Who Is Jennifer Beals? Age, Biography and Wiki
Jennifer Beals, born on December 19, 1963, is an iconic American actress best known for her roles in Flashdance and The L Word. With a career spanning over three decades, she has established herself as a versatile performer with a passion for the arts. As of 2025, Jennifer is 61 years old, continuing to captivate audiences with her talent and charisma. Her deep-rooted commitment to acting, along with her advocacy for various causes, has made her a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
| Occupation | Voice Actress |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 19, 1963 |
| Age | 61 Years |
| Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Jennifer Beals's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Jennifer Beals stands tall at 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm). Her weight fluctuates around 130 lbs (59 kg), maintaining a fit and healthy physique that she attributes to an active lifestyle. As an actress known for her fitness during her earlier years in Flashdance, she continues to prioritize her health and well-being. Jennifer's body measurements are approximately 34-26-36, showcasing her timeless elegance.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Jennifer Beals is married to her husband, Ken Dixon, whom she tied the knot with in 1998. The couple has remained largely private about their relationship, but they often support each other in their respective endeavors. Jennifer has one daughter, Ella Beals, born in 2005, who has also inspired her to become more involved in advocacy, especially regarding arts education for children.
Beals's father was African-American, and her mother is Irish-American. She has two brothers, Bobby and Gregory. Her father died when Beals was nine, after which she spent a summer at Cheley Colorado Camps in Estes Park, Colorado. Her mother married Edward Cohen in 1981. Beals says that her biracial heritage affected her.
Of her youth, she says that she "always lived sort of on the outside", with a feeling "of being the other in society". Beals's first job was at age 13 at an ice cream store, using her height at the time (later 5 ft) to convince her boss she was 16 years old.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Jennifer Beals's net worth is estimated to be approximately $8 million, accrued from her successful acting career, including TV shows, films, and endorsements. Her salary per episode for her role in various series is reported to be around $100,000, reflecting her esteemed status in Hollywood. This remarkable financial standing demonstrates her longevity and appeal in the competitive entertainment industry.
Career, Business and Investments
Jennifer's career took off with the release of Flashdance in 1983, which showcased her dance skills and catapulted her into stardom. Over the years, she has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including her acclaimed role in The L Word and its sequel, The L Word: Generation Q. Beyond her acting pursuits, Beals is also involved in various business ventures and investments, particularly in startups focusing on technology and sustainable fashion, aligning with her advocacy in social causes.
Two key moments inspired Beals to pursue a career in acting—working on her high school's production of Fiddler on the Roof, and seeing Balm in Gilead (with Joan Allen) while volunteer-ushering at the Steppenwolf Theatre.
Social Network
Jennifer Beals is active on several social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, where she engages with fans, shares moments from her life, and promotes her latest projects. Her Instagram account (@jenniferbeals) boasts tens of thousands of followers, who appreciate her inspiring posts and glimpses into her personal life and activism.
Beals had a minor role in the 1980 film My Bodyguard, then came to fame with her starring part in Flashdance. The third-highest grossing U.S. film of 1983, Flashdance is the story of 18-year-old Alex, a welder by day and sensual dancer by night, whose dream is to be accepted someday at an illustrious school of dance.
Beals was cast for this key role while still a student at Yale. She was nominated for a Golden Globe and the film received an Academy Award for Best Song. Many of Beals's elaborate dance moves were actually performed by dance double Marine Jahan. Gymnast Sharon Shapiro performed the flips as a body double for actress Beals.
Education
Jennifer Beals attended Northwestern University, where she pursued a degree in English Literature. Her education has heavily influenced her ability to tackle diverse roles and engage in thought-provoking projects. She often emphasizes the importance of education and encourages young people to pursue academic interests alongside their career aspirations.
Beals graduated from Francis W. Parker School in Chicago, then participated in Goodman Theatre Young People's Drama Workshop. She graduated from Yale University with a B.A. in American Literature in 1987. While at Yale, Beals was a resident of Morse College. She deferred a term so she could perform in the feature film Flashdance.
