Zoe Lister-Jones
A multi-hyphenate creative force who writes, directs, and stars in projects that dissect modern relationships with sharp wit and feminist insight.
Born 1982 (age 44)·American actress and screenwriter (b. 1982)·Birthday: September 1·Millennials
Biography
Zoe Lister-Jones operates as a one-woman creative studio, building a unique space in film and television where the personal is always political, and comedy is laced with poignant observation. She first gained attention as a performer with a knack for delivering whip-smart, neurotic dialogue in shows like 'New Girl' and 'Life in Pieces.' But her true signature is behind the camera. Lister-Jones burst onto the indie scene with 'Band Aid,' a film she wrote, directed, and starred in, which used the metaphor of a band to explore a marriage in crisis. She followed this by taking the reins of 'The Craft: Legacy,' injecting the cult classic with a contemporary, collective-power ethos. Her work, often made with collaborative partners like Daryl Wein, is characterized by its DIY spirit, ensemble casts, and a persistent curiosity about how people connect, fail, and heal.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Zoe was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Zoe Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Zoe's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Wrote, directed, and starred in the acclaimed indie musical comedy 'Band Aid' (2017).
- Directed the 2020 reboot 'The Craft: Legacy,' putting a modern, feminist spin on the supernatural classic.
- Co-created, wrote, directed, and starred in the 2023 comedy series 'Slip' for The Roku Channel.
- Played a series regular role on the CBS ensemble sitcom 'Life in Pieces' for its entire four-season run.
Did You Know?
She is married to fellow actor and filmmaker Daryl Wein, with whom she frequently collaborates.
She and her husband made the film 'How It Ends' during the COVID-19 pandemic, filming separately in their own homes.
She had a recurring role on the FX series 'The Other Woman' as a younger version of Natalie Morales's character.
She is a graduate of New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.
“I write parts for women who are messy and complicated because that's the truth.”
