Jenna Elfman was born in Los Angeles, California, and began her career appearing in commercials. She studied with Milton Katselas, the renowned acting teacher. She then began appearing in TV shows before landing the role of Dharma in the hit ABC television show Dharma & Greg.

Her first starring role in a film was in Krippendorf's Tribe, alongside Richard Dreyfuss. She won a Golden Globe award for her role in "Dharma & Greg" and has since appeared in such films as Keeping the Faith and Edtv.
Studied acting at The Beverly Hills Playhouse with Milton Katselas. Is a classically-trained ballet dancer. Graduated from Los Angeles High School for the Arts, class of 1989. She was senior class representative (dance dept), on Student Arts Council. Niece of singer Tony Butala, who founded and performs with the vocal group The Lettermen. She started taking classical ballet at the age of five, but by nine, she suffered a serious ankle injury, and at age 12, the tendon came off the bone. She later gave up ballet at the age of 16. Was listed as a potential nominee on the 2004 Razzie Award nominating ballot. She was suggested in the Worst Supporting Actress category for her performance in the film Looney Tunes: Back in Action, however, she failed to receive a nomination. Is of Croatian heritage. Daughter-in-law of Richard Elfman and Marie-Pascale Elfman. Was among the guests at Tom Cruise's and Katie Holmes' wedding ceremony in Italy. At age 35, she gave birth to her first child. Son, Story Elias, was born July 23, 2007 in Los Angeles, weighing 7 lbs, 2 oz. Niece of Danny Elfman and Bridget Fonda.