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short biography of Jenilee Harrison

About Me

Meet Jenilee

Hi! I’m Jenilee Harrison, an American actress probably best known for playing Cindy Snow on the hit sitcom Three’s Company and Jamie Ewing Barnes on the award-winning nighttime drama Dallas.

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A Southern California Childhood

I was born and raised in Southern California as a true “Valley Girl.” I grew up in a large, energetic household where my siblings and I were encouraged to get outside, explore, and have fun. I was definitely a tomboy. While some of the girls were talking about clothes and swooning over teen magazines, I was much happier hanging out with the boys, fishing, tubing on the Kern River, or simply enjoying the California sunshine with our dog.

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My mother was a math teacher who accomplished something I’ve always admired—she went to night school for 30 years while raising five children. My father was an aerospace engineer, but he was also a wonderfully talented artist. In fact, his first job was at the movie studios, painting backdrops for many of those beautiful old films. He eventually chose engineering because it offered a more stable career, but he never stopped painting and creating. Today, I treasure many of his paintings, which are proudly displayed throughout my home.

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From Heartbreak to an Unexpected Beginning

Even when I was young, I seemed to have a little adventurous streak. In junior high, I became the school’s first female Student Body President. In high school, I was a class cheerleader and dated the quarterback. I thought life was perfect—until he unexpectedly dumped me for another girl!

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I was heartbroken, but instead of letting it defeat me, I decided I was going to make myself “better.” I lost weight, cut my long hair, went to charm school, and entered a local beauty pageant—all the while thinking, “I’m going to make him want me back!”

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Well, that first beauty pageant ended up changing my life.

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I went on to win several titles, including Miss San Fernando Valley, Miss Canoga Park, and even Miss Knott’s Berry Farm—don’t ask! Eventually, I was crowned Miss Young America, which led to an international competition in Japan. I didn’t win that one, but the experience opened yet another door.

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Lights, Cameras & Commercials

A major television commercial agency noticed me and asked if I would be interested in doing commercials. I casually said, “Yeah, I guess.”

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And just like that, another chapter began.

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One of my first commercials was for Coca-Cola, where I got to ride a horse through a small river. Oh, I was in HEAVEN! Another early modeling job put me on the front of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes packaging for a year, dressed as a high school graduate.

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With the money from that job—and yes, I still have that first big check framed above my desk—I bought my very first horse.

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That probably tells you something very important about me: I absolutely love animals. I always have. As a little girl, I had hamsters, fish, rescued birds, and of course our beloved dog, Amber. To this day, being around animals is one of the places where I feel happiest and most at peace.

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From USC to the Los Angeles Rams

While attending the University of Southern California, I became a professional cheerleader for the very first Los Angeles Rams cheerleading squad.

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We were called the “Embraceable Ewes.” Yes, really!

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From there, I signed with a theatrical agent and began appearing on television in shows such as CHiPs, 240-Robert, and others.

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Three’s Company — The Break That Changed Everything

Then came the opportunity that truly changed my career.

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The producers of Three’s Company were looking for a new character, and I auditioned for the role of Cindy Snow.

I got the job! 

 

Wow! That experience opened so many doors for me and gave me memories I will always treasure.

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From Three’s Company to Dallas

After Three’s Company, another wonderful opportunity came along when I was cast as Jamie Ewing Barnes on the hit television drama Dallas.

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Over the years, I was fortunate enough to appear in many other television shows, including Simon & Simon, That ’70s Show, Mike Hammer, Murder, She Wrote, Fantasy Island, Hotel, and the miniseries Malibu, among others.

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I also appeared in films including Tank alongside the wonderful James Garner, Prime Target with Tony Curtis, and several others.

 

I have been incredibly fortunate to have had so many wonderful experiences throughout my career.

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Living the Dream

Today, my life looks a little different—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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Nowadays, I’m truly “living the dream” on a small ranch surrounded by animals I adore, including my beloved miniature donkey Breanna, goats, chickens, fish, and my treasured Toy Fox Terrier pups.

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Being surrounded by animals, nature, and the quiet joys of ranch life has given me a wonderful place to call home.

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A Lifelong Love of Animals

My love for animals also led me to volunteer as the National Rescue Coordinator for the American Toy Fox Terrier Club for several years, specializing in special-needs animals.

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The hours were long and the work could sometimes be difficult, but there was nothing quite like helping an unwanted dog find the loving forever home it deserved.  Some of the friendships I made during those rescue years remain among the most meaningful and lasting friendships in my life.

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The Farmies — A Dream Come True

Then, in March of 2026, another very special chapter began when I founded The Farmies.

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What started as an idea to bring people together around kindness, encouragement, friendship, laughter, and a shared appreciation for the simple things in life has grown into something far more meaningful than I ever imagined.

 

The Farmies have become a true family—a community of wonderful people who support one another, celebrate one another, laugh together, and continually plant little “seeds of kindness” wherever they can.

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Creating the Farmies has truly been a dream come true for me.  To see friendships form, people lift each other up, and a genuine sense of family grow from something that began so simply has touched my heart more than I can possibly put into words.

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I am incredibly grateful for every Farmie who has become part of this journey, and I can’t wait to see where this wonderful little family takes us next.

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So, That’s Me

So, that’s me in a nutshell—actress, animal lover, ranch girl, collector, creator, proud founder of the Farmies, and someone who is incredibly grateful for the many unexpected roads life has taken me down.

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Welcome to my website, and thank you so much for stopping by, thinking of me, and sharing a little part of my world.

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Explore, Enjoy & Stay Connected

I hope you’ll take some time to explore the pages here. We are always adding new treasures, memorabilia, handmade creations, and special finds—many of them truly one of a kind.

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Most of all, thank you for being here. Your kindness, encouragement, and continued support mean more to me than you know.

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And please be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram using the links below.

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With my sincere appreciation,

Jenilee Harrison

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