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The Shalvi/Hyman Encyclopedia of Jewish Women

Features thousands of biographic and thematic essays on Jewish women around the world. Learn more

Rashida Jones

b. February 25, 1976

by JWA Staff
Our work to expand the Encyclopedia is ongoing. We are providing this brief biography for Rashida Jones until we are able to commission a full entry.

Rashida Jones in 2007.

Courtesy of Arnold Gatilao via Wikimedia Commons

Rashida Jones has starred in dozens of films, but is best known for her roles on TV shows like The Office and Parks and Recreation. Jones is the child of black musician/producer Quincy Jones and Jewish actress Peggy Lipton (known for her roles on The Mod Squad and Twin Peaks). At Harvard, she initially focused on a law career before switching to drama. After performing in a number of student productions, she graduated in 1997 with a degree in religion and philosophy and immediately landed her first role in the miniseries The Last Don. Jones gained an audience for her recurring roles on Freaks and Geeks in 2000, Boston Public from 2000–2002, and The Office from 2006–2008. A dozen film roles followed, including The Social Network; I Love You, Man; and Brief Interviews with Hideous Men. As of 2009 she is a regular cast member of the mockumentary-style sitcom Parks and Recreation. In 2012 she co–wrote and starred in Celeste and Jesse Forever. An activist and philanthropist, she is a board member of Peace First (teaching children nonviolent conflict resolution) and supports various AIDS and cancer charities.

How to cite this page

Jewish Women's Archive. "Rashida Jones." (Viewed on March 24, 2023) <https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/jones-rashida>.

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