Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jennifer Morrison

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 23, 2026

Discover the career path of Jennifer Morrison, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jennifer Morrison is an American actress and director, prominently known for her roles as Dr. Allison Cameron in the medical drama House and Emma Swan in the adventure-fantasy series Once Upon a Time. She also played Zoey Pierson in How I Met Your Mother, Winona Kirk in the Star Trek film, and Tess Conlon in Warrior. Morrison made her directorial debut with the film Sun Dogs in 2017.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

May 1992: Sports Illustrated for Kids Cover

In May 1992, Jennifer Morrison was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated for Kids with basketball star Michael Jordan.

1994: Feature Film Debut

In 1994, Jennifer Morrison made her feature-film debut at the age of 14 in the film Intersection.

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1999: Appearance in Stir of Echoes

In 1999, Jennifer Morrison appeared as Samantha in the film Stir of Echoes.

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2000: First Leading Role

In 2000, Jennifer Morrison secured her first leading role in the film Urban Legends: Final Cut.

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2003: Appearance in Grind

In 2003, Jennifer Morrison appeared in the film Grind.

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2004: Appearance in Surviving Christmas

In 2004, Jennifer Morrison appeared in the film Surviving Christmas.

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2004: Cast in House

In 2004, Jennifer Morrison was cast as Dr. Allison Cameron, an immunologist, on the TV show House, where she played the role until 2009.

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2005: Appearance in Mr. & Mrs. Smith

In 2005, Jennifer Morrison appeared in the film Mr. & Mrs. Smith.

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2006: Starred in and Produced Flourish

In 2006, Jennifer Morrison starred in and produced the independent film Flourish.

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2007: Appearance in Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars

In 2007, Jennifer Morrison appeared as Kirce James in the computer game Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars.

December 2009: Cast in The Miracle Worker

In December 2009, after her contract on House was not renewed, Jennifer Morrison was cast as Kate Keller, Helen Keller's mother, in the Broadway-bound revival of The Miracle Worker.

2010: Guest Star in Chase and How I Met Your Mother

In 2010, Jennifer Morrison appeared as a guest star in the fourth episode of NBC's Chase, playing Faith, a single mother-turned-fugitive. She also joined the cast of CBS's How I Met Your Mother as Zoey Pierson.

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October 2011: Starring Role in Once Upon a Time

Starting in October 2011, Jennifer Morrison played the starring role of Emma Swan in ABC's Once Upon a Time.

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2012: Return to House for the Series Finale

In 2012, Jennifer Morrison returned for the series finale of House, titled "Everybody Dies."

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2014: Filming of Amityville: The Awakening

Jennifer Morrison co-starred in the movie Amityville: The Awakening as Candice. The movie was originally shot in 2014, but released later.

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April 2016: Launched Apartment 3C Productions

In April 2016, Jennifer Morrison launched her own film production company, Apartment 3C Productions.

March 2017: Cast in The End of Longing

In March 2017, Jennifer Morrison was cast as Stephanie in an off-Broadway revival of the play The End of Longing.

May 8, 2017: Departure from Once Upon a Time Announced

On May 8, 2017, Jennifer Morrison announced via social media that she would not be returning to Once Upon a Time as a series regular for season seven, but agreed to return as a guest for one episode.

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