Jo Ellen Pellman (born October 29, 1995)[1] is an American actress best known for her leading role as Emma Nolan in the 2020 Netflixmusical film The Prom.
Early life and education
Jo Ellen Pellman was born in Ohio[2] and grew up in Cincinnati.[3] She was raised by a single mother.[4] Growing up, she was in her school's choir, studied tap and ballet, and went to theater camp.[5]
Ryan Murphy cast Pellman as the protagonist of The Prom named Emma Nolan, after a nationwide search, in her film debut opposite of Ariana DeBose.[2] Murphy said, "She spoke very movingly about being a queer woman and having a gay single mom who raised her. I remember she walked out and I was just like, 'Thank God, that's over — we've found our girl.'"[8] It was her first film.[6]
In December 2020, Pellman and DeBose launched the Unruly Hearts Initiative. The initiative was created to help young people connect with organisations and charities that advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.[9]
Personal life
Pellman identifies as queer,[6][8] and came out to her mother, who herself identifies as gay, in her final year of high school.[4][8] She got engaged to filmmaker Brydie O'Connor on November 23, 2023.[10]