Elizabeth Gillies: The Star of Dynasty and the Queen of Jazz
Elizabeth Gillies is an accomplished American actress and singer whose career has flourished since her teenage years.
Renowned for portraying Jade West in the Nickelodeon series Victorious and Fallon Carrington in the CW reboot of Dynasty.
She has also showcased her musical talent, collaborating with notable artists such as Seth MacFarlane, Cyndi Lauper, and Andrea Bocelli.
In this article, we will explore her life, career, and achievements and find out why she is one of the most versatile and charismatic stars of her generation.
Early Life and Broadway Debut
Elizabeth Egan Gillies was born on July 26, 1993, in Haworth, New Jersey, to Dave and Lorrie Gillies.
She is of Irish descent, with an Italian grandmother and great-grandmother, and has a younger brother named George.
Gillies began her acting career at the age of 12, appearing in commercials and local casting calls.
Despite initially attending Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan, she left in her freshman year to focus on acting.
Therefore, completing her education through an online program.
At just 15 years old, Gillies made her Broadway debut in the musical 13, portraying the character Lucy alongside future Victorious co-star Ariana Grande.
Notably, 13 was the first Broadway production to feature an entirely teenage cast and band.
Gillies received acclaim for her performance and earned a Young Artist Award nomination for Best Performance in a Broadway Musical.
Breakthrough with Victorious and Winx Club
Gillies’ television career began with a recurring role in the NBC drama The Black Donnellys in 2007.
Where she portrayed the younger version of Jenny Reilly, the main character’s love interest.
She also appeared in minor roles in films such as The Clique, Harold, and Locker 514.
In 2010, Gillies secured her breakthrough role as Jade West in the Nickelodeon sitcom Victorious.
Created by Dan Schneider, the show followed students at a performing arts high school, with Gillies playing the sarcastic and gothic Jade, the girlfriend of Beck Oliver.
Despite often being portrayed as the antagonist, Gillies’ portrayal earned her a dedicated fanbase for her wit and unique style.
Throughout Victorious, Gillies showcased her singing talent, performing various songs including “Give It Up” with Ariana Grande and “Take a Hint” with Victoria Justice.
She also contributed to the show’s soundtrack with her original song “You’re the Reason”.
Additionally, she appeared in the Victorious spin-off movie, iParty with Victorious, and a crossover episode with iCarly.
Simultaneously, Gillies lent her voice to Daphne, the eldest of the Winx fairies, in the Nickelodeon dub of the animated series Winx Club.
She provided vocals for the theme song “We Are Believix” and appeared in its live-action music video, voicing Daphne from 2011 to 2014.
Transition to Mature Roles and Music Career
Following the conclusion of Victorious in 2013, Gillies transitioned to more mature roles and diverse projects.
She starred in the horror film Animal, produced by Drew Barrymore, portraying Mandy, a college student trapped in a cabin with friends and a vicious creature.
Additionally, she took on the lead role in the Lifetime movie Killing Daddy, depicting Callie Ross, a young woman scheming to inherit her estranged father’s fortune.
In 2015, Gillies joined the cast of the FX comedy series Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, created by Denis Leary, where she played Gigi, the daughter of a faded rock star aiming for a comeback.
Notably, Gillies showcased her musical talents on the show, singing and playing the piano, and appeared in the comedy film Vacation as Heather, Christina Applegate’s character’s daughter.
Also, Gillies pursued her passion for music, collaborating with esteemed artists and releasing covers on her YouTube channel.
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Noteworthy performances include singing “The Prayer” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” with Andrea Bocelli at the 2015 Celebrity Fight Night.
And “True Colors” and “Time After Time” with Cyndi Lauper at the 2016 Home for the Holidays concert.
Furthermore, she showcased her vocal prowess alongside Seth MacFarlane.
At the 2017 Night of Too Many Stars, performing “Someone to Watch Over Me”.
In 2023, Gillies debuted her album We Wish You the Merriest.
A Christmas duets collection with Seth MacFarlane, featuring beloved holiday tunes like “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”.
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The release garnered acclaim for Gillies’ vocal versatility and chemistry with MacFarlane.
Success with Dynasty
In her latest and most notable role, Gillies portrays Fallon Carrington in the CW’s Dynasty reboot, a wealthy heiress and energy magnate.
Premiering in 2017, the series delves into the power struggles and drama between the Carrington and Colby families in Atlanta.
As Blake Carrington’s daughter, Gillies’ character exudes ambition, manipulation, and glamour, balanced with loyalty, wit, and vulnerability.
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She serves as the show’s main protagonist and narrator, often breaking the fourth wall to engage with the audience.
Gillies’ portrayal has garnered acclaim, earning her accolades like the Teen Choice Award for Choice Drama TV Actress in 2018 and 2019.
And the People’s Choice Award for The Drama TV Star of 2020.
Additionally, she showcased her directorial skills by helming two episodes in the third and fourth seasons.
Currently airing its fifth season with a sixth on the horizon, Dynasty continues to captivate audiences.
Conclusion
Elizabeth Gillies is a multifaceted talent, seamlessly transitioning from her early days as a child star to becoming a mature and versatile performer.
With over a decade in the entertainment industry, she has captivated audiences with her acting prowess and vocal abilities.
From her breakout role in Dynasty to her ventures in jazz, Gillies has solidified her status.
As a beloved figure in the world of entertainment, promising a vibrant career ahead.
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