Today, we celebrate the birthday of a beloved daytime television icon — Jennifer Gareis, best known for her captivating portrayals of Grace Turner on The Young and the Restless and Donna Logan on The Bold and the Beautiful. Born on August 1, 1970, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Jennifer turns 55 this year, and her journey from beauty queen to soap star is one worth celebrating.
While many fans adore her for the drama she brings to our screens, few may know that Jennifer’s life has been just as dynamic off-screen. Long before she ever set foot on a soap set, she was making waves — quite literally — as a competitive swimmer. She was a three-time NCAA All-American in butterfly, competing nationally while earning her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Franklin & Marshall College. And if that wasn’t impressive enough, she went on to pursue an MBA from Pepperdine University, all while balancing a demanding acting career.
Jennifer’s rise to fame began in the world of pageants. In 1994, she was crowned Miss New York USA and placed in the Top 6 at the Miss USA pageant. From there, the spotlight followed her to modeling gigs in Glamour, Fitness, and Esquire, eventually leading her to a new chapter: acting.
Soap fans first met her as Grace Turner on The Young and the Restless, where she starred from 1997 until 2004, later returning for a stint in 2014. But it was in 2006 that Jennifer truly cemented her legacy, stepping into the role of Donna Logan on The Bold and the Beautiful. Her portrayal of the glamorous yet vulnerable Logan sister won hearts around the world and remains a fan favorite to this day.
Off camera, Jennifer leads a life full of love and warmth. In 2010, she married Bobby Ghassemieh, a real estate investor, and together they have two beautiful children — Gavin and Sophia. The family lives in Los Angeles, where Jennifer often shares glimpses of her life as a hands-on mom, beach lover, and wellness enthusiast.
Proud of her Italian heritage, Jennifer even received honorary citizenship from Militello in Val di Catania — the hometown of her great-grandmother, Sebastiana Tringali. It’s a connection to her roots that she holds close, even as she continues to make her mark in Hollywood.
As she celebrates another trip around the sun, Jennifer Gareis remains a shining example of grace, beauty, and resilience — both on screen and off. Whether she’s bringing fire to Forrester family feuds or cheering on her kids from the sidelines, she does it all with a heart as golden as her iconic blonde hair.
Happy Birthday, Jennifer! Here’s to many more years of success, joy, and unforgettable television moments.
