---
name: "Jewel Staite"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/jewel-staite"
fi1m_id: "jewel-staite"
imdb_id: "nm0821612"
tmdb_id: 72092
wikidata_id: "Q234656"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "2 June 1982"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 4
average_fi1m_score: 75
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 4
updated: "2026-10-07T15:22:45.286882+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Jewel Staite

## Identity

Jewel Staite

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/jewel-staite
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** jewel-staite
- **IMDb ID:** nm0821612
- **TMDB ID:** 72092
- **Wikidata ID:** Q234656
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewel_Staite, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q234656, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0821612/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/72092

Actor. Born 2 June 1982 in White Rock, British Columbia, Canada.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 2 June 1982, White Rock, British Columbia, Canada
- **Active:** 2002–2011
- **Also known as:** Jewel, Jewel Belair Staite
- **Frequently works with:** [Alan Tudyk](https://film.one/person/alan-tudyk.md), [Gina Torres](https://film.one/person/gina-torres.md), [Joss Whedon](https://film.one/person/joss-whedon.md), [Morena Baccarin](https://film.one/person/morena-baccarin.md), [Nathan Fillion](https://film.one/person/nathan-fillion.md)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 75, as actor, over 4 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 2000s 79 (3), 2010s 62 (1)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 74 to 70 across 3 titles
- **Score spread:** 1 at 80+, 3 at 60–79, 0 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 0 of 2 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Drama 3, Mystery 2, Sci-Fi & Fantasy 2, Action 1, Action & Adventure 1, Adventure 1
- **Screen time:** 2 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $39m across 1 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewel_Staite, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q234656, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0821612/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/72092

## Streaming the US now

- **Disney+:** [*Firefly*](https://film.one/tv/firefly.md) (83)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Jewel Staite

> Jewel Staite is particularly good at playing someone we would want to spend time with. As Kaylee in *Firefly*, she gives a prickly ensemble warmth without making friendliness seem like a shortage of personality.

In *Firefly* (2002), Jewel Staite’s Kaylee Frye makes a crew of sharp personalities easier to like. The ship’s mechanic has an openness that gives the other actors something useful to play against; another guarded presence would make the company rather wearing. We warmed to Kaylee because she made that prickliness bearable without needing everyone else to soften. With nine principal characters competing for attention, being so easy to like is a substantial contribution. Staite establishes a distinct personality without making us sit through an explanation of it.

The return to Kaylee in *Serenity* (2005) puts her in a film whose cast are still entertaining company, but whose busy storytelling leaves several characters short of attention. We recommend it for the space-adventure crowd, with that reservation. The problem concerns how much the ensemble is given to do, rather than its ability to hold our attention. The film is worth an evening, though it would not be our first choice for getting to know Staite’s work.

After Kaylee, *Stargate Atlantis* (2007–2009) gave her another technically skilled character, Dr Jennifer Keller. The move into dramas included Raquel Westbrook in *The L.A. Complex* (2012), about struggling actors, and the lead role of Abigail Bianchi in *Family Law* (2021). Those parts are reason enough not to treat the spaceship mechanic as the whole career. We would rather see what different writing asks of her than expect every character to be as agreeable as Kaylee.

The useful comparison in *Firefly* is with her fellow performers. Ron Glass gives Derrial Book weight without becoming dull, while Morena Baccarin keeps Inara Serra composed amid the bustle. Staite supplies a different sort of company, and the three performances help the series avoid feeling like a competition to deliver the sharpest line. Joss Whedon’s dialogue sometimes spoils a serious moment with an easy joke, but Staite helps keep us interested in the people. Start with the series, and allow it the occasional joke it ought to have cut.

## Biography

Jewel Staite is a Canadian actress. She is known for portraying Kaylee Frye in the television series *Firefly* (2002–2003) and the film *Serenity* (2005).

Staite was born on 2 June 1982 in White Rock, British Columbia. She began acting as a child and appeared in earlier series including *Space Cases* (1996) as Catalina and *Flash Forward* (1996–1997). She later played Dr Jennifer Keller in *Stargate Atlantis* (2007–2009).

Other credits include recurring roles in *The Killing* (2013–2014) and *Family Law* (2021–2026). She was married to actor Matt Anderson from 2003 to 2011 and has one child.

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.*

## On Fi1m (4)

- *The Killing* (2011), Fi1m 62, as Caroline Swift — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-killing-2011.md)
- *Serenity* (2005), Fi1m 77, as Kaywinnet Lee 'Kaylee' Frye — [page](https://film.one/film/serenity.md)
- *Supernatural* (2005), Fi1m 77, as Amy Pond — [page](https://film.one/tv/supernatural.md)
- *Firefly* (2002), Fi1m 83, as Kaylee Frye — [page](https://film.one/tv/firefly.md)

## Complete filmography (63)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *LEGO Jurassic Park: The Unofficial Retelling* (2023), as Ellie Sattler (voice)
- *Quantum Leap* (2022), series, as Naomi Harvey
- *Family Law* (2021), series, as Abigail 'Abby' Bianchi
- *Heritage Minutes: The Discovery of Insulin* (2021), as Nurse Anna
- *Resident Alien* (2021), series, as Jules Gardner
- *The Order* (2019), series, as Renee Marand
- *The Case That Haunts Me* (2018), series, as Detective Penny Hart
- *CC* (2018), as CC
- *Take Two* (2018), series, as Jackie Jarvis / Angela Truman
- *The Good Doctor* (2017), series, as Stella
- *Same Time Next Week* (2017), as Sarah
- *The Wrong Bed: Naked Pursuit* (2017), as Stella Williams
- *Not With His Wife* (2016), as Monica Boland
- *DC's Legends of Tomorrow* (2016), series, as Dr. Bryce
- *The Magicians* (2015), series, as Phyllis
- *A Frosty Affair* (2015), as Kate Carter
- *Con Man* (2015), series, as Fan Getting Autographs
- *Blindspot* (2015), series, as Kiva Garen
- *How to Plan an Orgy in a Small Town* (2015), as Cassie Cranston · Executive Producer
- *She Who Must Burn* (2015), as Margaret
- *The Christmas Ornament* (2013), as Jenna
- *State of Syn* (2013), series, as Annika Drake
- *Motive* (2013), series, as Bally Anderson
- *The L.A. Complex* (2012), series, as Raquel Westbrook
- *Doomsday Prophecy* (2011), as Brook Calvin
- *The Killing* (2011), series, as Caroline Swift — Fi1m 62, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-killing-2011.md)
- *The Pact* (2011), as Anna
- *Call Me Mrs. Miracle* (2010), as Holly Wilson
- *Mothman* (2010), as Katharine
- *Warehouse 13* (2009), series, as Loretta
- *The Listener* (2009), series, as Lori Black
- *The Forgotten Ones* (2009), as Liz
- *Castle* (2009), series, as Erin Cherloff — Fi1m 73, [page](https://film.one/tv/castle.md)
- *Serenity* (2005), as Kaywinnet Lee 'Kaylee' Frye — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/film/serenity.md)
- *Supernatural* (2005), series, as Amy Pond — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/tv/supernatural.md)
- *Widow on the Hill* (2005), as Jenny Cavanaugh
- *Huff* (2004), series, as Carolyn
- *Stargate Atlantis* (2004), series, as Ellia, Jennifer Keller
- *Wonderfalls* (2004), series, as Heidi Gotts
- *Dead Like Me* (2003), series, as Goth Girl
- *Cheats* (2002), as Teddy Blue
- *Firefly* (2002), series, as Kaylee Frye — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/tv/firefly.md)
- *Damaged Care* (2002), as Bryanna
- *Roughing It* (2002), as Susy Clemens
- *Just Deal* (2000), series, as Laurel
- *2gether: The Series* (2000), series, as Josie
- *Higher Ground* (2000), series, as Daisy Lipenowski
- *So Weird* (1999), series, as Callie Snow
- *Nothing Too Good for a Cowboy* (1999), series, as Sally Prentiss
- *Seven Days* (1998), series, as Molly - Psychic
- *Da Vinci's Inquest* (1998), series, as Gabriella Da Vinci
- *Cold Squad* (1998), series, as Thora Andrews
- *Carpool* (1996), as Soap Opera Actress
- *Space Cases* (1996), series, as Catalina
- *Flash Forward* (1995), series, as Becca Fisher
- *Gold Diggers: The Secret of Bear Mountain* (1995), as Samantha
- *The Only Way Out* (1993), as Alexandra Carlisle
- *The X-Files* (1993), series, as Amy Jacobs — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-x-files.md)
- *Liar, Liar* (1993), as Dorianna
- *Are You Afraid of the Dark?* (1992), series, as Kelly, Cody
- *The Odyssey* (1992), series, as Labelia
- *Posing: Inspired by Three Real Stories* (1991), as Jennifer Lanahan
- *Heritage Minutes* (1991), series, as Infirmière Anna

## Gallery

- ![Jewel Staite](https://film.one/media/person/100695/gallery-6b932df2eed6.jpg) Jewel Staite — Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ad/Jewel_Staite_by_Gage_Skidmore.jpg/1280px-Jewel_Staite_by_Gage_Skidmore.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Jewel Staite - Dragon Con 2010](https://film.one/media/person/100695/gallery-79a145c3e12a.jpg) Jewel Staite - Dragon Con 2010 — Kyle Nishioka from Kaneohe, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a1/DragonCon2010-Jewel_Staite-1.jpg/1280px-DragonCon2010-Jewel_Staite-1.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Firefly crew and myself (2012)](https://film.one/media/person/100695/gallery-aa86285b6661.jpg) Firefly crew and myself (2012) — Alex Archambault from Dallas, Texas, US, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ce/Firefly_crew_and_myself.jpg/1280px-Firefly_crew_and_myself.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Jewel Staite](https://film.one/media/person/100695/gallery-340dc55464dc.jpg) Jewel Staite — CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6b/Jewel_Staite%2C_2005_convention.jpg/1280px-Jewel_Staite%2C_2005_convention.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Jewel Staite](https://film.one/media/person/100695/gallery-8a968cb62d2d.jpg) Jewel Staite — Image via TMDB
- ![Jewel Staite](https://film.one/media/person/100695/gallery-23036ff4bf61.jpg) Jewel Staite — Image via TMDB
- ![Jewel Staite](https://film.one/media/person/100695/gallery-79e4fd14bef2.jpg) Jewel Staite — Image via TMDB
- ![Jewel Staite (2008)](https://film.one/media/person/100695/gallery-5ffaea267141.jpg) Jewel Staite (2008) — vagueonthehow, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8b/Jewel_Staite_%282008%29.jpg/1280px-Jewel_Staite_%282008%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Jewel Staite speaking at the 2013 Phoenix Comicon at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Please attribute to Gage Skidmore if used elsewhere.](https://film.one/media/person/100695/gallery-60a9ffd5f75d.jpg) Jewel Staite speaking at the 2013 Phoenix Comicon at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Please attribute to Gage Skidmore if used elsewhere. — Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/10/Jewel_Staite_%288853177259%29.jpg/1280px-Jewel_Staite_%288853177259%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Jewel Staite](https://film.one/media/person/100695/gallery-cabd6d46d596.jpg) Jewel Staite — Image via TMDB
- ![Jewel Staite](https://film.one/media/person/100695/gallery-dc41ff5aed6c.jpg) Jewel Staite — Image via TMDB
- ![Jewel Staite](https://film.one/media/person/100695/gallery-3fc05c033b3c.jpg) Jewel Staite — Image via TMDB

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/jewel-staite