You might know her as the sweet and sassy Ann Perkins from “Parks and Recreation” or the smart and stylish Karen Filippelli from “The Office,” but Rashida Jones is SO much more than just a comedic actress.
This brainy beauty is a Harvard grad, a writer, a producer, and even a director! Plus, she’s got some seriously cool parents (her dad is the Quincy Jones!).
Let’s dive into the amazing transformation of Rashida Jones, from her childhood surrounded by legends to her current success in Hollywood.
#1. Rashida Jones grew up in ‘a nice, safe environment’
Even though her dad was the legendary Quincy Jones, and her mom was actress Peggy Lipton, Rashida says she had a pretty normal childhood! Sure, she had dinner with the Sinatras and hung out with Michael Jackson, but she says it wasn’t a big deal back then because there was no internet to hype it all up.
She put all of her energy into academics
#2. She put all of her energy into academics
This girl is seriously smart! Rashida was determined to make it on her own, so she focused on her studies and even went to Harvard. She was a total brainiac, involved in tons of activities, and graduated at the top of her class.
#3. She changed course at Harvard University
Rashida originally planned to study law, but after watching the O.J. Simpson trial, she realized that justice isn’t always fair. She ended up getting involved in theater and exploring her Black cultural identity, which led her to acting!
#4. She started acting in 1997 with small roles
Rashida’s acting journey began with small parts in shows like “The Last Don,” “Freaks and Geeks,” and “Boston Public.” Even though her parents had connections, she worked hard to make it on her own.
#5. She dipped her toe in the music industry
With her dad being a music legend, it’s no surprise Rashida has some musical talent too! She sang on a Tupac Shakur tribute album and even provided background vocals for Maroon 5. She also directed Sara Bareilles’ music video for “Brave”!
#6. She became a board member of Peace First
Rashida is passionate about making a difference in the world. She’s a board member of Peace First, a non-profit that teaches kids how to resolve conflict peacefully.
#7. She joined The Office but knew her days ‘were most likely numbered’
Rashida landed the role of Karen Filippelli on “The Office,” but she knew her character was probably temporary. Even though she loved working on the show, she was sad to leave.
#8. She took on the role of Ann Perkins
Rashida joined the cast of “Parks and Recreation” as Ann Perkins, and the rest is history! She loved being on the show, but eventually left to focus on writing and producing.
#9. She began producing and writing
Rashida has produced documentaries like “Hot Girls Wanted” and written powerful articles for magazines like Vanity Fair. She’s a talented storyteller both on and off screen.
#10. Rashida Jones welcomed a son shortly before losing her mother
Rashida and her partner, Ezra Koenig, welcomed a son in 2018. Sadly, just a few months later, her mother passed away. She says filming the movie “On the Rocks” helped her through this difficult time.
#11. She served as an executive producer
Rashida was an executive producer and starred in the sitcom “#blackAF.” She faced some criticism for her role, but she’s proud of her Black identity and the work she did on the show.
#12. She starred in a film alongside Bill Murray
Rashida starred in the movie “On the Rocks” with Bill Murray. She says the role helped her understand the importance of separating her different roles in life (wife, mother, daughter) to find her own identity.
#13. She celebrated her 48th birthday in 2024
Rashida recently celebrated her 48th birthday with her dad, Quincy Jones. They have a super close relationship, and she even co-directed a documentary about his life!
