Jillian Bynes had great talent as an entertainer and inspired her sister, Amanda Bynes, to become an actress. However, Jillian didn't pursue a career in the arts and instead chose a life away from the spotlight.
Amanda Bynes was still young when she reached fame, appearing in several films and television shows, including Nickelodeon's "All That." Although her popularity has since withered, many still know the child actress.
Like Amanda, her sister, Jullian Bynes, was also an actress. However, she never made a living out of her talent and instead became an educator.
Jillian Bynes arrives at "The Break Up" Los Angeles Premiere in Westwood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Jillian Is a Veteran of Community Theater
Born on February 1, 1983, in Thousand Oaks, California, Jillian was the middle child of three siblings. Her parents, Rick, and Lynn Bynes, also had Tommy Bynes, her older brother, and Amanda, her younger sister.
Jillian's father was a dentist by profession but had a knack for stand-up comedy, so he encouraged his daughter to try entertainment. By the time she was 16, Jillian was already a veteran of community theater. She even motivated her sister to become an actress. Amanda said:
"Jillian was my inspiration. I saw her in 'Wait Until Dark' – she's such a great actress. It was like, I want to be like her. I just had a little more luck."
Amanda Bynes and Jillian Bynes during the 13th Annual Critics' Choice Awards at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on January 7, 2008, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images
In 2003, Jillian began studying education at the University of California. She furthered her credentials and received a Multiple Teach Credential for Elementary Education and Teaching at California State University. After graduating, Jillian worked for two years before taking her Masters at Pepperdine University.
Jillian Built a Career Away from Hollywood
Although Jillian did not pursue an acting career, she did appear in her sister's on-screen production, "The Amanda Show," in 1999.
Instead of joining the entertainment industry, Jillian became an educator for young kids. In 2006, she worked as a substitute teacher at the Conejo Valley Unified School District before becoming a full-time Kindergarten teacher at the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Amanda Bynes and Jillian Bynes at the Movieline's Hollywood Life 8th Annual Young Hollywood Awards. | Source: Getty Images
She also taught at Eanes Independent School District and Austin Independent School District. In 2018, she became a kindergarten teacher at Rutledge Elementary and, two years later, a pre-kindergarten teacher at Block House Creek.
Jillian has been working under Leander IST since 2018, which according to their website, is an organization that "educates more than 42,000 students at its 44 campuses."
Besides her career, Jillian is a doting wife to Brandon O'Keefe, whom she married in 2008. She has since taken her husband's last name as her own.
Amanda Bynes and Jillian Bynes during "The Break Up" Los Angeles premiere in Westwood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Jillian Took Her Father's Side after the Accusations from Amanda
Not much is known about Amanda and Jillian's relationship nowadays, especially since the "She's the Man" star accused their father of being physically and sexually abusive.
In 2014, Amanda went on a Twitter rant after she learned her parents were about to check her into a mental facility. Jillian and Tommy, through their attorney, said:
"We are disturbed beyond words that Amanda would come up with such a fabrication as a way to avoid getting much-needed help or treatment. We are pained by [Amanda's] behavior, but we absolutely give our full unconditional love and support to our wonderful parents."
Amanda Bynes, Rick Bynes, and Lynn Bynes during the American Film Market-Media 8 Breakfast. | Source: Getty Images
The incident came only a few months after Amanda called her sister beautiful in a Twitter post alongside a photo together. Ironically, she also called Jillian "ugly" the year before.
After several years of mental health fluctuations, Amanda Bynes was reportedly doing better in 2021. However, two years later, Amanda's parents began to worry as their daughter's mental health issues resurfaced.
In March 2023, Amanda was seen walking down the street naked in what appeared to be another psychotic episode. Knowing she was having an episode, the former star was aware enough to flag down a car and call 911 for help.
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