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TV, film star Zooey Deschanel converts to Judaism

35-year-old actor known for her comedic roles joined the tribe before her June marriage to Jewish producer Jacob Pechenik

Zooey Deschanel attending the premiere of “Rock The Kasbah” at the AMC Loews Lincoln Square, New York City, Oct. 19, 2015. (Greg Allen/Invision via AP Images via JTA)
Zooey Deschanel attending the premiere of “Rock The Kasbah” at the AMC Loews Lincoln Square, New York City, Oct. 19, 2015. (Greg Allen/Invision via AP Images via JTA)

Actor, singer-songwriter, model and producer Zooey Deschanel has converted to Judaism.

Deschanel, the daughter of a Quaker and Roman Catholic, converted shortly before marrying producer Jacob Pechenik, who is Jewish, Us Weekly reported Monday. The article did not say what denomination of rabbi supervised her conversion.

The two married in June, a month before the birth of their daughter, Elsie.

“Zooey con­verted to Judaism for Jacob,” an unidentified “insider” told the celebrity magazine.

Deschanel, 35, is best known for her comedy roles, as well as her early start as an indie actress. She was nominated for an Emmy and three Golden Globe awards.

Deschanel stars in the Fox sitcom “New Girl” and has appeared in numerous films, including “Mumford” and “Almost Famous.”

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.

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