THEN AND NOW: The cast of 'New Girl' over 10 years later

Zooey Deschanel on "New Girl"; Zooey Deschanel at event in 2023
"New Girl" aired from 2011 to 2018.FOX; Lionel Hahn/Getty Images
  • The first episode of the feel-good Fox sitcom "New Girl" aired over 10 years ago.

  • Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield, and Zooey Deschanel went on to act in popular movies and TV shows.

  • Hollywood stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Megan Fox portrayed recurring characters, and are still acting.

Zooey Deschanel played protagonist Jessica Day.

zooey deschanel as jess day on new girl
Zooey Deschanel as Jessica Day.FOX Image Collection via Getty Images

The success of "New Girl" can be primarily attributed to Zooey Deschanel, who played the main character, Jess, a bubbly, caring middle-school teacher who moves into a LA loft with three male roommates.

Deschanel's portrayal of quirky, unconventional characters started with her role in Cameron Crowe's "Almost Famous" (2000) followed by roles in "Elf" (2003), "Failure to Launch" (2006), and "Yes Man" (2008), and "(500) Days of Summer" (2009).

Music buffs might also know She & Him, Deschanel's alternative musical duo with singer-songwriter M. Ward.

Since "New Girl" aired, Deschanel has launched her own website and is still focusing on music and films.

Zooey Deschanel in a green dress with pink and red florals with white background
Zooey Deschanel at the Environmental Media Association Awards Gala in 2021.Tinseltown/Shutterstock

In 2011, Deschanel cofounded the woman-focused website HelloGiggles and starred in a few projects, including "Our Idiot Brother" (2011).

The actress voiced the character of Bridget in "Trolls" (2016) and "Trolls World Tour" (2020). She also appeared in Katy Perry's "Not the End of the World" music video in 2020 and debuted as a cohost on ABC's "The Celebrity Dating Game" alongside Michael Bolton in 2021.

Since her portrayal of Jess, Deschanel has released a few more albums with She & Him.

In 2022, Deschanel started a "New Girl" rewatch podcast, "Welcome to Our Show," with a couple of her costars. The star also held a role on the Apple TV+ show "Physical."

Jake Johnson played Nick Miller.

nick new girl
Jake Johnson as Nick Miller.FOX

Nick is one of Jess' roommates, who she eventually enters an on-again, off-again, relationship with.

Jake Johnson played a few supporting roles prior to "New Girl" in films like "Paper Heart" (2009), "Get Him to the Greek" (2010), and "No Strings Attached" (2011).

Johnson has gone on to appear in a number of movies and TV shows.

Jake Johnson wears a gray shirt and in front of black background
Jake Johnson attends the "Chip 'N Dale: Rescue Rangers" premiere in 2022.David Swanson/REUTERS

Johnson has appeared in films such as "21 Jump Street" (2012) and "Neighbors" (2014). He starred in "Let's Be Cops" (2014) alongside fellow "New Girl" star Damon Wayans Jr. before joining the cast of "Jurassic World" (2015).

Johnson also lent his voice to a version of Spider-Man in the animated films "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" (2018) and its sequel, "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" (2023).

The actor has worked on a number of TV shows, including Netflix's adult animated series "Hoops," ABC's "Stumptown," and HBO Max's "Minx."

Max Greenfield played Schmidt.

Max Greenfield as Schmidt behind a lectern with microphones
Max Greenfield as Schmidt.FOX/Getty Images

Schmidt, played by Max Greenfield, is a successful marketing associate who also lives in the loft. He and Nick have been best friends since college.

Before "New Girl," Greenfield appeared on several TV shows, including UPN's "Veronica Mars," ABC's "Ugly Betty," ABC Family's "Greek," Fox's "The O.C." and The WB's "Gilmore Girls."

His role as Schmidt earned Greenfield several nominations at the Primetime Emmy Awards, the Golden Globe Awards, and the Critics' Choice Television Awards.

Since the start of "New Girl," Greenfield has worked on many more TV shows and films.

Max Greenfield in a dark blue shirt and smiling with black background and "Citi" text
Max Greenfield attends the premiere of "Ghosts" and "The Neighborhood" in 2022.Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

Since 2018, Greenfield has played Dave Johnson in the CBS sitcom "The Neighborhood."

He's also appeared in movies such as "The Big Short" (2015) and "Promising Young Woman" (2020).

More recently, the actor starred in "The Valet" (2022), held a role on CBS' "The Neighborhood," and voiced Barry Allen on "The Flash: Escape the Midnight Circus" podcast.

Hannah Simone played Cece Parekh.

Hannah Simone as Cece in a black shirt looking surprised in the loft
Hannah Simone as Cece Parekh.FOX/Getty Images

Jess's model best friend, Cece, is played by Hannah Simone.

Before "New Girl," Simone herself was also a model and worked in the fashion industry from a very young age.

She was also a VJ for MuchMusic in Canada, hosting a number of music TV shows.

Simone has since hosted TV shows and has been featured in movies, fashion campaigns, and music videos.

Hannah Simone with black dress and silver details
Hannah Simone attends the Annenberg Space For Photography's 10-year Anniversary Celebration in 2019.Rachel Luna/Getty Images

Since "New Girl," Simone has made minor appearances in films such as "Oldboy" (2013). She was also featured in Gillette's "What Women Want" campaign alongside Kate Upton and Génesis Rodríguez in 2013.

On TV, she's hosted reality shows like Fox's "Kicking & Screaming," and she appeared as a guest judge on Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance."

Simone joined Deschanel as a host on the "New Girl" rewatch podcast. Most recently, she starred on ABC's "Not Dead Yet" and the short film "Still Scattered" (2023).

Lamorne Morris played Winston Bishop.

winston holding ferguson on an episode of new girl
Lamorne Morris as Winston Bishop.Fox

Winston, portrayed by Lamorne Morris, became a regular on the show after the pilot. In the loft, he's known for being bad at pranks and being a cat dad to Ferguson.

Winston was Morris' breakthrough role.

Prior to appearing on "New Girl," he did commercial work and hosted a few shows on BET.

Morris has since appeared in several films and TV series.

Lamorne Morris in a brown jumpsuit and silver chain in front of gold background
Lamorne Morris attends the Vanity Fair Hosts Vanities Party in 2022.Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Morris went on to movies like "Game Night" (2018), "The Christmas Chronicles" (2018), "Yesterday" (2019), "Jumanji: The Next Level" (2019), and "Desperados" (2020).

He's also appeared on a number of TV shows, including Hulu's "Woke" and "Solar Opposites."

Morris is the third host on the "New Girl" rewatch podcast.

Damon Wayans Jr. played Coach.

Damon Wayans Jr. as Coach wearing a gray sweatshirt looking confused
Damon Wayans Jr. as Coach.FOX/Getty Images

Damon Wayans Jr. played Ernie "Coach" Tagliaboo, another one of Jess' roommates who only appeared on certain seasons of the show.

According to Screenrant, Wayans initially had to leave "New Girl" after the pilot episode because another show he was cast on, ABC's "Happy Endings," was picked up for a second season first.

Like his father, Wayans has a long history in the film industry. Prior to "New Girl," he held a few roles alongside his relatives in films and TV shows including "Blankman" (1994) and ABC's "My Wife and Kids."

Since "New Girl," Wayans Jr. has appeared in several TV shows and movies.

Damon Wayans Jr. in a black sweatshirt with a yellow hood holding a microphone next to a sign that says "Factory Comedy Club"
Damon Wayans Jr. performs at The Stress Factory Comedy Club in 2021.Bobby Bank/Getty Images

Wayans went on to TV shows like CBS' "Happy Together," and he starred in films such as "Let's Be Cops," "How to Be Single" (2016), and "Love, Guaranteed" (2020), and "Long Weekend" (2021).

The actor has also done voice work in projects like Disney's "Big Hero 6" (2014) and Fox's "Bob's Burgers."

David Walton played Sam Sweeney.

David Walton as Sam wearing a suit with a shirt with brown cats on it holding a cake with cherries
David Walton as Sam Sweeney.FOX/Getty Images

David Walton played one of Jess' boyfriends, Sam, a recurring character who worked as a pediatrician.

Before "New Girl," Walton acted on Fox's "Cracking Up" and in "Fired Up" (2009) and "Burlesque" (2010).

Walton went on to appear in a number of films and TV series.

David Walton in a blue shirt and dark blue shirt
David Walton attends The Women's Cancer Research Fund's Gala in 2018.Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

On TV, Walton took on roles on NBC's "About a Boy," Showtime's "Masters of Sex," and Netflix's "Grace and Frankie."

He's also appeared in comedies like "Bad Moms" (2016).

Nasim Pedrad played Aly Nelson.

Nasim Pedrad as Aly in a yellow dress and pregnant with Lamorne Morris as Winston. Both look distressed
Nasim Pedrad as Aly Nelson.FOX/Getty Images

Nasim Pedrad played Aly Nelson, Winston's LAPD partner, on later seasons of "New Girl."

Pedrad held a recurring role on NBC's "ER," but most probably remember her as a cast member on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" from 2009 to 2014.

She also appeared on FX's "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," starred in Fox's short-lived sitcom "Mulaney," and acted in "No Strings Attached" (2011) and "The Dictator" (2012) before joining "New Girl" in 2014.

Pedrad has held several roles on TV since "New Girl."

Nasim Pedrad with curled hair down one shoulder and magenta dress with white background
Nasim Pedrad at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 30th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party in 2022.Amy Sussman/Getty Images

After "New Girl," Pedrad went on to star in Disney's live-action "Aladdin" (2019) and "Desperados," alongside Morris.

Pedrad has also appeared on Fox's "Scream Queens" and Hulu's "The Mindy Project."

She recently appeared on TBS' "Chad" and lent her voice to Greta on the Apple TV+ show "Pretzel and the Puppies."

Rob Reiner played Bob Day.

Rob Reiner as Bob sits on couch in a plaid gray shirt in loft
Rob Reiner as Bob Day.FOX/Getty Images

Rob Reiner played Jess's dad, Bob Day.

Reiner's breakthrough role was playing Michael Stivic on CBS' "All in the Family."

Before "New Girl," he also appeared in "Throw Momma from the Train" (1987), "Sleepless in Seattle" (1993), "The First Wives Club" (1996), and "Primary Colors" (1998).

An acclaimed director as well, Reiner was recognized by the Directors Guild of America Awards with nominations for "Stand by Me" (1986), "When Harry Met Sally" (1989), and "A Few Good Men" (1992), which also earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Picture.

He directed "Alex & Emma" (2003) and "Rumor Has It" (2005) as well.

Reiner has gone on to direct and act in a few more films and TV shows.

Rob Reiner in black shirt and blue background
Rob Reiner attends the Los Angeles premiere of "The Biggest Little Farm" in 2019.Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Since joining the "New Girl" cast, Reiner appeared in "The Wolf of Wall Street" (2013) and acted in and directed "And So It Goes" (2014).

He's also landed roles on TV shows such as Paramount+'s "The Good Fight" and Netflix's "Hollywood."

Jamie Lee Curtis played Joan Day.

Jamie Lee Curtis as Joan wearing a sweater with British flag design and British flag banners in background
Jamie Lee Curtis as Joan Day.FOX/Getty Images

Jamie Lee Curtis played Joan, Jess's mom.

Her career in Hollywood spans more than 35 years, having starred in hit movies such as "A Fish Called Wanda" (1988), "My Girl" (1991), and "Freaky Friday" (2003), as well as TV shows including ABC's "Anything but Love."

The actor is also well known for her role in the "Halloween" franchise.

Curtis has appeared in many more TV series and movies since.

Jamie Lee Curtis in high-neck sparkly blue down in front of white Oscars background
Jamie Lee Curtis attends the 94th Annual Academy Awards in 2022.Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images

Curtis went on to star on Fox's "Scream Queens."

She also reprised her horror role in "Halloween" (2018) and "Halloween Kills" (2021), and she starred in "An Acceptable Loss" (2018), "Knives Out" (2019), and "Everything Everywhere All at Once" (2022).

Most recently, she appeared in the music video for Offset and Cardi B's "Jealousy."

Mary Elizabeth Ellis played Caroline.

Mary Elizabeth Ellis as Caroline
Mary Elizabeth Ellis as Caroline.FOX/Getty Images

Mary Elizabeth Ellis portrayed Caroline, Nick's ex-girlfriend.

Ellis is mostly known for her role as The Waitress on "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," but she also appeared on shows such as Fox's "House."

Since the start of the show, Ellis has taken a few more supporting roles.

Mary Elizabeth Ellis with a shorter haircut in a multicolored dress with pleated skirt and short sleeves
Mary Elizabeth Ellis attends the Los Angeles premiere of Amazon Prime's "I Want You Back" in 2022.Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

Ellis has appeared on TV shows including ABC's "Happy Endings," Fox/NBC's "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," and Netflix's "Santa Clarita Diet."

She also joined the cast of the 2021 movie "Licorice Pizza" as Momma Anita and played Kimber Swift in Taylor Swift's "Anti-Hero" music video.

She most recently appeared on FXX's "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia."

 

Lizzy Caplan played Julia Cleary.

Lizzy Caplan holds a martini at a dinner party on the set of "New Girl"
Lizzy Caplan as Julia Cleary.FOX

Lizzy Caplan played Julia, Nick's first serious girlfriend after Caroline.

Caplan's first acting role was on NBC's "Freaks and Geeks," followed by appearances on The WB's "Smallville" and HBO's "True Blood."

She also appeared in films such as "Mean Girls" (2004), "My Best Friend's Girl" (2008), "Hot Tub Time Machine" (2010), and "127 Hours" (2010) before her role on "New Girl."

Caplan continues to act on TV and in films.

Lizzy Caplan in a brown dress with a collar wearing red lipstick and blush in front of white background
Lizzy Caplan on the set of The IMDb Show in 2019.Rich Polk/Getty Images

Since "New Girl," Caplan has earned two Satellite Awards and a Critics' Choice Award for her portrayal of Virginia Johnson on "Masters of Sex."

Caplan has also acted in "The Interview" (2014), "Now You See Me 2" (2016), "Allied" (2016), and "Extinction" (2018).

Caplan starred in the 2023 horror movie "Cobweb."

Megan Fox played Reagan Lucas.

Megan Fox as Reagan in a black dress with a zipper down the front in the loft
Megan Fox as Reagan Lucas.FOX/Getty Images

Megan Fox played Regan, a ballerina-turned-businesswoman who briefly moves into the loft and dates Nick.

Before her role as Reagan, Fox starred in a series of movies, including "Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen" (2004), "Transformers" (2007), "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" (2009), "Jennifer's Body" (2009), "The Dictator" (2012), "This is 40" (2012), and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" (2014).

She also appeared on TV shows including CBS's "Two and a Half Men" and TBS's "Wedding Band."

Fox has since starred in a number of action movies and thrillers.

Megan Fox stands on a carpet at the Billboard Music Awards. She wears a black dress with a plunging neckline and silver flowers on the sleeves
Megan Fox attends the Billboard Music Awards in 2022.Mindy Small/Getty Images

Since "New Girl," Fox has landed roles in "Rogue" (2020), "Till Death" (2021), and "Midnight in the Switchgrass" (2021).

She played Kennedy in Machine Gun Kelly's 2022 film, "Good Mourning" and guest starred on the FXX TV show "Dave."

Justin Long played Paul Genzlinger.

paul, jess, and bearclaw performing a musical number on new girl
Justin Long as Paul Genzlinger.FOX Image Collection via Getty Images

Justin Long played Paul, a recurring character on "New Girl" who briefly dates Jess.

Long's successful career in Hollywood includes roles in films such as "Jeepers Creepers" (2001), "The Break-Up" (2006), "He's Just Not That Into You" (2009), and "Going the Distance" (2010), as well TV series like Fox's "That '70s Show."

Long has gone on to appear in movies such as "Veronica Mars" (2014) and "Frank and Lola" (2016).

Justin Long in an orange button-down shirt in front of a red background
Justin Long attends the SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversation: "After Class" in 2019.Mark Sagliocco/Getty Images

Since "New Girl," Long has held roles on CBS's "Mom" and Comedy Central's "Inside Amy Schumer."

He's also been featured on Netflix's adult animated sitcom "F is for Family."

Long has acted in films such as "Veronica Mars" (2014), "Frank and Lola" (2016), and "Lady of the Manor" (2021). He's set to appear in the upcoming supernatural thriller "Dear David."

Dermot Mulroney played Russell Schiller.

Dermot Mulroney holds his hands out and looks confused at the bottom of a stairwell on the set of "New Girl"
Dermot Mulroney as Russell Schiller.FOX/Getty Images

Dermot Mulroney portrayed Russell, another recurring character who dates Jess.

Mulroney is mostly known for his lead role in "My Best Friend's Wedding" (1997), but he also acted in "Angels in the Outfield" (1994), "About Schmidt" (2002), "The Wedding Date" (2005), "The Family Stone" (2005), "Zodiac" (2007), and "J. Edgar" (2011).

He memorably appeared on the ninth season of NBC's "Friends" as Gavin Mitchell, Rachel's replacement at work.

Mulroney has since acted in films such as "The Mountain Between Us" (2017) and "Deadly Illusions" (2021).

Dermot Mulroney wearing a dark-brown blazer and a blue shirt with a background
Dermot Mulroney attends a special screening of "Greed" at Cinepolis Chelsea in 2020.Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

He has appeared on TV shows such as Amazon Prime's "Mozart in the Jungle" and Hulu's "Four Weddings and a Funeral."

In addition to his roles in "The Mountain Between Us" (2017) and "Deadly Illusions" (2021), Mulroney recently appeared in "Along for the Ride" (2022).

He's set to appear in the upcoming thriller "Breakwater."

Merritt Wever played Elizabeth.

Merritt Wever wears a blue dress and dark blue cardigan on the set of "New Girl"
Merritt Wever as Elizabeth.FOX/Getty Images

Merritt Wever played Elizabeth, Schmidt's former girlfriend from college.

Before that, Wever appeared on several TV shows and movies, including NBC's "Law & Order," CBS's "The Good Wife," Into the Wild" (2007), and "The Missing Person" (2009).

She has since appeared on shows like AMC's "The Walking Dead" and movies like "Marriage Story" (2019).

Merritt Wever in front of a blue background and leafy bush wearing a black blazer and black shirt
Merritt Wever attends the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards in 2020.Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Since "New Girl," Wever joined the casts of AMC's "The Walking Dead" and Netflix's "Godless."

She has also acted in "Birdman" (2014), "Irreplaceable You" (2018), and "Marriage Story" (2019), among other films.

Gillian Vigman played Kim.

Gillian Vigman wears a purple dress on the set of "New Girl"
Gillian Vigman as Kim.FOX

Gillian Vigman played Kim, Schmidt's boss, and his company's marketing CFO.

She's appeared in films such as "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" (2005), "Step Brothers" (2008), and "The Hangover" (2009).

She's also worked on ABC's "Sons & Daughters," NBC's "Parks and Recreation," and ABC's "Suburgatory."

She has since acted in movies including "The Hangover" franchise (2009-2013) and "Forever My Girl" (2018).

Gillian Vigman sits in a chair as part of a panel and wears a black suit and white shirt
Gillian Vigman at the 2018 Winter Television Critics Association Press Tour.Randy Shropshire/Getty Images

Vigman has been featured on many more TV shows and movies, including The CW's "Supernatural," CBS's "Life in Pieces," "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," "The Hangover" franchise (2009-2013), and "Forever My Girl" (2018).

Since 2020, she has voiced the character of Dr. T'Ana on the Paramount+ animated series "Star Trek: Lower Decks."

Nelson Franklin played Robby McFerrin.

Nelson Franklin in a wheelchair wearing a maroon and gray striped shirt with a cast on his right leg on the set of "New Girl"
Nelson Franklin as Robby McFerrin.FOX/Getty Images

Nelson Franklin played Robby, a nice guy who dates Cece and, later down the line, Jess.

The actor previously had roles in "I Love You, Man" (2009) as well as on NBC's "The Office."

He's gone on to act in "Argo" (2012), "Jobs" (2013), and "Captain Marvel" (2019).

Nelson Franklin in a gray blazer and black suit smiling with a light blue background with "Being the Ricardos" text
Nelson Franklin attends the premiere of "Being The Ricardos" in 2021.Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Franklin has also appeared on TV shows such as CBS's "The Millers," Netflix's "Arrested Development," ABC's "Black-ish" and HBO's "Veep."

He's also appeared in a number of movies, including "Argo" (2012), "Jobs" (2013), "Captain Marvel" (2019), and "You People" (2023).

Julian Morris played Ryan Geauxinue.

Julian Morris in an orange construction best and yellow hard hat holding a mallet leaning on a plank
Julian Morris as Ryan Geauxinue.FOX/Getty Images

Julian Morris played Ryan Geauxinue, a British science teacher who ends up dating Jess.

Morris previously appeared in "Cry Wolf" (2005), "Valkyrie" (2008), and "Sorority Row" (2009).

He also starred on BBC 's "Fish," NBC's "ER," ABC Family's "Pretty Little Liars," and ABC's "Once Upon a Time."

He's since appeared in several horror films and has held supporting roles on TV shows.

Julian Morris in a tuxedo and black bowtie with a white background
Julian Morris attends the 28th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party in 2020.Phillip Faraone/Getty Images

Since "New Girl," Morris has acted on BBC One's "Little Women," Apple TV+'s "The Morning Show," and "The Good Fight."

The actor has also appeared in a number of horror films, like "Something Wicked" (2014).

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