Jenny Wright, a multifaceted and enigmatic individual, was born on March 23, 1962, in the vibrant city of New York. Her artistic and inquisitive nature was nurtured by her father, an artist, and her mother, a teacher, who instilled in her a deep appreciation for the arts and a strong foundation for self-directed learning from a young age.
As her parents' relationship dissolved, Jenny relocated to Cambridge, New York, to live with her mother and two sisters. After her sisters departed for college, Jenny and her mother returned to New York City, where she discovered her passion for acting and enrolled in the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute.
Jenny's talent and charisma quickly caught the attention of modeling and casting agents, and at the age of 16, she began modeling for renowned artists Antonio Lopez and Salvador Dalí. She then transitioned to the stage, making her off-Broadway debut in the play "Album" alongside Kevin Bacon.
In 1980, Jenny made a brief appearance in the TV film "Rape and Marriage: The Rideout Case" alongside Mickey Rourke. Her stage career continued to flourish, earning her rave reviews for her portrayal of Dorcus Fray in Joseph Papp's Broadway production of "Plenty".
In 1982, Jenny landed a role in "The World According to Garp", impressing director George Roy Hill with her unique blend of sensuality and innocence. She then traveled to London to star in "Pink Floyd: The Wall", playing an abused groupie. Following this, she appeared in the TV documentary/drama "The Executioner's Song", which marked a more substantial role for her.
After a stint on the stage, Jenny returned to films in 1984 with "The Wild Life" alongside Eric Stoltz and Chris Penn. Her subsequent film appearances in "St. Elmo's Fire" (1984) and "Out of Bounds" (1986) solidified her position as a rising star.
However, Jenny's inclusion in the 'Brat Pack' category, alongside actors such as Rob Loew and Anthony Michael Hall, made her uncomfortable. In response, she began selecting edgier film roles, starting with "Near Dark" in 1987. Her portrayal of Mae, a sweet yet dangerous vampire, remains one of her most memorable performances.
Jenny credits director Kathryn Bigelow with crafting the film's haunting atmosphere, which earned "Near Dark" a cult following and cemented her status as a talented and versatile actress. Despite the film's modest box office performance, it has since become a standout in the vampire genre.
As Jenny continued to navigate the film industry, she successfully shed her 'Brat Pack' label, opting for independent and unconventional roles. Her subsequent appearances in "The Chocolate War" (1988) and "Twister" (1988) showcased her range and versatility.
Jenny's film career eventually gave way to more conventional roles in mainstream films such as "Young Guns II" (1990) and "The Lawnmower Man" (1992). Ultimately, she chose to retire from the film industry, bringing an end to her remarkable and enduring career.
