# Jane Levy
**Jane Levy** (full name Jane Colburn Levy; born 1989) is an American actress known for the lead role of Tessa Altman on the ABC sitcom *Suburgatory* (2011–2014), the lead in the horror films *[Evil Dead](https://www.edgepedia.org/evil-dead-2013-film)* (2013) and *Don't Breathe* (2016), and the title role of the NBC musical comedy-drama *Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist* (2020–2021), for which she received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy.[1](https://goldenglobes.com/person/jane-levy/) • [2](https://latestnetflix.com/actors/530618)
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | 1989, Los Angeles, California[1](https://goldenglobes.com/person/jane-levy/) |
| Breakout role | Tessa Altman, lead of ABC's *Suburgatory* (2011–2014), after a recurring role as Mandy Milkovich on Showtime's *Shameless* (2011)[2](https://latestnetflix.com/actors/530618) |
| Signature films | *Evil Dead* (2013) and *Don't Breathe* (2016), both directed by Fede Álvarez[2](https://latestnetflix.com/actors/530618) |
| Awards | Golden Globe nomination, Best Actress in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy, for *Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist* (2021)[1](https://goldenglobes.com/person/jane-levy/) |
| Training | Two-year program at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting, New York, after one semester at Goucher College[3](https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/suburgatory-star-jane-levy-first-season-52126/) |
| Recent work | *A Little Prayer* (Sundance 2023, Sony Pictures Classics); *River*, which opened the 2026 TIFF Midnight Madness slate; *Whalefall* (2026)[4](https://geffenplayhouse-16b04.kxcdn.com/people/jane-levy/) • [5](https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/river-this-insanely-inventive-thriller-is-terrifying-the-toronto-film-festival/) |
| Upcoming | Faye in the NBC series *Sunset P.I.* (2027, 10 episodes), opposite Jake Johnson[6](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3994408) |
## Early life and training
Levy was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1989 and grew up in Marin County in [Northern California](https://www.edgepedia.org/northern-california), where she performed in local theater productions including *Oklahoma!* and *The Wizard of Oz*.[1](https://goldenglobes.com/person/jane-levy/) • [3](https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/suburgatory-star-jane-levy-first-season-52126/) In interviews she has described dropping out of college in 2008 to pursue acting with, in her words, "no idea what I was doing and no reason to think it could work"; her parents were skeptical but supportive.[7](https://www.ladygunn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/LADYGUNN18ALISONBRIE.pdf)
**Acting school.** After attending Goucher College in Baltimore for a semester, she moved to New York City and completed a two-year program at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting.[3](https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/suburgatory-star-jane-levy-first-season-52126/) She has said that at college she was not passionate about what she was studying, but that acting school was where she felt she had finally found her path.[3](https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/suburgatory-star-jane-levy-first-season-52126/) After graduating, she and her classmates sent headshots to managers and agents; a manager began sending her on auditions, and she booked the lead in an independent film before a casting director championed her audition to agents in Los Angeles.[7](https://www.ladygunn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/LADYGUNN18ALISONBRIE.pdf)
## Television career
**Shameless and Suburgatory.** Levy moved to Los Angeles in 2011 and, within weeks, landed the recurring role of Mandy Milkovich on the Showtime comedy-drama *Shameless*, the job that earned her a [SAG-AFTRA](https://www.edgepedia.org/sag-aftra) card.[3](https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/suburgatory-star-jane-levy-first-season-52126/) • [8](https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/jane-levy-zoeys-extraordinary-playlist-marvel-audition-69752/) She left the series after its first season to take the lead of the ABC sitcom *Suburgatory*, playing Tessa Altman, a teenager moved by her father ([Jeremy Sisto](https://www.edgepedia.org/jeremy-sisto)) from New York City to the suburbs; the series ran from 2011 to 2014.[2](https://latestnetflix.com/actors/530618) • [9](https://www.teenvogue.com/story/jane-levy-interview) *Suburgatory* was the first pilot she ever auditioned for.[8](https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/jane-levy-zoeys-extraordinary-playlist-marvel-audition-69752/)
**Genre and ensemble work.** After *Suburgatory* ended, Levy returned to television with series regular roles on the Hulu comedy-drama *There's... Johnny!* (2017) and the [Stephen King](https://www.edgepedia.org/stephen-king)-themed horror series *[Castle Rock](https://www.edgepedia.org/castle-rock-tv-series)* (2018), where she played Diane "Jackie" Torrance, and she headlined the Netflix thriller miniseries *What/If* (2019) as Lisa.[2](https://latestnetflix.com/actors/530618) • [10](https://www.tvinsider.com/people/jane-levy/) She also appeared in the third season of *[Twin Peaks](https://www.edgepedia.org/twin-peaks-season-3)* (Showtime, 2017).[10](https://www.tvinsider.com/people/jane-levy/)
**Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist.** From 2020 to 2021, Levy starred as Zoey Clarke on NBC's musical comedy-drama *Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist*, a software developer who, after an MRI during an earthquake, gains the ability to hear other people's inner thoughts expressed as musical numbers.[2](https://latestnetflix.com/actors/530618) • [11](https://www.tomsguide.com/entertainment/streaming/sometimes-you-just-need-a-happy-feel-good-show-to-binge-ive-got-the-perfect-pick-and-its-free-on-roku-channel) Levy was not a trained singer or dancer and had to learn both for the role; she has described the job as "the Olympics of acting" because it combined drama, farcical comedy, singing, and dancing.[8](https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/jane-levy-zoeys-extraordinary-playlist-marvel-audition-69752/) • [12](https://www.etonline.com/zoeys-extraordinary-playlist-jane-levy-standout-performances-emmys-148558) The series ran for two seasons on NBC from January 2020 to May 2021, averaging just over 2.5 million live viewers in its second season, and was canceled in 2021; a follow-up film, *Zoey's Extraordinary Christmas* (2021), was produced for [The Roku Channel](https://www.edgepedia.org/the-roku-channel).[11](https://www.tomsguide.com/entertainment/streaming/sometimes-you-just-need-a-happy-feel-good-show-to-binge-ive-got-the-perfect-pick-and-its-free-on-roku-channel) • [13](https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/06/jane-levy-zoeys-extraordinary-playlist-canceled) Levy's performance earned her a 2021 Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy.[1](https://goldenglobes.com/person/jane-levy/)
## Film career
Levy's early film roles included the [Nickelodeon](https://www.edgepedia.org/nickelodeon) comedy *Fun Size* (2012) and the indie *Nobody Walks* (2012).[10](https://www.tvinsider.com/people/jane-levy/) Her breakout film performance was as Mia Allen in the 2013 horror remake *Evil Dead*, her first collaboration with director [Fede Álvarez](https://www.edgepedia.org/fede-alvarez); she reteamed with him for *Don't Breathe* (2016), playing Rocky, one of the friends who breaks into the home of a blind man.[2](https://latestnetflix.com/actors/530618) • [10](https://www.tvinsider.com/people/jane-levy/) Other credits include *Bang Bang Baby* (2014), a sci-fi musical that premiered at the [Toronto International Film Festival](https://www.edgepedia.org/toronto-international-film-festival), in which she played an aspiring singer; *Monster Trucks* (2016); the Sundance favorite *I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore* (2017); and *The Toxic Avenger* (2025), in a voice role as the Cheerful Insurance Rep.[14](https://www.rogerebert.com/festivals/tiff-2014-interview-jane-levy-sings-herself-to-stardom) • [2](https://latestnetflix.com/actors/530618) • [7](https://www.ladygunn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/LADYGUNN18ALISONBRIE.pdf)
**A Little Prayer and recent projects.** Levy starred opposite [David Strathairn](https://www.edgepedia.org/david-strathairn) in *A Little Prayer*, written and directed by Angus MacLachlan, which premiered at the 2023 [Sundance Film Festival](https://www.edgepedia.org/sundance-film-festival) and was acquired by [Sony Pictures Classics](https://www.edgepedia.org/sony-pictures-classics).[4](https://geffenplayhouse-16b04.kxcdn.com/people/jane-levy/) In 2026 she appeared in *Atropia* (2025) and starred as Lucy in *River*, a slasher from first-time feature director Joshua Giuliano co-starring Jessica Rothe, which premiered in the Midnight Madness section of the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival.[5](https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/river-this-insanely-inventive-thriller-is-terrifying-the-toronto-film-festival/) • [15](https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/evil-dead-jane-levy-happy-death-day-jessica-rothe-new-slasher-horror-river) She also stars in the survival thriller *Whalefall* (2026) opposite Josh Brolin, and plays Faye in the upcoming NBC series *Sunset P.I.* (2027) with Jake Johnson.[15](https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/evil-dead-jane-levy-happy-death-day-jessica-rothe-new-slasher-horror-river) • [6](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3994408)
## Theatre
Levy made her theater debut at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles, playing Dusty in the production of *POTUS* that ran from January 17 to February 25, 2024.[4](https://geffenplayhouse-16b04.kxcdn.com/people/jane-levy/) She had said before that stage work intrigued her but that she was terrified of performing for a live audience eight times a week.[8](https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/jane-levy-zoeys-extraordinary-playlist-marvel-audition-69752/)
## Approach and range
Levy has moved across comedy, horror, drama, and musical performance, and has said her favorite genre is a blend of comedy and drama because it reflects her own experience of life.[16](https://goldenglobes.com/articles/jane-levy-laughter-human-need/) She has described herself as drawn to peculiar stories and characters, and has noted a difference in how she experiences smaller independent productions versus larger studio projects, saying that on smaller productions people are clearly there for the story and the art.[7](https://www.ladygunn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/LADYGUNN18ALISONBRIE.pdf) Critics reviewing *Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist* repeatedly singled out her tonal control, with the show's critics consensus crediting "the always charming Jane Levy" for carrying the series.[17](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/zoey_s_extraordinary_playlist/s01)
## Personal life
Levy was married to Jaime Freitas from 2011 to 2013, and has been in a relationship with actor and artist Thomas McDonell, whom she met on the set of *Fun Size* in 2011.[10](https://www.tvinsider.com/people/jane-levy/)
## References
1. [Jane Levy, Golden Globes profile](https://goldenglobes.com/person/jane-levy/)
2. [Jane Levy, Actor Profile, Latest Netflix](https://latestnetflix.com/actors/530618)
3. ["'Suburgatory' Star Jane Levy on her First Season", Backstage](https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/suburgatory-star-jane-levy-first-season-52126/)
4. [Jane Levy, Geffen Playhouse](https://geffenplayhouse-16b04.kxcdn.com/people/jane-levy/)
5. ["This Insanely Inventive Thriller Is Terrifying the Toronto Film Festival", The Daily Beast](https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/river-this-insanely-inventive-thriller-is-terrifying-the-toronto-film-festival/)
6. [Jane Levy, IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3994408)
7. [LADYGUNN interview with Jane Levy](https://www.ladygunn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/LADYGUNN18ALISONBRIE.pdf)
8. ["Jane Levy's Best Audition Advice", Backstage](https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/jane-levy-zoeys-extraordinary-playlist-marvel-audition-69752/)
9. ["Jane Levy on Her Breakout Role in Suburgatory", Teen Vogue](https://www.teenvogue.com/story/jane-levy-interview)
10. [Jane Levy, TV Insider](https://www.tvinsider.com/people/jane-levy/)
11. ["Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist on Roku Channel", Tom's Guide](https://www.tomsguide.com/entertainment/streaming/sometimes-you-just-need-a-happy-feel-good-show-to-binge-ive-got-the-perfect-pick-and-its-free-on-roku-channel)
12. ["With 'Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist,' Jane Levy Finds Her Voice", Entertainment Tonight](https://www.etonline.com/zoeys-extraordinary-playlist-jane-levy-standout-performances-emmys-148558)
13. ["Jane Levy on the Cancellation of Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist", Vanity Fair](https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/06/jane-levy-zoeys-extraordinary-playlist-canceled)
14. ["TIFF 2014 Interview: Jane Levy Sings Herself to Stardom", RogerEbert.com](https://www.rogerebert.com/festivals/tiff-2014-interview-jane-levy-sings-herself-to-stardom)
15. ["Evil Dead And Happy Death Day Stars Are Teaming For A New Horror Movie", CinemaBlend](https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/evil-dead-jane-levy-happy-death-day-jessica-rothe-new-slasher-horror-river)
16. ["Jane Levy: 'Laughter is a human need'", Golden Globes](https://goldenglobes.com/articles/jane-levy-laughter-human-need/)
17. [Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist: Season 1, Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/zoey_s_extraordinary_playlist/s01)
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*Topic: Encyclopedia › Arts and culture › Screen and stage › Film and television › Screen people and creators › Screen actors of the Anglosphere and Europe › American actors: 2000s onward › Surnames Le to L*
*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Sep 17, 2026; Oct 25, 2026 · Edited: Oct 12, 2026; Oct 15, 2026; Oct 25, 2026 · Last review: Oct 25, 2026*
*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*
License: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license