Quick Facts
Cancer
Biography
Kelley Alice Jakle (born June 27, 1989) is an American actress and singer-songwriter. She is best known for her role as Jessica in Pitch Perfect (2012) and its sequel Pitch Perfect 2 (2015). She is also known for her appearances on the first and second seasons of The Sing-Off in 2009 and 2010.
Early life
Jakle was born in Carmichael, California. She was active in music from an early age, performing as part of the Sacramento Children's Chorus, singing The Star-Spangled Banner at sporting events (including a San Francisco 49ers game in 2006) and auditioning for the singing contest American Idol. Jakle began writing music in 2003.
After graduating from Loretto High School, Jakle attended the University of Southern California, where she majored in communications. In 2007, Jakle joined the USC a cappella group the SoCal VoCals. During her tenure in the SoCal VoCals, the group won the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella in 2008 and again in 2010.
In 2009, Jakle took part in season one of The Sing-Off, a singing competition televised on NBC, as part of a group called "The SoCals". The SoCals were eliminated in the third episode. In 2010, Jakle again competed on The Sing-Off, this time as part of "The Backbeats". The Backbeats finished the contest in third place.
Career
While attending USC, Jakle joined the band, By the Way as lead vocalist. The band released a self-titled extended play in 2007. During her junior year, Jakle released a solo extended play, Spare Change, featuring a mix of produced and acoustic tracks.
Upon graduating from USC, Jakle began working as an actress in Los Angeles. Her first film role was as Jessica in the 2012 musical comedy Pitch Perfect, with Jakle being chosen as a "ringer" due to her background in a cappella. In 2013, Jakle appeared in 42, a biographical film about baseball player Jackie Robinson co-starring Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey, Jakle's great-grandfather. Jakle reprised her role as Jessica in Pitch Perfect 2 in 2015 and in Pitch Perfect 3 in 2017.
In 2013, Jakle released several singles, including a cover of Ain't It Fun by Paramore.
On July 29, 2016, Jakle starred as Marilyn Monroe in a one-night-only production of the musical Marilyn! at the Alex Theatre in Glendale, California.
Personal life
Jakle is the great-granddaughter of Major League Baseball executive Branch Rickey.
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Pitch Perfect | Jessica | |
| 2013 | 42 | Alice | |
| 2015 | Pitch Perfect 2 | Jessica | |
| 2016 | The 420 Movie: Mary & Jane | Jane Hightower | |
| 2016 | Single Miserable Human | ||
| 2017 | Pitch Perfect 3 | Jessica | Filming |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | The Sing-Off | Herself | Recurring role (3 episodes) |
| 2010 | The Sing-Off | Herself | Recurring role (5 episodes) |
| 2012 | Workaholics | Receptionist | Episode: "The Business Trip" |
| 2013 | Adam DeVine's House Party | Cynthia | Episode: "Ex-Girlfriend" |
| 2013 | #TheAssignment | Kelley | Recurring role (2 episodes) |
| 2014–2015 | Scorpion | Janice Keller | Recurring role (2 episodes) |
| 2015 | Uncle Grandpa | Additional voices | Episode: "Pizza Steve's Diary" |
| 2015 | Resident Advisors | Female Leslie | Recurring role (2 episodes) |
Web television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Climate Change Deniers' Anthem | Singer | Funny or Die website |
Discography
Extended plays
- By the Way (2007)
- Spare Change (2008)
Singles
| Year | Single | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | "Ain't It Fun (Jakle & Sontag Remix)" | Non album single |
| 2013 | "For Love" | Non album single |
| 2013 | "Free Fallin'" | Non album single |
| 2013 | "When You Say Nothing at All" | Non album single |
| 2014 | "My Best Case" | Non album single |
| 2014 | "Favourite Part of Me" | Non album single |
| 2015 | "Best Goodbye" | Tribute to Abby Wambach |