This award winning actress was born Jilanne Marie Klaus, in Michigan USA to Judith Klaus, and Joseph Klaus, and electrical engineer. She has two siblings, Jessica Klaus and Jeffrey Klaus. An accomplished actress and dancer, she attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC, and began her professional career in musical theatre in New York. She later transitioned to independent film with a move to Los Angeles in 1995. Jilanne has won several awards for her layered and complex portrayals of "the girl next door". Equally gifted in comedy and drama, this pre-med graduate of the University of Notre Dame continues to work across the country while staying true to her Midwestern roots.