She attended Boston University with fellow actress Ginnifer Goodwin.

She owned a dog, a female Wheaten terrier, who now lives with her ex-boyfriend.

Was bridesmaid at wedding of best friend Melanie Lynskey to Jimmi Simpson (14 April 2007).

She is a member on the advisory board of the Adrienne Shelly Foundation, which supports female actors, writers, and directors in honor of the late filmmaker.

Lives in both Los Angeles and New York

She studied theatre at Boston University's College of Fine Arts.

She owns a duplex and lives with her sister, Zooey.

Interview magazine named her one of "6 Actors to Watch" in their annual "Young Hollywood" issue [October 2004]

Her paternal grandfather was French and the remainder of her ancestry is Irish American.

Sister of Zooey Deschanel

Is good friends with Melanie Lynskey and Jorja Fox; both are supporters of PETA and the Humane Society.

While attending Boston University, she lived on Hooker Street in Brighton, which she calls a "cool neighborhood.".

Graduated from Boston University's Professional Actor's Training Program with a B.F.A. in Theater

Daughter of Caleb Deschanel and Mary Jo Deschanel

Is a vegan.