Top 10 BEST Girl Guest Stars
#10: Peter Gallagher
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The stress of planning his and Cece’s wedding was beginning to drive Schmidt a little crazy, so Jess volunteers to help. And when sampling wines for the wedding she helps herself to the winery owner, only to realize that Gavin from the winery, was none other than Schmidt’s long absent dad. Peter Gallagher is a great actor to play Schmidt’s dad. They share a serious resemblance to each other, and he delivers the perfect blend of humor and sincerity that makes him perfectly believable as a Schmidt. And, fun fact: Max Greenfield played a young Peter Gallagher on The O.C.
#9: Linda Cardellini
You may remember her best as Lindsay from “Freaks and Geeks”, Chutney from “Legally Blonde”, or Velma from the live action “Scooby Doo”, but our favorite Linda Cardellini role is as Jess’ disaster of a big sister, Abby. Over the course of three exciting episodes, appropriately titled Sister 1, 2 and 3, Linda Cardellini tore through the loft. She pulled mean pranks on Jess, moved in with Schmidt in his new place, and just generally drove Jess crazy. She sped out of the loft just as quickly as she stormed in, but we’ll always have those three episodes, and Schmidt likely still has some scars from Abby’s homemade jewelry to remember her by.
#8: Mary Elizabeth Ellis
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From “The Waitress” on “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia” to Nick’s life-ruining ex-girlfriend, Ellis perfectly matched the show’s humor as Caroline. She first appears on the show in the very first episode when Nick turns down a chance for a drink with her to go save Jess from being stood up on a date. And she returns multiple times throughout the show to throw a wrench into Nick’s life. He even came close to leaving the loft for good and moving in with her, until he realized that she is not what he wants. And she returns again when she accuses Nick of cheating on her with Jess. Thankfully… they FINALLY got closure.
#7: Olivia Munn
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Arguably, one of Nick’s best girlfriends pre-Jess, Angie makes Nick break his rule of “never crossing the bar” to meet her. But it turns out she is way out of his league. Nick is not exactly a risk taker, actually he’s a bit of a prude, so Angie’s wild and unpredictable personality is a hilarious counter for him - as is Olivia Munn’s dry humor to Jake Johnson’s somewhat animated humor. Even though things end up not working out, she manages to pull the (as Jess puts it) turtle-faced Nick out of his shell a bit. Which, if you know Nick, is no easy feat.
#6: Josh Gad
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The hilarious Josh Gad brings his comedy genius to New Girl in the form of the kind and generous, but also kinda sad Bearclaw. When Bearclaw and Andy come into the bar to deliver some beer, Nick accidentally gives him Jess' number, when she meant it for Andy, and they have a disastrous date. Gad manages to play the exaggerated character well while still keeping him grounded and believable. But despite the heartbreak, he still wishes Jess a happy birthday later in the series, and even returns as Jess' embarrassing, non sexual, one night stand.
#5: Jamie Lee Curtis
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Perhaps the only living person on this earth more perky than Jess Day is Joan Day. Apparently, she doesn’t have Jess’ edge. Adding to her long and diverse repertoire of roles, Jamie Lee Curtis portrays Jess’ adoring mom - to perfection, we might add. We first meet her during the gang’s second Thanksgiving together, when Jess double books both of her divorced parents in an attempt to Parent Trap them into getting back together. Curtis and Jess’ dad, portrayed by Rob Reiner, playing opposite each other, make for one hilariously mismatched dynamic duo.
#4: Justin Long
After breaking up with her long time boyfriend, Spencer, Jess thought she would never find love again. That is until she meets Paul. If you thought Jess was a handful, just wait until you see Jess and Paul together. He is just as goofy as her, and the gang loves him. Even after he and Jess break up, he returns several times when Jess helps him propose to his girlfriend, and when they “walk of shame” together. Oh, and the gang affectionately refers to him as Genzlinger. What’s not to love?
#3: Megan Fox
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With Jess away on jury duty, the gang rents her room out to Reagan. Megan Fox offers a brand new dynamic to the gang as her personality is basically the exact opposite of Jess. And Megan Fox’s dead pan performance conveys this perfectly. Ironically, Reagan might have been the perfect match for Nick earlier on in the series, but as he grows as a person throughout the series he actually wants to talk about his feelings and be more open. This is where he and Reagan ended up falling apart. But she is a great part time addition to the gang during her time in the loft.
#2: Dermot Mulroney
Classy, rich, and fancy. Dermot Mulroney plays Jess’ older boyfriend, affectionately referred to as the Fancy Man. Though he is basically the opposite of the loft guys, Mulroney makes the character relatable to them. He has a huge impact on Jess and Nick's relationship. Everything Jess doesn’t have with Russell is exactly what she has with Nick. He continues to play a big role in their lives as he shows up on their first date, and when he offers Jess a new job. He even tries to ruin their wedding, but to no avail. His best efforts to show Jess she didn’t belong with Nick ultimately only further proves that they were meant to be. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: Taylor Swift Lizzy Caplan Jessica Biel Natasha Lyonne Taye Diggs
#1: Prince
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That’s right: music legend, the late, great Prince. Unlike all of the other guest stars on this list, Prince plays himself in the episode appropriately titled, Prince. After nearly getting run over by his assistant, Jess and Cece get invited to a party at Prince's house. The gang is just as starstruck as you’d expect. Jess gets a special make-over by him, he helps Nick and Jess with some relationship issues, and he even invites them on stage to sing with him. Oh, and he ends the night with Cece. Meeting Prince is hands down one of the gang’s greatest adventures and the show’s most unforgettable guest star.
