Kelley Jakle Biography

Kelley Alice Jakle (born June 27, 1989) is an American actress and singer-songwriter. She is best known for her role as Jessica in Pitch Perfect (2012) and its sequel Pitch Perfect 2 (2015). She is also known for her appearances on the first and second seasons of The Sing-Off in 2009 and 2010.

Early life

Jakle was born in Carmichael, California. She was active in music from an early age, performing as part of the Sacramento Children's Chorus, singing The Star-Spangled Banner at sporting events (including a San Francisco 49ers game in 2006) and auditioning for the singing contest American Idol. Jakle began writing music in 2003.

After graduating from Loretto High School, Jakle attended the University of Southern California, where she majored in communications. In 2007, Jakle joined the USC a cappella group the SoCal VoCals. During her tenure in the SoCal VoCals, the group won the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella in 2008 and again in 2010.

In 2009, Jakle took part in season one of The Sing-Off, a singing competition televised on NBC, as part of a group called "The SoCals". The SoCals were eliminated in the third episode. In 2010, Jakle again competed on The Sing-Off, this time as part of "The Backbeats". The Backbeats finished the contest in third place.

Career

While attending USC, Jakle joined the band, By the Way as lead vocalist. The band released a self-titled extended play in 2007. During her junior year, Jakle released a solo extended play, Spare Change, featuring a mix of produced and acoustic tracks.

Upon graduating from USC, Jakle began working as an actress in Los Angeles. Her first film role was as Jessica in the 2012 musical comedy Pitch Perfect, with Jakle being chosen as a "ringer" due to her background in a cappella. In 2013, Jakle appeared in 42, a biographical film about baseball player Jackie Robinson co-starring Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey, Jakle's great-grandfather. Jakle reprised her role as Jessica in Pitch Perfect 2 in 2015 and in Pitch Perfect 3 in 2017.

In 2013, Jakle released several singles, including a cover of "Ain't It Fun" by Paramore.

On July 29, 2016, Jakle originated the role of Marilyn Monroe in Marilyn! The New Musical at the Alex Theatre in Glendale, California.

Personal life

Jakle is the great-granddaughter of Major League Baseball executive Branch Rickey.

Jakle is an ambassador for ReACT, a movement in Montana that encourages teenagers not to smoke.

Filmography

Film

Year	Title	Role	Notes
2012	Pitch Perfect	Jessica
2013	42	Alice
2015	Pitch Perfect 2	Jessica
2016	The 420 Movie: Mary & Jane	Jane Hightower
2016	Single Miserable Human
2017	Pitch Perfect 3	Jessica	Filming

Television

Year	Title	Role	Notes
2009	The Sing-Off	Herself	Recurring role (3 episodes)
2010	The Sing-Off	Herself	Recurring role (5 episodes)
2012	Workaholics	Receptionist	Episode: "The Business Trip"
2013	Adam DeVine's House Party	Cynthia	Episode: "Ex-Girlfriend"
2013	#TheAssignment	Kelley	Recurring role (2 episodes)
2014-2015	Scorpion	Janice Keller	Recurring role (2 episodes)
2015	Uncle Grandpa	Additional voices	Episode: "Pizza Steve's Diary"
2015	Resident Advisors	Female Leslie	Recurring role (2 episodes)

Web television

Year	Title	Role	Notes
2015	Climate Change Deniers' Anthem	Singer	Funny or Die website
2017	"Poker Face"	Singer	Postmodern Jukebox website

Discography

Extended plays

• By the Way (2007)
• Spare Change (2008)

Singles

Year	Single	Album
2013	"Ain't It Fun (Jakle & Sontag Remix)"	Non album single
2013	"For Love"	Non album single
2013	"Free Fallin'"	Non album single
2013	"When You Say Nothing at All"	Non album single
2014	"My Best Case"	Non album single
2014	"Favourite Part of Me"	Non album single
2015	"Best Goodbye"	Tribute to Abby Wambach
2017	"Poker Face"	Postmodern Jukebox release, featured artist