Jana Kramer
Jana Rae Kramer[1] (born December 2, 1983)[2] is an American country music singer and actress. She is known for her role as Alex Dupre on the television series One Tree Hill.
Jana Kramer | |
|---|---|
 Kramer in 2014 | |
| Born | Jana Rae Kramer December 2, 1983 |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2002–present |
| Spouses |
|
| Partner(s) | Allan Russell(2022-present; engaged) |
| Children | 2 |
| Website | www |
Kramer began her musical career in 2012 and has released two albums: Jana Kramer (2012) and Thirty One (2015). The albums produced seven charted singles on Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay, including the top 10 hits "Why Ya Wanna" and "I Got the Boy". She competed on season 23 of Dancing with the Stars, finishing in fourth place.
Early life
Kramer was born in Rochester Hills, Michigan, to Nora and Martin Kramer who are of German descent.[1] Kramer attended Rochester Adams High School.[3] She speaks some German.[4] She has an older brother, Steve, who is a sergeant at the Oakland County Sheriff's Office.[5] She lived in Dearborn, Michigan, for some time after her parents divorced. She moved to California for two years when she was 18 and then moved to Tennessee.
Career
2002–2011: Acting career and record deal
In 2002, Kramer made her acting debut in the low-budget independent horror film Dead/Undead. The following year Kramer guest appeared on All My Children, which marked Kramer's television debut. Kramer has since continued to appear in a number of television shows such as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice and CSI: NY. She has also had small supporting roles in films such as Return of the Living Dead: Necropolis, Click, Prom Night, Heart of the Country, and Country Crush. She was also in Spring Breakdown.
In 2007, Kramer appeared in a recurring role on the NBC sports drama television series Friday Night Lights. She played the role of Noelle Davenport in the series' second season. In 2008, Kramer appeared in The CW teen drama series 90210, a reboot of the 1990s teen drama television series Beverly Hills 90210. Kramer played the role of high school student Portia Ranson and made her debut in the first season's second episode "The Jet Set". Her role went on for six episodes and Kramer made her final appearance in "The Party's Over", which aired May 5, 2009. In 2009, Kramer appeared on the HBO dramedy television series Entourage. Kramer played the role of a sorority girl who seduces the character Turtle (Jerry Ferrara), and appeared in four episodes.
In June 2009, it was announced Kramer would star in the CW drama television series seventh season of One Tree Hill. Kramer played the role of Alex Dupre, an actress and tabloid darling who becomes the new face of Brooke Davis's fashion line, "Clothes Over Bros", and creates havoc for the residents of Tree Hill. Kramer made her debut in the season's first episode. Initially Kramer's appearance on the show was meant to be in a recurring form, but her role was upgraded to a series regular by the season's fourteenth episode, "Family Affair". In March 2012, Kramer made the announcement that she would no longer be making regular appearances in the show's ninth and final season, as she decided to focus on her music career. Her last appearance on the show occurred in the second episode of the ninth season, "In the Room Where You Sleep," which was aired on January 18, 2012.[6]
In February 2011, Kramer signed a recording contract with Elektra Records. That same month she premiered her promo track, "I Won't Give Up", which premiered in the One Tree Hill episode, "Holding Out for a Hero", and was released the following day exclusively on iTunes and Amazon. The song reached number 75 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The following month Kramer began work on her debut album. Country music producer Scott Hendricks produced the majority of the record. In April 2011, Kramer released another promo track, titled "Whiskey", which she also performed on One Tree Hill. The song reached number 99 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on digital sales alone.[7]
2012–2018: Jana Kramer, and Dancing with the Stars
In February 2012, Kramer was cast as the protagonist in the independent drama film, Heart of the Country, playing the role of a privileged young woman, Faith Carraday,[8] who is following her show-biz dreams but leaves it all and moves to rural North Carolina after her husband is jailed for Wall Street fraud. Kramer is also attached to a horror film named The Gatekeeper.[9]
On January 16, 2012, Kramer released her official debut single, "Why Ya Wanna". Kramer premiered the official music video, directed by Kristin Barlowe, on February 6, 2012. The song peaked at number 52 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. "Whiskey" is the album's second official single. On June 1, 2012, Kramer made her first televised live performance on Fox & Friends to promote her debut album. She performed "Why Ya Wanna" in front of a crowd of fans in New York City. On June 5, 2012, Kramer released her self-titled debut album Jana Kramer. The record received positive reviews from critics with many praising Kramer's vocal performance.
On June 5, 2013, Nationwide Insurance released the first of a series of commercials in its "Join the Nation" campaign, featuring Kramer as a stealthy woman dressed in black leather who follows a team of burglars and replaces the items they steal with newer versions to promote Nationwide's "Brand New Belongings" initiative.[10] Nationwide had signed Kramer to sing the Nationwide jingle in August 2012.[11] A second commercial, released in April 2014, featured Kramer's character replacing items in a fire-blackened apartment to promote Nationwide's renters' insurance.[12] In November 2014, Jana reprised her Nationwide role, this time as a sexy Santa Claus-like figure replacing items during Christmas season. Nationwide's advertising partner McKinney is behind the spots.[13]
In July 2013, Kramer opened for Blake Shelton on his Ten Times Crazier Tour in Virginia Beach, VA.[14] In August 2013, the independent film Approaching Midnight starring Kramer had its world premiere at the Emagine Royal Oak in Michigan.[15]
Personal life
Kramer married Michael Gambino in 2004.[16] They divorced several months later, after Kramer suffered severe domestic abuse that led to Gambino's 2005 conviction on attempted murder charges.[17] On December 22, 2009, Kramer became engaged to actor Johnathon Schaech, whom she had met on the set of Prom Night. They married on July 4, 2010, in Michigan. The couple separated a month later.[18] Their divorce was finalized in June 2011.[19] Kramer met country music singer Brantley Gilbert in June 2012 CMT Music Awards. They later began dating and became engaged on January 20, 2013, his 28th birthday,[20] but ended their relationship in August 2013.[21]
In August 2014, Kramer began dating Washington Commanders tight end Mike Caussin, whom she met on Twitter.[22] She announced just weeks later that they had split because of his infidelity.[23] Shortly after, she publicly forgave him and they recociled. Kramer and Caussin became engaged in December 2014 on her 31st birthday,[24] and were married on May 22, 2015.[25]
On August 10, 2015, the couple revealed they were expecting their first child.[26] Kramer gave birth to a daughter on January 31, 2016.[27] By August 2016, Kramer and Caussin had separated in the midst of Caussin's admission into rehab for undisclosed purposes.[28] They reconciled the following year and renewed their wedding vows in December 2017.[29] In April 2018, Kramer and Caussin shared their battle with his sex addiction.[30] In July of that year, Kramer announced she was expecting her second child.[31] Kramer gave birth to a son on November 29, 2018.[32]
On April 20, 2021, Kramer filed for divorce from Caussin, citing "inappropriate marital conduct, irreconcilable differences and adultery". Two days after the pair split, a temporary restraining order was issued.[33] On May 20, 2021, it was reported that Kramer and Caussin reached an agreement with custody and child support. According to the documents, Kramer was awarded primary custody of the children.[34] The divorce was finalized on July 22, 2021.[35]
From September 2021 to October 2021, Kramer dated former Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler.[36] From late 2021 to April 2022, Kramer dated fitness trainer and Navy veteran Ian Schinelli.[37][38]
In January 2023, Kramer publicly confirmed via Instagram her relationship with Allan Russell, a former Scottish soccer player who created Superior Striker, a coaching program. On May 25, 2023, it was confirmed the two were engaged after six months of dating.[39] On June 8, 2023 the couple confirmed via Instagram that they are expecting their first child together.[40]
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Dead/Undead | Alice St. James | |
| 2003 | The Passage | Bartender at Alvin's | |
| Blood Games | Mistress Tiamat | Credited as Jana Rae | |
| 2005 | Blue Demon | Carrie | |
| Return of the Living Dead: Necropolis | Katie Williams | ||
| 2006 | Click | Julie | |
| 2007 | Boxboarders! | Victoria | |
| 2008 | Prom Night | April | |
| Bar Starz | Ryann | ||
| The Poker Club | Trudy Todaro | ||
| 2009 | Laid to Rest | Jamie | |
| Spring Breakdown | Seven #2 | ||
| 2013 | Heart of the Country | Faith Carraday | |
| Approaching Midnight | Aspen | ||
| 2016 | Country Crush | Katherine | |
| 2018 | Support the Girls | Shaina |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | CSI: NY | Paige Rowand | Episode 3.10: "Sweet 16" |
| 2007 | Friday Night Lights | Noelle Davenport | 7 episodes |
| 2008 | Can You Duet | Herself | Episode 1.01 "Open Auditions" Episode: "Workshop Week 1" |
| Grey's Anatomy | Lola | Episode: "Freedom" (Parts 1 & 2) | |
| 2008–09 | 90210 | Portia Ranson | 5 episodes |
| 2009 | Private Practice | Lyla | Episode 2.19: "What Women Want" |
| Entourage | Brooke Manning | 3 episodes | |
| 2009–12 | One Tree Hill | Alex Dupre | Main role in seasons 7–9 (43 episodes) |
| 2013 | Dance Moms | Herself | Episode 4.01: "Welcome Back... Now Don't Get Too Comfy" |
| 2016 | Dancing with the Stars | Herself | Contestant on season 23 |
| Country Crush | Katherine | Television film | |
| 2017 | Love at First Bark | Julia | Television film (Hallmark) |
| Christmas in Mississippi | Holly Logan | Television film (Lifetime) | |
| 2019 | Christmas in Louisiana | Sarah Winter | Television film (Lifetime) |
| 2020 | A Welcome Home Christmas | Chloe Marquee | Television film (Lifetime) |
| 2021 | Soccer Mom Madam | Anna | Television film (Lifetime) |
| The Holiday Fix Up | Sam | Television film (Lifetime) | |
| 2022 | Steppin' Into The Holiday | Rae | Television film (Lifetime) |
| 2022 | 72 hours | Anita | Television film (Lifetime) |
| 2023 | Chicago Fire (TV series) | Melissa Keating | Season 11 Episode 11: "A Guy I Used to Know " |
Dancing with the Stars
On August 30, 2016, Kramer was announced as one of the celebrities who would compete on season 23 of Dancing with the Stars. She was partnered with professional partner Gleb Savchenko. Kramer and Savchenko reached the finals of the show and finished in 4th place.
| Week # | Dance/Song | Judges' score | Result | |||
| Inaba | Goodman | Hough | Tonioli | |||
| 1 | Viennese Waltz / "Dangerous Woman" | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | No Elimination |
| 2 | Tango / "I Don't Want to Be" | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | Safe |
| 3 | Jive / "Too Many Fish in the Sea" | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 | Safe (Immunity) |
| 4 | Foxtrot / "Here Comes the Sun" | 8 | — | 7 | 8 | Last to be Called Safe |
| 5 | Contemporary / "In My Daughter's Eyes" | 9 | — | 8 | 9 | No Elimination |
| 6 | Argentine Tango / "Hands to Myself" | 10 | 101 | 10 | 10 | Safe |
| 7 | Samba / "Get Down Tonight" Team Freestyle / "Embrace" |
8 8 |
8 9 |
9 9 |
9 9 |
Last to be Called Safe |
| 8 | Jazz / "Little Shop of Horrors" Salsa Dance-off / "Magic" |
9 Awarded |
— 3 |
9 Extra |
9 Points |
Safe |
| 9 | Waltz / "She Used to Be Mine" Team-Up Dance (Contemporary) / "Bird Set Free" |
10 10 |
102 102 |
10 10 |
10 10 |
Last to be Called Safe |
| 10 Semifinals |
Quickstep / "Go Mama" Trio Paso Doble / "Kill of the Night" |
9 10 |
— — |
9 10 |
10 10 |
Safe |
| 11 Finals |
Tango / "Stay The Night" Freestyle / "Unstoppable" |
8 9 |
9 9 |
9 9 |
9 9 |
Eliminated |
1 Score given by guest judge Pitbull.
2 Score given by guest judge Idina Menzel.
Discography
- Jana Kramer (2012)
- Thirty One (2015)
Awards and nominations
| Year | Association | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | American Country Awards | New Artist of the Year | Nominated |
| Single by a New Artist: "Why You Wanna" | Nominated | ||
| Music Video by a New Artist: "Why You Wanna" | Nominated | ||
| 2013 | ACM Awards | Top New Female Artist | Won |
| Top New Artist | Nominated | ||
| CMT Music Awards | Female Video of the Year: "Why Ya Wanna" | Nominated | |
| Breakthrough Video of the Year: "Why Ya Wanna" | Nominated | ||
| 2016 | ACM Awards | Female Vocalist of the Year | Nominated |
| American Country Countdown Awards | Breakthrough Female of the Year | Nominated | |
| Female Vocalist of the Year | Nominated |
References
- "Jana Kramer". TVGuide.com. Archived from the original on December 22, 2016. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
- Leggett, Steve. "Jana Kramer Biography". AllMusic.com. Archived from the original on March 12, 2016. Retrieved December 14, 2016. Gives birthplace as Detroit, Michigan, of which Rochester Hills is a suburb.
- Crawfis, Jesse (February 28, 2012). "Actress, Country Music Star Returns To Her Hometown With Video". Oakland Press. Oakland County, Michigan. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
- "New Artist Spotlight: Jana Kramer". Great American County. Retrieved June 4, 2012.
- Edwards, Tara. "Dancing With The Stars' Jana Kramer's brother to compete in local dance competition". WXYZ Detroit. Scripps Local Media. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
- Dauphin, Chuck (March 21, 2012). "Spotlight: Jana Kramer Gave Up 'One Tree Hill' for Music Dreams". Billboard. Retrieved December 18, 2013.
- "Jana Kramer Signs Record Deal, Will Debut Single On "One Tree Hill"". MTV. February 4, 2011. Retrieved December 18, 2013.
- "利尻ヘアカラートリートメントを週1回使用すれば白髪なし＆髪はツヤツヤになる！". HeartOfTheCountry.com.
- "Jana Kramer of 'One Tree Hill' to play lead role in 'Heart of the Country'". The WAE. February 22, 2012. Archived from the original on December 19, 2013. Retrieved December 18, 2013.
- "Jana Kramer Stars in New Nationwide Ad". Nationwide Blog. June 5, 2013. Archived from the original on May 18, 2014. Retrieved May 17, 2014.
- "Jana Kramer Signed to Sing Nationwide's 'On Your Side' Jingle". JanaKramer.com. August 10, 2012. Archived from the original on January 22, 2017. Retrieved May 17, 2014.
- "Watch Jana Kramer's Sexy-as-Usual New Nationwide TV Spot". ArtistDirect.com. April 10, 2014. Retrieved May 17, 2014.
- "Work for Nationwide". McKinney.com. Retrieved December 29, 2014.
- "Blake Shelton Tour Dates 2013 Will Be 'Ten Times Crazier'". Theboot.com. January 17, 2013. Retrieved December 18, 2013.
- "Independent Michigan film 'Approaching Midnight' premieres in Royal Oak". The Oakland Press. September 9, 2013. Archived from the original on October 4, 2013. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
- Johnson, Zach (December 4, 2014). "Jana Kramer Is Engaged to Michael Caussin!". E! News. Retrieved April 17, 2019.
- Leonard, Elizabeth (July 18, 2017). "Jana Kramer's Shocking Secret: My First Husband Tried to Kill Me". People. Retrieved April 17, 2019.
- Finn, Natalie (August 9, 2010). "One Tree Hill Actress's Marriage Over After a Month". E! News. Retrieved September 8, 2013.
- "One Tree Hill's Jana Rae Kramer Finalizes Divorce". Us Weekly. June 8, 2011. Retrieved September 8, 2013.
- Dukes, Billy (September 21, 2012). "Brantley Gilbert Confirms That He and Jana Kramer Are Dating". Taste of Country. Retrieved September 23, 2012.
- Takeda, Allison (August 15, 2013). "Jana Kramer Split: Singer, Fiance Brantley Gilbert Call Off Engagement". Us Weekly. Retrieved December 18, 2013.
- "Jana Kramer Wedding". CMT News. April 9, 2015. Retrieved August 12, 2015.
- "Jana Kramer is single again". NashvilleGab. August 25, 2014.
- Shelburn, Craig (December 3, 2014). "Jana Kramer Engaged to Michael Caussin". CMT News. Retrieved December 29, 2014.
- Webber, Stephanie (May 22, 2015). "Jana Kramer Marries Michael Caussin: "We Feel Extremely Blessed"". Us Weekly. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
- "Jana Kramer Pregnant; Expecting First Child with Michael Caussin – Moms & Babies – Celebrity Babies and Kids - Moms & Babies - People.com". Archived from the original on August 11, 2015. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
- Murray, Rheana (February 1, 2016). "Singer Jana Kramer shares first photo of adorable baby girl". Today. NBC.
- Michaud, Sarah (August 24, 2016). "Jana Kramer Separates from Husband Mike Caussin as He Enters Rehab". People.
- Pasquini, Maria (December 31, 2017). "Jana Kramer and Husband Mike Caussin Renew Their Vows After Separation". People.
- "Jana Kramer Supports Husband Mike Caussin After He Opens Up About Sex Addiction: 'We Got Your Back'". People. Retrieved April 17, 2019.
- Hautman, Nicholas (July 23, 2018). "Pregnant Jana Kramer Reveals Sex of Baby No. 2, Says Daughter Jolie Is 'Very Excited'". Us Weekly. Archived from the original on October 18, 2020. Retrieved November 15, 2020.
- Kramer, Jana (November 29, 2018). "Welcome to the world, Jace Joseph Caussin". Jana Kramer verified Instagram account.
- Hearon, Sarah. "Jana Kramer and Mike Caussin's Divorce Includes Restraining Order: Details". Us Weekly. A360 Media Entertainment Group. Retrieved May 4, 2021.
- Nardino, Meredith. "Jana Kramer and Mike Caussin's Custody Arrangement and Child Support Agreement Revealed Amid Divorce". Us Weekly. A360 Media Entertainment Group. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
- Campione, Katie. "Jana Kramer Finalizes Divorce from Mike Caussin: 'It's Just the Beginning of My Story'". People.com. Meredith Corporation. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
- Contreras, Cydney. "Why Jay Cutler "Broke It Off" With Jana Kramer After Brief Romance". E! News. NBCUniversal. Retrieved January 11, 2022.
- DeSantis, Rachel. "Jana Kramer Reveals New Boyfriend Ian Schinelli on Instagram: 'Really Nice to Find Happiness'". People.com. Meredith Corporation. Retrieved January 11, 2022.
- Shilliday, Beth (January 11, 2022). "Who Is Jana Kramer's Boyfriend? Get to Know Her Hunky Personal Trainer Ian Schinelli After Mike Caussin Divorce". Life & Style. A360 Media Entertainment Group. Retrieved January 11, 2022.
- DeSantis, Rachel (May 25, 2023). "Jana Kramer Is Engaged to Allan Russell After 6 Months of Dating: 'I Know He's My Person'". People!. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
- Carras, Christi (June 8, 2023). "Jana Kramer expecting first child with fiancé Allan Russell: 'It's been hard to hide'". The Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on July 13, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.