Edmonton-born actress Jill Hennessy has come a long way to achieve fame. Through persistence and confidence, she made a significant breakthrough by becoming the first female Assistant District Attorney in the iconic series Law & Order. Additionally, she earned the lead role in the crime drama Crossing Jordan. More on edmontonka.com.
Childhood and Education
Jill was born in Edmonton, Alberta, on November 25, 1968, into the family of John Hennessy, a meat salesman. Her mother left Jill and her twin sister Jacqueline shortly after their birth, leaving their upbringing to their father and paternal grandmother. From a young age, Jill dreamed of becoming an actress and was passionate about watching fashion shows on television.
Noticing her granddaughter’s love for fashion, her grandmother encouraged Jill to try modeling. By the age of 15, Jill began working as a model in Toronto. Her grandmother was always by her side, attending every runway show where Jill performed.
Jill received her early education at Stanley Park Senior Public School and later attended Grand River Collegiate Institute.
In 1999, Jill moved to Toronto with her sister and studied at the renowned comedy troupe Second City. Due to financial struggles, Jill learned to play the guitar and began performing on the streets and in various venues to earn money.
Career Beginnings and Growth
While playing the guitar in Edmonton venues, Jill and her sister Jacqueline caught the attention of a director who offered them roles in his film. This opportunity significantly shaped Jill’s career as the director became her mentor, guiding her development.
In 1988, Jill and Jacqueline appeared in the film Dead Ringers, where they delivered excellent performances. In 1990, Jill joined the multi-episode series Law & Order, acting alongside Steven Hill. Hill saw great potential in Jill and consistently guided her with advice on how to excel on stage.
Jill’s career quickly gained momentum. Her next role came in the movie RoboCop 3. In 1993, her career truly took off when Dick Wolf signed her for the film Law & Order, where she played the Assistant District Attorney. Her collaboration and work on this series continued until 1996.
In 1999, Jill’s debut lead role came in the film Black Popcorn. In 2001, she played Jackie Kennedy in the movie Jackie, Ethel, Joan.
Notably, Jill balanced her acting career with her passion for music, recording albums alongside her film roles. In 2009, she released the album Ghost in My Head, which received high praise from fans and critics. Offers and contracts began pouring in for the star.
Personal Life
In 2000, Jill married biker Paolo Mastropietro. In January 2001, the couple held a second wedding ceremony at New York City Hall, officiated by Mayor Rudy Giuliani. The couple welcomed their first son, Marco, in 2003, and their second son, Gianni, in 2007.
Jill and Paolo share a love for motorcycles, often spending Saturdays riding bikes, playing music, and singing together. In an interview, Jill shared that she is very happy in her marriage, and her husband makes every effort to ensure her happiness.
Jill Hennessy’s Life Today
Since 2020, Jill has focused on playing the guitar, releasing albums one after another. She has largely stepped away from on-screen appearances, dedicating most of her time to riding bikes, writing hits, and spending time with her family.