Jessica Leigh Johnson

SAG/AEA (eligible)

Originally hailing from America's first suburb - Levittown, NY, Jessica Leigh Johnson attributes weekend trips into nearby New York City in her teens as an important early saving grace from her quirky and eccentric hometown. It was on such trips that she discovered art house theatres, modern dance, and gritty Off-Broadway productions. However, it was her grandfather Frank Paccione, recording artist who had worked with the likes of jazz legend Thelonious Monk, that ultimately inspired her to escape Levittown and pursue acting. After studying at Hofstra University and abroad in London, Jessica settled back in NY, and in 2002 was crowned the winner of the WB and Clean & Clear's Casting Call. Numerous Off-Broadway and Indie film roles followed - most notably the films "Wannabe," "The Dead Life," "Scorpions and Frogs," and "Jesse & Jill," and the Off-Broadway productions of "Andy and Edie," "A First Family," and "What's Next?" Jessica's next film project "I Want Yesterday," is currently in pre-production and due to shoot on Long Island summer of 2008. It's a film loosely based on Natalie Wood and Christopher Walken's complex relationship. Jessica is slated to star and direct.