7 Surprising Ways Zooey And Emily Deschanel’s Sisterhood Defines Hollywood’s Quirkiest Duo

The Deschanel sisters, Emily and Zooey, have captivated audiences for two decades, each carving out a distinct and highly successful niche in Hollywood. As of late December 2025, the spotlight is firmly back on the duo, not just for their enduring careers on hit shows like Bones and New Girl, but for exciting new family milestones that are bringing their lives closer than ever.

The biggest recent news centers around Zooey Deschanel's engagement to Property Brothers star Jonathan Scott, a development that has delighted fans and, perhaps most importantly, her older sister. Emily Deschanel has been vocal about her excitement, even publicly declaring her readiness to take on the role of bachelorette party planner, proving that the bond between Hollywood's most beloved siblings is as strong and supportive as ever.

The Deschanel Sisters: A Complete Biographical Profile

Born into a true Hollywood dynasty, Emily and Zooey Deschanel inherited a passion for the arts from their highly accomplished parents. Their father, Caleb Deschanel, is a six-time Oscar-nominated cinematographer, and their mother, Mary Jo Deschanel, is a respected actress. This creative upbringing in Los Angeles laid the groundwork for their own dual-track careers in acting and music.

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• Emily Deschanel (The Older Sister)
  • Full Name: Emily Erin Deschanel
  • Born: October 11, 1976 (Los Angeles, California)
  • Spouse: David Hornsby (m. 2010)
  • Key Role: Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan in the Fox crime procedural series Bones (2005–2017)
  • Recent Projects: Starring roles in the Netflix thriller series Devil in Ohio and a recurring guest spot on ABC's The Rookie.
• Zooey Deschanel (The Younger Sister)
  • Full Name: Zooey Claire Deschanel
  • Born: January 17, 1980 (Los Angeles, California)
  • Partner/Fiancé: Jonathan Scott (Engaged 2023)
  • Key Role: Jessica "Jess" Day in the Fox sitcom New Girl (2011–2018)
  • Other Career: Musician/Singer-songwriter, part of the folk-pop duo She & Him with M. Ward.
  • Notable Films: Elf, 500 Days of Summer, Almost Famous.

The Complex Dynamic: 7 Surprising Facts About Their Bond

While both sisters are recognizable for their signature large blue eyes and successful television careers, their public personas and career paths are surprisingly different. Emily is often associated with the serious, science-focused drama of Bones, while Zooey is the queen of quirky-cute in films like 500 Days of Summer and the sitcom New Girl. This contrast, however, is the foundation of their strong, supportive relationship.

1. Emily is "Ready to Throw" Zooey’s Bachelorette Party

The most recent and heartwarming update in the Deschanel saga is Emily's enthusiastic reaction to Zooey’s engagement to Jonathan Scott. Emily has openly gushed about the "wonderful" couple and their relationship, even joking that she is "ready to throw that bachelorette party" when the time comes. This public display of excitement highlights the deep, familial joy surrounding Zooey’s next chapter with the Property Brothers star.

2. Their Only Professional Collaboration Was on 'Bones'

Despite being two of the most famous working sisters in Hollywood, they only shared the screen once professionally. Zooey guest-starred on a 2009 episode of Emily's show, Bones, titled "The Goop on the Girl." In a quirky twist, Zooey played Margaret Whitesell, a distant cousin of Emily’s character, Dr. Temperance Brennan. Emily noted in an interview that, in their on-screen roles, the characters didn't exactly like each other, which was a fun departure from their real-life closeness.

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3. They Were Raised by a Cinematographer and an Actress

Their creative roots run deep. Their father, Caleb Deschanel, is a legendary cinematographer known for films like The Passion of the Christ and The Right Stuff. Their mother, Mary Jo Deschanel, is an actress who appeared in Twin Peaks. This showbiz background meant the girls grew up around film sets, giving them an early, comprehensive education in the industry from two different perspectives: behind and in front of the camera.

4. Their Children are Also Close Cousins

The sisterly bond has successfully extended to the next generation. Both Emily (married to actor and writer David Hornsby, known for It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) and Zooey have children, and the cousins share a close relationship. This family connection further intertwines the two families, ensuring that their children grow up with the same tight-knit bond their mothers share.

5. Emily is Four Years Older and the "Bossy" One

Emily is the elder sister, born in 1976, making her four years older than Zooey, who was born in 1980. Emily has described their childhood dynamic as typical, with Zooey being "very dramatic" and herself being somewhat "bossy." Despite this playful sibling rivalry, their shared experience as child actors and growing up in the industry has given them a unique mutual understanding.

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6. They Represent Two Different Sides of the Fox Network

For several years, the Deschanel sisters were simultaneously the faces of two of Fox's most successful primetime shows. Emily anchored the long-running, serious Fox procedural series Bones as Dr. Temperance Brennan, while Zooey led the network's flagship comedy, New Girl, as the quirky teacher Jess Day. This parallel success on the same network is a rare feat for any pair of siblings in Hollywood.

7. Their Careers Now Span Network TV, Streaming, and Music

The sisters continue to evolve their careers, moving beyond their iconic network roles. Emily has successfully transitioned to the streaming world with the Netflix thriller series Devil in Ohio and a recurring role on the hit ABC drama The Rookie. Meanwhile, Zooey continues her successful music career with her folk-pop duo She & Him, alongside her acting and advocacy work, proving that the Deschanel legacy is far from finished.

The Enduring Deschanel Legacy: From 'Bones' to Bachelorette

The story of the Deschanel sisters is a fascinating study in parallel success. They both achieved massive stardom on the small screen, yet maintained separate professional identities—one as the methodical forensic anthropologist, the other as the whimsical indie darling. Their ability to navigate the intense pressure of Hollywood while maintaining a genuinely close and supportive relationship is what truly sets them apart.

As Zooey Deschanel moves toward her wedding to Jonathan Scott, the involvement of Emily Deschanel in the celebrations underscores a powerful message: family remains the ultimate priority. Their ongoing support for each other's diverse projects, from Emily's intense drama roles to Zooey's musical endeavors with She & Him, ensures that the Deschanel name will continue to be a beacon of talent and sisterhood in the entertainment world for years to come.