Jena Malone is an American actress, producer, and musician with a net worth of $4 million. Known for her roles in both television and film, Malone has gained recognition for her diverse career spanning over two decades. She made her debut in the 1996 drama Bastard Out of Carolina, which earned her a Young Artist Award and later earned a Golden Globe nomination for her role in the 1997 TV movie Hope. Malone has built a diverse career with over 70 acting credits, including notable films such as Stepmom (1998), For Love of the Game (1999), Donnie Darko (2001), Into the Wild (2007), The Neon Demon (2016), and the Hunger Games series. She also produced films such as Lorelei (2020) and Adopting Audrey (2021) and released music under her own name and as part of the band The Shoe.
Early Life and Upbringing
Born Jena Laine Malone on November 21, 1984, in Sparks, Nevada, she had a unique family structure. Raised by her mother, Deborah, and her partner, Jena grew up with two mothers. She fondly recalls the experience in interviews, highlighting how having two sources of love was a positive influence. Her father, Edward Berge, was absent from her life during her early years, but they later reconciled as adults. The family faced financial hardships, frequently moving and sometimes experiencing homelessness. Despite these struggles, Jena’s mother, an actress, inspired her to pursue acting. By 1995, the family relocated to Las Vegas, and Jena began acting lessons.
The Move to Los Angeles and Early Career
In her pursuit of acting, Jena convinced her mother to move to Los Angeles, where she would continue her training and eventually land acting jobs. Jena was homeschooled during her middle school years, later attending the Professional Children’s School in New York City in the ninth grade. At 15, she legally emancipated herself from her mother due to financial mismanagement. By 19, she had bought her own house in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Despite her early struggles, Jena’s determination pushed her to pursue a career in acting.
Breakthrough and Rising Star
Jena’s breakthrough came in 1996 when she starred in Bastard Out of Carolina, a performance that earned her widespread critical acclaim. Her role as Ruth Anne “Bone” Boatwright was praised, and she soon became a sought-after talent in Hollywood. Following this success, she appeared in numerous TV shows, including Chicago Hope, Touched by an Angel, and Homicide: Life on the Street. She also received recognition for her role in the TV movie Hope, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination.
In 1997, she starred in the film Contact alongside Jodie Foster and Matthew McConaughey. She also appeared in Stepmom (1998), alongside Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon. These films cemented her status as a talented young actress, and she won several awards, including the YoungStar Award for her role in Stepmom.
A Diverse Career in Film and Television
Jena continued to diversify her roles, playing a range of characters in both films and television. In 1999, she starred alongside Kevin Costner and Kelly Preston in For Love of the Game, followed by roles in Donnie Darko (2001) and The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys (2002). She also appeared in several TV movies and miniseries, including Cheaters (2000) and Hitler: The Rise of Evil (2003), where she portrayed Geli Raubal, Adolf Hitler’s half-niece.
In 2004, she voiced the character Lettie in the English-language version of Howl’s Moving Castle and starred in the indie comedy Saved! (2004). Throughout the following years, Jena appeared in films such as The Messenger (2009), The Ruins (2008), and Four Last Songs (2007).
Jena continued to land prominent roles, including the role of Lydia Bennet in Pride & Prejudice (2005), and she was featured in the ensemble cast of Sucker Punch (2011).
The Hunger Games and Continued Success
Jena gained international recognition for her role as Johanna Mason in The Hunger Games franchise. She appeared in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013), Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014), and Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015), which collectively grossed over $2.2 billion at the global box office. Her portrayal of the fierce and rebellious Johanna captured the attention of both critics and fans.
In addition to her role in The Hunger Games, Jena appeared in Inherent Vice (2014), starring alongside Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon. Over the years, Jena’s career continued to flourish with roles in films like The Neon Demon (2016), Nocturnal Animals (2016), and The Public (2018). She also starred in Too Old to Die Young (2019) and appeared in the Amazon series Goliath (2021).
Personal Life and Advocacy
Jena’s personal life has garnered attention due to her openness about her experiences. She became legally emancipated from her mother at 15, which allowed her to manage her own career and finances. She became engaged to photographer Ethan DeLorenzo in 2016, and the couple welcomed a son, Ode Mountain DeLorenzo Malone, in May 2016. However, they ended their engagement in 2019. In 2019, Jena entered into a relationship with musician Alex Ebert.
In 2022, Jena openly discussed her sexual identity on Instagram, identifying as polyamorous and pansexual. She emphasized that her journey of self-discovery had led her to explore these aspects of her identity. Jena also demonstrated her advocacy for animal rights when she witnessed a man abusing a dog in Hollywood in 2022. She courageously pursued the abuser and helped stop the assault, ensuring the dog received medical attention.
Awards and Recognitions
Jena’s acting career has been marked by numerous accolades and nominations. Her work in Bastard Out of Carolina (1997) earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Debut Performance. She also won a Saturn Award for her role in Contact (1998) and received nominations for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2014) and The Neon Demon (2016). Jena won several awards, including Best Supporting Actress for The Neon Demon from the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards and BloodGuts UK Horror Awards.
Throughout her career, Jena has been recognized for her range as an actress, receiving nominations for Teen Choice Awards, Satellite Awards, and the Screen Actors Guild Awards. She also won Best Ensemble for Into the Wild (2007) at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and Gold Derby Awards.
Jena Malone has established herself as a versatile and successful actress, producer, and musician, with a career spanning various genres and mediums. From her early breakthrough in Bastard Out of Carolina to her iconic role in The Hunger Games series, Jena’s work has been consistently praised. Her net worth of $4 million reflects not only her success in entertainment but also her commitment to creating meaningful work both in front of and behind the camera. Through her advocacy and personal growth, Jena continues to inspire her fans and peers alike.
