Nashville Speakers Bureau

Jennifer O'Neill

Born in Rio de Janeiro, internationally acclaimed actress, film and television star, director, spokeswoman, author, artist and inspirational speaker, Jennifer O’Neill will be the first to tell you that she has truly been blessed. Her career began at age fifteen as a high fashion model in New York City. By age twenty-one, she had already played opposite John Wayne in Rio Lobo, and was married with a two year old daughter. “Jennifer O’Neill” quickly became a household name, starring in scores of heralded films such as Summer of 42 and Caravans, not to mention her unprecedented thirty year spokesperson position for Cover Girl Cosmetics. Her silver screen “leading men” include Anthony Quinn, Donald Sutherland, Robert Duval and Chuck Norris, just to name a few. In addition, Ms. O’Neill graced the small screen with successful TV series and movies of the week throughout her film career. With the launch of her new TV series, Living Forever ... More, as well as a host of film and media projects in development, Jennifer remains a force in the entertainment industry.

Still, all the fame and fortune of her professional success was not enough for her to elude a troubled private life, and it wasn’t until after coming to the saving grace of Jesus Christ at age thirty eight did Jennifer finally begin to heal from her considerable personal pain.

Prompted by her children in 1997, Jennifer penned her autobiography, Surviving Myself (William Morrow Publishing), taking on the tough subjects of teen suicide, abortion, sexual abuse, domestic violence, depression, failed marriages, nine miscarriages and three near-death experiences with unfailing honesty, and yes, humor and hope. In her next book, From Fallen to Forgiven (W Publishing), she shares her journey of spiritual, emotional, mental and physical healing through God’s grace. Jennifer’s accompanying biblically-based workbook and audio guide of the same title reveals God’s answers for those seeking to identify areas in their lives that need healing and, moreover, how they can choose wholeness and victory through forgiveness.

As a result of her tireless efforts on behalf of pro life issues, Jennifer has recently completed her Life After Abortion workbook and two hour leadership video guide. This recovery tool is specifically crafted through God’s word and power to help heal women and men who regret their abortions.

2005 marks the release of her newest book, You’re Not Alone (HCI Publishing), and the launch of Jennifer O’Neill Ministries’ syndicated High Definition (HD)TV series, Living Forever...More. This unique show features weekly one hour programming as well as a network special addressing a wide range of women and family issues. Her upcoming novel, Lifesavers, (to be released in 2006) will preview as a series of children’s books accompanied by the production of the family feature film trilogy by the same title. In addition, Jennifer has just signed a four book deal with Broadman and Holman for her fiction series, A Circle of Friends, Just Off Main, to be introduced in the spring of 2006.

In conjunction with her books, studies, videos guides and Christian TV shows, Jennifer has spent the last decade traveling the country delivering God’s message of unconditional love, forgiveness, healing and restoration. In support of Crisis Pregnancy and Women Centers all across America, Ms. O’Neill’s efforts in fundraising for “life” in 2004 alone well exceeded the million dollar mark.

Often visiting high schools, colleges and youth groups, Jennifer encourages abstinence, healing and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Her testimony is laced with humor, compassion, humility and hard-won wisdom on a myriad of subjects. In addition to her own conferences, Jennifer has spoken with “Women of Faith” and “Extraordinary Women”, reaching tens of thousands of women per gathering. In the summer of 2004, she hosted a one hour special filmed in Zambia, Africa, concerning children orphaned by HIV for World Vision. Jennifer is honored to be an Affiliate of, and Spokesperson for We Care America and the We Care Network. Ms. O’Neill considers any and all opportunities to pass along the good news of God’s grace an honor and a blessing.

In 2002, Jennifer accepted the opportunity to represent the National Silent No More Awareness Campaign as celebrity spokesperson, making regular pro-life, pro-family appearances on national radio and television shows such as “The O’Reilly Factor”, “Hannity and Colmes” and “The View”. In addition, she regularly testifies at the U.S. Senate and Congress in Washington D.C. and has told her personal story of restoration to over one hundred fifty Pregnancy Resource Center fundraisers. Jennifer was thrilled to be part of the team of presenters for the Family Research Council’s Washington Briefing 2004; and in 2003, The National Right to Life Committee honored Jennifer with the “Proudly Pro-Life” award for her work in communicating the negative impact abortion has on women and families.

Her performances in Christian-based productions such as Billy Graham’s feature film “The Ride,” “A.D.” miniseries, “The Book of Acts” miniseries, the feature film, “Time Changer” and Focus on the Family’s radio drama, “Life Interrupted,” allow Jennifer to continue to showcase her versatility as an actress in projects that profess the ideals which she holds dear.

Jennifer’s desire to benefit others began years ago with her work for both the American Cancer Society and the Arthritis Foundation. Ms. O’Neill has served on the board of Media Fellowship International, an organization of Christian actors, directors and producers working to improve the quality of Christian media in the secular market. Her lifelong love for animals called Jennifer to fundraising for charities such as the ASPCA, various humane societies, Guiding Eyes for the Blind and CCI “Hearts for Heroes.”

In between speaking engagements, writing, directing and performing, Jennifer enjoys spending time at her home in Nashville where she breeds, trains and shows her champion jumping horses. But most importantly, she loves the Lord, is a wife, a proud mother of three and grandmother of four.

Jennifer’s life experiences, both good and bad, have been used by God to prepare her for His will in her life as His ambassador. This is her mission; her deepest passion and joy … her greatest hope, and she gives all the glory, honor, worship and thanksgiving to God Almighty!