Biography
Jeanine Anderson was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Robert Anderson, an engineer at Ford Motor Co., and Jane O'Donnell Anderson, a piano teacher.
After graduating college, Jeanine moved to Los Angeles, where she knew only her then-boyfriend. To make friends and follow her passion for acting, she enrolled in a summer theatre course at UCLA. She was soon cast as Eva Jackson in Lanford Wilson's play The Rimers of Eldritch, directed by guest director Edward Binns. At the closing night party at Binns' home, Jeanine asked for career advice, and he suggested she return to the Midwest for a happy life, advice she chose not to follow.
Shortly after, Jeanine joined The Melrose Theatre, an acting company led by actor and teacher Paul Kent. There, she performed in numerous plays, which led to her first agent and several TV roles, enabling her to join the Screen Actors Guild. While awaiting her big break, she worked at The Magic Castle, a renowned private club for magicians, serving at the front desk for 24 years. During this time, she befriended top magicians, learned from them, and performed as a children's magician—a role she continues today.
Jeanine also began writing plays. She co-wrote a two-person play called The Mystic Palace with fellow receptionist and friend Kate Ward, parodying their experiences at The Magic Castle. Directed by Don Most of Happy Days fame, it was performed in a small theatre above Jerry's Deli on Ventura Blvd. The play’s success led Jeanine to write a sequel, Murder at the Mystic Palace, featuring 11 characters and directed by Marcia Rodd.
In 2000, Jeanine joined Theatre West, the longest-running theatre company in Los Angeles, where she worked alongside actors such as Betty Garrett, Marvin Kaplan, Malachi Throne, and Lee Meriwether. She continues to perform there and participate in the Writer's Workshop, serving many years on the board of directors.
In 2018, Jeanine pitched an idea for a web series to the Kaplan/Loring Foundation, which manages Marvin Kaplan’s estate. The board approved funding for a six-episode first season titled Kaplan's Korner, now streaming on YouTube. In January 2019, the series won Best Comedy and Best Director (Jaymes Camary) at the Festigious International Film Festival.
Jeanine continues to work in theatre, film, and television and is best known for her recurring role as the waitress on Glee. She is represented by Kate Ward, her former writing partner and longtime friend, who is now an agent.
