Internationally acclaimed model, actress, film and television star, spokesperson, producer, author, fundraiser, proud mother of three and grandmother of four, by any definition, Jennifer O’Neill is “one of a kind.” With thirty-five-plus feature films, numerous television movies and series to her credit, Jennifer is the first to tell you she is truly blessed.
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to an English mother and a Spanish-Irish father, Ms. O’Neill’s career first began when her family moved from Connecticut to New York City where she entered into international modeling at age fifteen while still a student at the prestigious Dalton School in Manhattan. Having developed a passion for horses early on, she saw modeling as a way to own her first steed. The world of magazine covers, fame and fortune quickly lead to other goals, and at nineteen she was accepted into the Neighborhood Playhouse– New York’s esteemed school of acting. It only took a short while before Jennifer’s unique qualities were noticed by director Howard Hawks, who cast her to star opposite John Wayne in Rio Lobo… Jennifer was a leading actress, married, and a mother of her first child by the age twenty-one.
After her cinematic debut, she accepted a role in the film, Summer of ‘42. Her hauntingly beautiful portrayal of Dorothy made Jennifer O’Neill a household name, and today, Summer of ‘42 remains one of home videos’ most popular titles: The film is considered a “classic,” with her performance hailed as legendary not only by the public, but by her peers as well.
Stimulated by creative opportunities behind the camera, Ms. O’Neill moved to Europe and placed herself under the tutelage of Master Italian Director Luchino Visconti where she turned in an award winning performance in his final film, The Innocent, costarring Giancarlo Giannini. Returning to the U.S., Jennifer O’Neill continued to star in a succession of notable and profitable films such as Blake Edward’s The Carey Treatment, with James Coburn, Caravans, with Anthony Quinn, The Reincarnation of Peter Proud, with Michael Sarrazin, A Force of One, with Chuck Norris, Lady Ice, with Robert Duvall and Donald Sutherland, and David Cronenberg’s blockbuster Scanners- to name a few.
The first television Movie of the Week in which she starred, Love’s Savage Fury, scored a 39 share, making it ABC’s top- rated movie of the year. Her next television project, The Other Victim, co-starring William Devane for CBS, was hailed as one of the years Top 10 films, followed by her own Prime-Time Network Series Cover-Up (CBS). And, of course, we’ve all seen her impressive spokeswoman campaign for CoverGirl: Jennifer’s unprecedented thirty-year endorsement of the product catapulted CoverGirl into the top selling makeup line in the country.
As if all this activity weren’t enough to fill the day, Ms. O’Neill continues to be a constant advocate for charitable causes from serving as Chairperson for the American Cancer Society, to hosting a one hour special for World Vision shot in Africa concerning the HIV epidemic. To date, Jennifer shares her passion for horses at her farm in Nashville with her Equine-Assisted (Hope and Healing at Hillenglade 501(c)3 Programs and Events, serving over 3,500 Active Service Members, Veterans, First Responders, National Guard and their families since 2010. (Please visit Hillenglade.org for more information)
As an author, Ms. O’Neill has recently updated her autobiography, Surviving Myself, and finished filming her post-abortive healing documentary, Project Abortion: the untold story (view on her website). Her additional published works include: From Fallen to Forgiven, You’re Not Alone, the Circle of Friends…Just Off Main fiction series, her novel, All That Glitters, Your Red Letter Day short story/outreach project, as well as her various Workbooks and Healing resources.
Beyond her extensive fundraising on behalf of “Pro-life” and continued work as an actress/author, Jennifer’s corporate and testimonial speaking engagements are inspirational and practical in nature. She has been the guest of President and Mrs. Reagan at the White House, was a keynote speaker at Women of Faith and Extraordinary Women Conferences, as well as her own All That Glitters Engagements, all the while working alongside Focus on the Family on TV and Radio projects. By adding speaking opportunities to her roster of talents and passions, Jennifer O’Neill embraces her “hope and healing” theme by sharing her life’s experiences with a passion, humor and enthusiasm that resonates with all generations.
"Very inspiring. So much I could relate to. I was touched by this conference. I was tired, and uneasy when I came this morning but feel refreshed this afternoon. Jen you have encouraged me to delve more into the Word for a stronger understanding of it."
“Jennifer and her message were so well received. So many people commented on her transparency and sharing her heart. Staff shared that Jennifer was a joy to work with and that she obviously was all about life.”
"In all the years, on one touched the hearts of our audience the way Ms. O'Neill touched them! She spoke of her personal struggle in the midst of her professional triumphs. She shared the intimate details of her past abortion, her personal pain, and how she overcame them through Jesus Christ. There are few speakers who speak directly to the issue of abortion from a personal experience. I highly recommend Ms. O'Neill as a speaker for other pregnancy centers and pro-life organizations. God is using her mightily!"
"Jennifer's testimony filled the room with the spirit of God. Her story was sincere, poignant and inspiring! It was presented with such honesty, faith, courage, humor and eloquence. All of us at Heartbeat have been re-energized to advance our mission for Life for the next 40 years and beyond!"
"Her expressions of God's love, grace and faithfulness in her life give hope and bring healing to all who listen to her. It was not just Jennifer's speaking that impressed me, however, it was her involvement with the people. She took time to meet with and to pray with each person who needed to be with her and as a result, lives were changed."
"We had Jennifer O'Neill speak at our annual women's Bible study outreach event in Palm Beach, FL. Jennifer shared her testimony in an articulate and compelling manner to over 150 women. As a result of her story, nearly one third of the women in attendance prayed to commit their lives to Jesus for the first time."