Jessie Nelson

Jessie Nelson is an accomplished American writer, director, producer, and actress, celebrated for her multifaceted contributions to film, television, and theater. Born on June 2 in Los Angeles County, California, Nelson began her career in the arts as an actress, performing with the experimental theater troupe Mabou Mines at the Public Theater and participating in the New York Shakespeare Festival. Her early experiences as a waitress for nearly a decade provided a unique perspective that later informed her work, particularly in adapting the 2007 indie film Waitress into a Broadway musical. Nelson’s transition from acting to writing and directing showcased her versatility, establishing her as a storyteller with a keen eye for character-driven narratives and emotional depth.

Nelson’s breakthrough in theater came with her work as the book writer for Waitress, the Broadway musical adaptation of Adrienne Shelly’s 2007 film, with music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles. Premiering at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in August 2015, and later opening on Broadway in April 2016, Waitress became a critical and commercial success, running for four years and later transferring to London’s West End. Nelson’s adaptation skillfully distilled Shelly’s screenplay, preserving its heartfelt story of Jenna Hunterson, a waitress and pie-maker navigating an abusive marriage and an unexpected pregnancy. Her collaboration with Bareilles and director Diane Paulus was notable for forming part of Broadway’s first all-female creative team, a historic milestone that underscored the musical’s feminist themes of empowerment and self-discovery. Nelson’s personal connection to the material, including her own waitressing experience and familiarity with Shelly’s work through her daughter’s repeated viewings of the film, enriched her approach to the project.

Beyond Waitress, Nelson has built an impressive career in film and television. She wrote, directed, and produced films such as Corrina, Corrina (1994) and I Am Sam (2001), the latter earning Sean Penn an Academy Award nomination for his performance. Her writing credits also include Stepmom (1998) and The Story of Us (1999), showcasing her ability to craft emotionally resonant stories. Nelson’s directorial work extends to television, with credits including episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm and Love, the Coopers (2015). Additionally, she co-created and executive produced Little Voice for Apple TV, reuniting with Sara Bareilles to explore themes of artistic self-discovery, further demonstrating her knack for collaborating with musicians to bring authentic storytelling to new mediums.

In theater, Nelson’s contributions extend beyond Waitress. She co-wrote and directed Alice By Heart with Steven Sater and composer Duncan Sheik, which was performed at the National Theater Connections Program in London and at MCC Theater in New York City. Her work as a writer also includes the children’s book Labracadabrador, reflecting her versatility across genres. Nelson’s tenure as the artistic director of the Sundance Screen Writers Lab highlights her commitment to nurturing new talent in the industry. Her ability to move seamlessly between theater, film, and television underscores her adaptability and dedication to storytelling that resonates with audiences on a personal level.

Jessie Nelson’s legacy is marked by her ability to weave humor, heart, and humanity into her work, as seen in Waitress and her broader oeuvre. Her contributions to Waitress not only honored Adrienne Shelly’s original vision but also amplified its themes of resilience and empowerment for a global audience. With a career spanning decades, Nelson continues to influence the entertainment industry, currently working on projects such as executive producing adaptations of Brown Baby by Nikesh Shukla and Untamed by Glennon Doyle for television. Her journey from a waitress and experimental theater actress to a celebrated writer and director reflects a remarkable ability to transform personal and professional experiences into stories that inspire and uplift.