Jovie Hobbs
Jovie Hobbs is Buddy's love interest in Elf and Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas. She is portrayed by Zooey Deschanel in the film and voiced by Kate Micucci in the animated special.
| Names | Buddy Wells Hobbs, Buddy the Elf, |
| Gender | Female |
| Race | Human |
| Occupation | Singer, Retail Worker |
| Origin | Elf (November 7, 2003) |
| Alignment | Good |
| Age | 23 |
| Created By | David Berenbaum, Jon Favreau |
| Height | 163 cm (5ft 4in) |
| Weight | 55 kg (121 lbs) |
Appearance[edit | edit source]
Jovie is a young woman with a fair complexion, blonde hair, and blue eyes. In Elf, she is often seen wearing her Gimbel's elf uniform, which includes a green dress, striped tights, and a festive hat. Outside of work, her style is casual yet chic, reflecting her down-to-earth personality.
Personality[edit | edit source]
Jovie initially comes across as guarded and reserved, perhaps due to her cynical outlook on life and her lack of holiday spirit. However, as she gets to know Buddy, her softer, kinder side begins to emerge. She is independent, practical, and honest, but also has a playful and romantic side that surfaces during their date and in her later actions. By the end of the story, Jovie overcomes her fears, embraces the Christmas spirit, and becomes a supportive and loving partner to Buddy, showcasing her capacity for growth and change.
Biography[edit | edit source]
Jovie is first introduced at Gimbel's department store, where she works as a Christmas elf in the "North Pole" display. Buddy immediately develops a crush on her when he sees her decorating a tree. Initially, Jovie is cold and dismissive toward him, prompting Buddy to suggest that singing Christmas carols might lift her spirits. Although she tries to avoid him, Buddy persists, sharing his belief that singing is no different whether done alone or in public. He demonstrates by singing a short song in the store, which Jovie finds odd but amusing. As the store closes, Jovie softens, introducing herself and shaking Buddy's hand.
The following morning, Jovie takes a shower in the women’s locker room at Gimbel's due to her apartment's water being shut off. She sings "Baby, It’s Cold Outside," unaware that Buddy, who spent the night decorating the store, hears her. Buddy joins in, singing the male part of the duet. Startled, Jovie shuts off the water and demands he leave the women's locker room immediately. Later that day, she confronts Buddy, asking why he was there. Buddy, in his childlike innocence, explains he didn't realize she was naked and praises her beautiful singing voice, earning a smile from Jovie. She is also impressed by his festive store decorations.
When Buddy returns to Gimbel’s with his half-brother Michael, he introduces him to Jovie and musters the courage to ask her on a date. Jovie agrees, suggesting the following Thursday. On their date, they share a magical evening, tasting the "World’s Best Cup of Coffee," admiring Christmas trees in store windows, and ice skating at Rockefeller Center, where they share their first kiss.
On Christmas Eve, Jovie watches a news broadcast and sees Buddy. Inspired by his optimism, she decides to overcome her fear of singing in public. Joining a crowd of people, Jovie climbs onto Santa's sleigh and starts singing "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," helping to raise the Christmas Spirit meter. The crowd joins in, enabling Santa’s sleigh to fly and saving Christmas. On Christmas Day, Jovie is seen singing "Auld Lang Syne" while Walter plays the piano.
In the years that follow, Jovie and Buddy get married and enjoy many happy Christmases together. They have a daughter named Susie, and the family visits the North Pole, where Jovie meets Papa Elf.
Trivia[edit | edit source]
- Zooey Deschanel was 23 years old when she portrayed Jovie in Elf.
- Kate Micucci was 34 years old when she voiced Jovie in Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas.
- After marrying Buddy, Jovie's surname becomes Hobbs, but her maiden name is never revealed.
