Emily Erin Deschanel (born October 11, 1976) is an American actress, best known for her starring role in the television series Bones.

Deschanel was born in Los Angeles, California to father Caleb Deschanel, an Academy Award-nominated cinematographer, and mother Mary Jo Weir, an actress. She has one sister, Zooey Deschanel, who is also an actress. Her paternal grandfather was French (her last name means "from the channels" in French), and the remainder of her ancestry is Irish . She said in a recent interview that when they were little, she and her sister spent lots of summers near Lyon, France where they still have family.

Deschanel is a vegan and a comitted supporter of animal rights causes. She and her close friend, Melanie Lynskey, are members of PETA. Emily graduated from Boston University's Professional Actors Training Program with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater.

She made her feature film debut in the 1994 film It Could Happen to You. She has been gaining recognition as an actress and in October of 2004 she was named one of six actresses to watch by Interview Magazine. In addition to starring in feature films, Deschanel has had several guest starring roles in television shows such as Crossing Jordan and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Deschanel is currently starring in the role of forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance Brennan in the television series Bones, based on the real life of forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs. She was nominated for a 2007 Teen Choice Award for that role, and also serves as co-producer at the start of the third season (2007-2008).

Daughter of Caleb Deschanel and Mary Jo Deschanel

Sister of Zooey Deschanel

Graduated from Boston University's Professional Actor's Training Program with a B.F.A. in Theater

Is good friends with Melanie Lynskey and Jorja Fox; both are supporters of PETA and the Humane Society.

Lives in both Los Angeles and New York

(October 2004) Interview magazine named her one of "6 Actors to Watch" in their annual "Young Hollywood" issue

Her paternal grandfather was French and the remainder of her ancestry is Irish American.

Is a vegan.

Was bridesmaid at wedding of best friend Melanie Lynskey to Jimmi Simpson (14 April 2007).

While attending Boston University, she lived on Hooker Street in Brighton, which she calls a "cool neighborhood.".

She attended Boston University with fellow actress Ginnifer Goodwin.

She studied theatre at Boston University's College of Fine Arts.

She is a member on the advisory board of the Adrienne Shelly Foundation, which supports female actors, writers, and directors in honor of the late filmmaker.

She owns a duplex and lives with her sister, Zooey.

She owned a dog, a female Wheaten terrier, who now lives with her ex-boyfriend.

Shares birthday with actress Michelle Trachtenberg.