Most Famous Janes in the World

The name Jane shows up all over film, television, and music—from classic Hollywood headliners to charting vocalists and Oscar-winning directors. Many of these Janes have fronted blockbuster movies, anchored beloved TV series, or released records that crossed borders and languages, leaving a clear paper trail of credits, awards, and collaborations.

Below is a friendly, fact-packed tour through some of the most recognizable celebrities named Jane. Each entry highlights verified milestones—roles that defined a career, albums that moved units, trophies on the shelf, and projects that built a public profile—so you can quickly place each Jane in the wider story of entertainment.

Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda is an American actor and producer whose filmography includes major titles across several decades, with Academy Awards for Best Actress for “Klute” and “Coming Home.” She expanded her public reach in the 1980s with a best-selling line of home workout videos, while continuing to headline studio features and later co-starred in the long-running series “Grace and Frankie.”

Beyond screen roles, Fonda has authored books, led high-visibility philanthropic work, and maintained a consistent stage and speaking presence. Her career timeline includes multiple Golden Globes, the AFI Life Achievement Award, and ongoing projects in television, film, and nonfiction publishing.

Jane Seymour

Jane Seymour is a British-American actor known internationally for playing Dr. Michaela Quinn on the series “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” a role that brought sustained ratings and award recognition. Earlier in her career, she portrayed Solitaire in the James Bond film “Live and Let Die,” which introduced her to a global audience.

Seymour’s work spans television miniseries, feature films, and family movies, along with producing and writing. Her awards shelf includes a Primetime Emmy and a Golden Globe, and she has pursued design and charitable initiatives alongside regular guest roles and TV movies.

Jane Campion

Jane Campion is a New Zealand filmmaker whose body of work includes “The Piano,” which earned the Palme d’Or at Cannes and multiple Academy Awards. She later directed “The Power of the Dog,” earning the Academy Award for Best Director and further cementing her status in contemporary cinema.

Campion’s career features a consistent focus on character-driven storytelling and international co-productions, with her films regularly premiering at A-list festivals. She has also worked in limited series and served on festival juries, influencing film culture through both her releases and curatorial roles.

Jane Birkin

Jane Birkin was an English-French singer and actor who broke through with the duet “Je t’aime… moi non plus,” followed by a long run of solo albums and film appearances in France. Her collaborations with Serge Gainsbourg helped define a distinct pop sound and image across the late 1960s and 1970s.

Outside music and film, Birkin became linked to fashion history through the Hermès Birkin bag, which took its name from her after a chance meeting with the brand’s executive. She remained active in recording, touring, and humanitarian causes, with retrospectives and tributes continuing to spotlight her catalog.

Jane Russell

Jane Russell was an American film star who debuted in “The Outlaw” and later co-starred in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” Her screen persona and publicity campaigns made her a marquee name during Hollywood’s studio-system era.

Russell’s career also included television, stage performances, and recordings, along with charitable work such as co-founding WAIF (World Adoption International Fund). She published an autobiography and remained a presence at classic-film festivals and retrospectives.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch is an American actor and host best known for playing Sue Sylvester on “Glee,” a role that brought her Emmy and Golden Globe wins. She has a long association with Christopher Guest ensemble comedies, appearing in films like “Best in Show” and “A Mighty Wind.”

Lynch’s on-camera work extends to game and award shows, including hosting duties on “Hollywood Game Night” and “The Weakest Link.” She has also performed on Broadway, narrated documentaries, and voiced characters in animated features and series.

Jane Krakowski

Jane Krakowski is an American actor and singer known for playing Jenna Maroney on “30 Rock” and Jacqueline White on “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” earning multiple Emmy nominations. On stage, she won a Tony Award for her performance in the Broadway revival of “Nine.”

Krakowski’s credits span films, TV guest arcs, hosting, and concert appearances, along with cast recordings and solo releases. She continues to work across comedy and musical theater, frequently appearing in live television specials and holiday productions.

Jane Curtin

Jane Curtin is an American actor and comedian who joined the original “Saturday Night Live” cast in 1975 as one of the “Not Ready for Prime Time Players.” She later headlined the sitcom “Kate & Allie,” winning multiple Emmys for her performance.

Curtin has appeared in films, stage productions, and additional TV series such as “3rd Rock from the Sun,” building a steady résumé across genres. She is regularly featured in reunion specials and documentary projects that chart the history of American sketch comedy.

Jane Asher

Jane Asher is a British actor and author whose career includes film roles, BBC dramas, and extensive stage work in London’s West End. She became widely known in the 1960s through high-profile appearances and a long relationship with Paul McCartney, during which she also continued acting and broadcasting.

Asher later developed a parallel career in food writing and entrepreneurship, publishing cookbooks and running a celebrated cake-decorating business. She maintains an active presence in theater, radio, and television dramas, with guest roles and readings across the UK.

Jane Zhang

Jane Zhang is a Chinese pop singer who rose to prominence after placing on the televised competition “Super Girl.” She went on to release Mandarin-language albums that charted strongly in Greater China, with singles crossing over to international collaborations.

Zhang is known for a whistle-register range and high-profile performances on televised galas and award shows. Her music videos incorporate visual-art collaborations, and she has recorded theme songs and multilingual tracks aimed at broader audiences.

Jane Horrocks

Jane Horrocks is an English actor and singer recognized for her dual role as Bubble and Katy Grin on “Absolutely Fabulous.” She earned major award nominations for “Little Voice,” in which she performed vocal impersonations and showcased her singing ability on screen and on stage.

Horrocks has continued to appear in film, television, and theater, including voice roles in animated features and radio plays. She has collaborated on music-theater projects, released recordings tied to stage productions, and toured live shows built around classic songbooks.

Jane Powell

Jane Powell was an American singer and actor who starred in MGM musicals, notably “Royal Wedding” and “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” Trained as a coloratura soprano, she recorded studio albums and performed concert engagements alongside her film work.

Powell transitioned to stage musicals and television after the studio era, with guest appearances and touring productions. She participated in classic-film festivals, released memoir material, and remained celebrated for mid-century musical cinema.

Jane Leeves

Jane Leeves is an English-American actor best known for playing Daphne Moon on “Frasier,” a role that brought Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. She later starred in the sitcom “Hot in Cleveland” and appeared in medical dramas and comedies on network and cable television.

Leeves has done extensive voice acting for animated series and features. She has also produced and developed projects for television, maintaining an active schedule of guest roles, reunions, and live events tied to long-running series.

Jane McDonald

Jane McDonald is a British singer and television presenter who became widely known after the documentary series “The Cruise.” Her self-titled debut album topped the UK Albums Chart, establishing a sustained recording and touring career.

McDonald moved into presenting with programs centered on travel and music, including “Cruising with Jane McDonald,” which earned industry recognition. She continues to release albums, mount theater tours, and appear on variety and talk shows in the UK.

Share your favorites and any Janes we should add in the comments!