada de una señorita bien (1976)
- The Reincarnation of Peter Proud (1975) as Ann Curtis
- The Flower in His Mouth (1975) as Elena Bardi
- Whiffs (1975) as Lt. Scottie Hallam
- Lady Ice (1973) as Paula Booth
- The Carey Treatment (1972) as Georgia Hightower
- Glass Houses (1972) as Jean
- The Special London Bridge Special (1972) as Herself
- Summer of '42 (1971) as Dorothy
- Such Good Friends (1971) as Miranda
- Rio Lobo (1970) as Shasta Delaney
- Some Kind of a Nut (1969) as The Beauty
- For Love of Ivy (1968) as Sandy
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self
- The Mike Douglas Show (1961) as Self - Co-Host
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Jennifer O'Neill best known for?
Jennifer O'Neill is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Reagan (2024), The View (1997), French Fried Vacation (1978), Silver Strand (1995).
When and where was Jennifer O'Neill born?
Jennifer O'Neill was born on February 20, 1948 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
How many credits does Jennifer O'Neill have?
Jennifer O'Neill has accumulated over 60 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1961 to 2025.
What is Jennifer O'Neill's background in cinema and television?
Jennifer O'Neill is a Brazilian-born American author, model, and former actress. She was born on February 20, 1948, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and moved to the United States as an infant. Her father was Oscar O'Neill, a businessman of American-Irish descent. O'Neill first gained prominence as a teenage model and as a s...
Jennifer O'Neill by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self — aged about 14
- The Psychic (1977) as Virginia Ducci — aged about 29
- Cover Up (1984) as Danielle Reynolds — aged about 36
- The Innocent (1976) as Teresa Raffo — aged about 28
- Bare Essence (1983) as Lady Bobbi Rowan — aged about 35
- Scanners (1981) as Kim Obrist — aged about 33
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