5 things you didn't know about Jennifer Love Hewitt

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Jennifer Love Hewitt's debut album Love Songs was released exclusively in Japan on March 21, 1992. (Photo by Tiffany Rose/WireImage)

Jennifer Love Hewitt is one of the rare stars who managed to stay in the spotlight for decades. From her early days as a child performer in Texas to becoming a household name, she’s had a career packed with surprises.

Most people recognize her from TV classics like Party of Five and Ghost Whisperer, or her role in the cult horror hit I Know What You Did Last Summer. Jennifer Love Hewitt’s career is as dynamic as the roles she’s played.


5 lesser-known things about Jennifer Love Hewitt

1) She was almost cast as Juliet in Romeo + Juliet

Jennifer Hewitt (Photo by Mark Sullivan/WireImage)
Jennifer Hewitt (Photo by Mark Sullivan/WireImage)

According to Grazia Magazine, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Kate Winslet, and Jennifer Love Hewitt were among the actresses considered to play Juliet in 1996 romantic crime film Romeo + Juliet.

Ultimately, the role went to Claire Danes, who was 17 at the time and had just finished her work on My So-Called Life.


2) Her middle name was inspired by her mother’s best friend

Jennifer Hewitt (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)
Jennifer Hewitt (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)

Jennifer Love Hewitt's distinctive middle name, "Love," has a heartfelt origin. Her mother, Patricia Mae, chose it to honor her best friend from college. Initially, Patricia intended to name her daughter "Love Hewitt."

However, Jennifer's older brother, Todd, who was nine at the time, felt that naming her just "Love" might subject her to teasing. He suggested adding "Jennifer," inspired by a girl he had a crush on. The combination resulted in the full name Jennifer Love Hewitt.


3) She began her career as a child singer

Jennifer Hewitt (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)
Jennifer Hewitt (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)

Jennifer Love Hewitt’s journey into the entertainment business started when she was just a toddler. When she was three years old, she performed Whitney Houston’s The Greatest Love of All at a livestock show in Texas.

By the time she was five, she was taking tap and ballet lessons, already showing a natural flair for performing. Her confidence grew quickly and at nine years old, she joined the Texas Show Team, a group of young performers who traveled internationally.


4) She had a successful music career in Japan

Jennifer Hewitt (Photo by Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images)
Jennifer Hewitt (Photo by Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images)

Jennifer Love Hewitt recorded her debut album Love Songs when she was 12 years old. It was released exclusively in Japan on March 21, 1992. The album included original songs and covers such as ABBA's Dancing Queen.

The album became a hit in Japan and connected with audiences who enjoyed its upbeat and pop-focused style.


5) She has a surprising connection to I Know What You Did Last Summer

Jennifer Hewitt (Photo by Tiffany Rose/WireImage)
Jennifer Hewitt (Photo by Tiffany Rose/WireImage)

Jennifer Love Hewitt played Julie James in the 1997 horror film I Know What You Did Last Summer. Her mother hand-knitted a scarf that she wore in the movie. This small detail added a personal touch to her character’s wardrobe.

The movie became a key moment in her career and established her as a leading actress in the horror genre. It also brought her into the spotlight during the late 90s.


Jennifer Love Hewitt starred in the Lifetime Christmas film The Holiday Junkie. It was released on December 14, 2024.

Check out Apple TV+'s cutest new show HERE

Edited by Niharika Dabral
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