Jennifer Lee
Born 1971 · Age 54
American filmmaker, screenwriter and former Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios; writer/director of Frozen (2013) and Frozen 2 (2019).
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Life & Career Timeline
Born in Providence, Rhode Island
Jennifer Michelle Rebecchi (later Jennifer Lee) born to Linda Lee and Saverio Rebecchi in Providence, RI.
Likely high school graduation — East Providence High School
She and her older sister graduated from East Providence High School (year estimated based on subsequent college graduation in 1992).
Earned BA in English, University of New Hampshire
Graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a bachelor's degree in English; subsequently moved to New York City to work in publishing.
Early career: graphic artist in NYC (Random House)
After college Lee relocated to New York City and worked as a graphic artist designing audiobooks for Random House.
Legally changed surname from Rebecchi to Lee
Probate court hearing listed for change of name from Jennifer Michelle Rebecchi to Jennifer Michelle Lee.
Married Robert Joseph Monn
Lee married Robert Joseph Monn at the Rhode Island Country Club.
Birth of daughter Agatha Lee Monn
Daughter Agatha was born (later provided a voice in Frozen).
Graduated MFA, Columbia University School of the Arts
Completed an MFA in film at Columbia; while at Columbia she won several awards for excellence in screenwriting and gave birth to her daughter during the program.
Won screenwriting awards at Columbia
Received multiple awards for excellence in screenwriting during her MFA studies.
The Round Up quarterfinalist in Nicholl Fellowships; optioned
Her script 'The Round Up' was a quarter-finalist in the Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting and was subsequently optioned by Appian Way Productions.
Joined Walt Disney Animation Studios (Burbank) to help write Wreck-It Ralph
Phil Johnston called in March 2011 asking Lee to join Disney to help write Wreck-It Ralph; an initial eight-week gig turned into a longer-term role.
Wreck-It Ralph released (screenplay credit)
Wreck-It Ralph (2012) was released; Lee received a writing credit for the film.
Frozen released (writer & co-director)
Frozen, for which Lee was the screenwriter and co-director with Chris Buck, was released and became a global phenomenon.
Frozen wins Academy Award for Best Animated Feature
Frozen received the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature (86th Academy Awards).
Commencement speaker at University of New Hampshire; awarded honorary degree
Delivered the UNH commencement address and received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters; spoke about overcoming self-doubt.
Announced to adapt 'A Wrinkle in Time' for Disney
Variety reported Lee would adapt Madeleine L'Engle's novel 'A Wrinkle in Time' for Disney; Lee expressed her longtime love for the book.
Frozen Fever short announced
Disney announced a short film featuring Frozen characters titled 'Frozen Fever' (announced Sept. 2014).
Creative leadership credit on Big Hero 6
Lee was credited for 'Creative Leadership' on Disney's Big Hero 6 (released late 2014).
Frozen Fever released (short)
'Frozen Fever', a short film co-directed by Lee and Buck, was released in March 2015.
Disney announces Frozen sequel (Frozen 2)
Disney officially announced a full-length sequel to Frozen; Lee and Buck would co-direct.
Credited on Zootopia (story co-writer) and Moana (creative leadership)
Lee received a story co-writer credit on Zootopia (released 2016) and a 'Creative Leadership' credit on Moana (2016).
A Wrinkle in Time released (screenplay credit)
Film adaptation of A Wrinkle in Time, based on Lee's script and directed by Ava DuVernay, was released in March 2018.
Named Chief Creative Officer (CCO) of Walt Disney Animation Studios
Following John Lasseter's departure, Lee was named the first female Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Oversaw final production of Ralph Breaks the Internet
Lee finished overseeing Ralph Breaks the Internet in the final months leading up to its release after Lasseter's exit; film released Nov 2018.
Confirmed relationship with Alfred Molina
In November 2019 Lee confirmed she was in a relationship with actor Alfred Molina.
Frozen 2 released (director & writer)
Frozen 2, directed and co-written by Lee and Chris Buck, was released in November 2019.
Frozen 2 becomes highest-grossing animated film (briefly)
Frozen 2 became the highest-grossing animated film of all time (as of Jan 5, 2020) before later being surpassed in 2024.
Released 'At Home with Olaf' YouTube short (executive producer credit)
Disney released 'At Home with Olaf' on YouTube; Lee credited as executive producer on various shorts and projects in 2020.
Oversaw and executive-produced 2021 releases (Raya, Encanto)
As CCO, Lee oversaw production and was an executive producer on Raya and the Last Dragon and Encanto (both 2021 releases).
Married Alfred Molina
Lee and Alfred Molina married in August 2021 in a ceremony officiated by mutual friend Jonathan Groff.
Executive producer credits on Strange World and streaming series
Continued to serve as executive producer on Strange World (2022) and multiple Disney+ projects and shorts (e.g., Baymax! and Zootopia+).
Released 'Wish' (co-writer & executive producer)
Wish, a film co-written by Lee and produced under her leadership, was released in 2023 as part of Disney Animation's slate.
Inside Out 2 surpasses Frozen 2 as highest-grossing animated film
Inside Out 2 (2024) overtook Frozen 2's box office record on July 24, 2024.
Frozen 3 concept art shown; 2027 release eyed
Concept art for Frozen 3 was revealed and a 2027 release window was discussed; Lee teased additional sequels.
Stepped down as Chief Creative Officer of Disney Animation
Lee announced she was stepping down as CCO to return to full-time filmmaking (to direct Frozen 3 and to write/EP Frozen 4). Jared Bush was named her successor.
Jared Bush named successor as CCO
Jared Bush was named Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, succeeding Jennifer Lee.
Zootopia 2 (2025) involvement/oversight
Lee had overseen development of Zootopia 2, which is listed for 2025 release (she maintained creative oversight prior to stepping down).
Planned: To direct Frozen 3
Jennifer Lee is announced to return to full-time filmmaking specifically to direct and write Frozen 3 (expected 2027 release).
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