Jennifer Tilly is an American-Canadian actress and professional poker player. Known for her distinctive breathy voice and comedic timing, she is the recipient of a Saturn Award, a Fantasporto Award, and a GLAAD Award, as well as nominations for an American Comedy Award, a Gemini Award, two MTV Movie Awards, and an Academy Award.

Early life

Tilly was born Jennifer Ellen Chan on September 16, 1958, in Harbor City, Los Angeles, to Harry Chan, a used car salesman, and Patricia (née Tilly), a Canadian schoolteacher and former stage actress. Her father was of Chinese descent and her mother was of Irish and Finnish ancestry. She has an older brother, Steve, and two younger sisters, Meg and Rebecca.
Following her parents' divorce when she was five, Tilly was raised by her mother and stepfather, John Ward, on rural Texada Island in British Columbia. According to her sister Meg, Ward was a sadistic pedophile. Their sister Rebecca agreed, but Jennifer did not comment on the issue Her mother divorced again when Tilly was 16. The family then moved to Langford, a suburb of Victoria, British Columbia, where Tilly attended Belmont Secondary School. 
During her high school years, she developed an interest in theater, which prompted her to actively participate in plays as an extra with the assistance of her mother. Tilly holds a bachelor's degree in theater from Stephens College in Missouri. 

Personal life

Tilly was married to Sam Simon, developer and producer of The Simpsons, from 1984 until 1991.  As of 2018, Tilly receives 30 percent of net proceeds that Simon's estate receives from the show, an arrangement she credits with allowing her to be choosier about her roles. She has been in a relationship with professional poker player Phil Laak since 2004