Jessalyn Wanlim is one of those quietly magnetic performers whose work sneaks up on you. You may first recognize her as Jenny Matthews on Netflix’s hit comedy Workin’ Moms, or as the sharp and unsettling Evie Cho on the cult sci-fi series Orphan Black. But by 2026, Wanlim’s story stretches far beyond a single breakout role. She represents a modern kind of celebrity, one built on consistency, range, personal resilience, and a smart expansion beyond Hollywood.
Early Life and Background
Jessalyn Wanlim was born on September 3, 1982, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She is of Filipino and Chinese-Indonesian descent, a background that has subtly shaped her perspective in an industry still catching up on representation.
From a young age, Wanlim showed a strong inclination toward performance, but not initially through acting. Her first love was dance.
Ballet Roots and Elite Training
Wanlim trained seriously as a ballerina, studying at the National Ballet School of Canada before being accepted into the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. Juilliard marked a turning point. While dance laid her foundation, acting soon became her primary focus, giving her a new outlet for storytelling and emotional range.
That elite training would later show up in her screen work, especially in roles requiring precision, restraint, and physical awareness.
Acting Career: From Daytime TV to Global Streaming Fame
Early Breakthrough in Daytime Television
Jessalyn Wanlim’s first major professional break came on the long-running soap opera All My Children, where she played Rachael from 2006 to 2009. The role gave her steady exposure and, more importantly, credibility in the industry.
Daytime television is often an unglamorous proving ground, but it taught Wanlim discipline and stamina, two traits that would define her career.
Building a Versatile Resume
Throughout the late 2000s and 2010s, Wanlim quietly built one of the most diverse resumes in television. She appeared in popular series such as Gossip Girl, Bones, CSI: NY, Scandal, Modern Family, and Shameless.
These were not headline roles, but they showcased her adaptability. Casting directors came to see her as reliable, sharp, and emotionally grounded.
Orphan Black and Genre Recognition
Wanlim’s recurring role as Evie Cho in Orphan Black introduced her to a more global and passionate fanbase. The show’s complex themes and high expectations demanded nuance, and Wanlim delivered a performance that stood out even in a series known for strong acting.
For many viewers, Orphan Black was the moment they realized Wanlim was more than a supporting player.
Workin’ Moms: Career-Defining Fame
In 2017, Wanlim joined the main cast of Workin’ Moms as Jenny Matthews, a character both controversial and deeply human. Over six seasons, the Netflix-distributed series became a global hit, and Wanlim’s performance sparked constant conversation among fans.
Jenny was flawed, impulsive, and often frustrating, but that complexity made her real. Wanlim embraced the discomfort, helping elevate the show’s honest portrayal of modern motherhood.
By the time the series concluded in 2023, Workin’ Moms had firmly cemented her place in contemporary television culture.
Recent Projects and Ongoing Work
In the mid-2020s, Wanlim continued working steadily, including a notable role as Bituin in the sports comedy series Running Point in 2025. Her career in 2026 reflects intention rather than saturation. She chooses projects carefully, balancing visibility with longevity.
Personal Life: Family, Relationships, and Strength
Jessalyn Wanlim has always been private about her personal life, but she has also been refreshingly honest when it matters.
She is in a long-term relationship with Brett Howell, and together they have a son. Wanlim has spoken publicly about experiencing pregnancy loss before becoming a mother, a topic she addressed with openness and empathy.
That honesty resonated deeply with fans, especially women navigating similar experiences. Rather than fueling tabloid attention, her transparency reinforced her credibility and emotional connection with audiences.
Beyond Acting: Real Estate and Business Interests
One of the most distinctive aspects of Wanlim’s profile is her parallel career in real estate.
Licensed REALTOR and Luxury Markets
In addition to acting, Jessalyn Wanlim is a licensed real estate professional. By the mid-2020s, she had aligned herself with high-end residential markets, including work connected to luxury and resort-style properties in the United States.
This is not a vanity side project. Wanlim has approached real estate with the same seriousness she brought to acting, emphasizing client relationships, market knowledge, and long-term value.
A Modern, Multi-Hyphenate Career
Her transition into real estate reflects a broader shift among modern celebrities who are no longer dependent on a single income stream. Wanlim’s dual career offers stability, flexibility, and creative control, especially as she balances motherhood and professional life.
Net Worth and Lifestyle in 2026
As of 2026, Jessalyn Wanlim’s estimated net worth is between $1 million and $2 million. This figure reflects a combination of long-running television work, streaming residuals, guest appearances, and real estate commissions.
Her lifestyle appears intentionally understated. There is no public fixation on luxury excess. Instead, Wanlim’s choices suggest financial mindfulness, privacy, and long-term planning, qualities increasingly admired by modern audiences.
Cultural Impact and Representation
While Wanlim rarely frames herself as a spokesperson, her presence matters. As an actress of mixed Asian heritage working consistently in North American television, she represents progress that feels organic rather than performative.
Her roles have not been defined by stereotypes, and her success reflects skill first, identity second. That balance is part of her quiet influence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jessalyn Wanlim
How old is Jessalyn Wanlim in 2026?
She is 43 years old, born on September 3, 1982.
What is Jessalyn Wanlim best known for?
She is best known for Workin’ Moms and Orphan Black.
Is Jessalyn Wanlim married?
She is not publicly married but is in a long-term partnership with Brett Howell.
Does Jessalyn Wanlim have children?
Yes, she has one son.
What is Jessalyn Wanlim’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth in 2026 ranges from $1 million to $2 million.
Does Jessalyn Wanlim work outside acting?
Yes, she is a licensed real estate professional active in luxury markets.
Biography Table
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jessalyn Wanlim (@jessalynwanlim Instargram ) |
| Date of Birth | September 3, 1982 |
| Age (2026) | 43 |
| Birthplace | Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian-American |
| Profession | Actress, Real Estate Professional |
| Education | Juilliard School |
| Notable Roles | Workin’ Moms, Orphan Black |
| Relationship Status | Partnered |
| Partner | Brett Howell |
| Children | One son |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1M to $2M |
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Final Thoughts
Jessalyn Wanlim’s career is not built on spectacle or scandal. It is built on consistency, intelligence, and emotional honesty. From elite artistic training to global streaming success, and from personal vulnerability to entrepreneurial expansion, her journey reflects what modern fame looks like in 2026.
She may not chase headlines, but her work continues to find its audience. And that, in today’s crowded celebrity landscape, is a form of success that lasts.
Ahsan Ullah is an entertainment writer at WhoFame.com, covering celebrity biographies, career highlights, and verified public information. His work focuses on accuracy, clarity, and reader-friendly reporting of pop culture topics.
