Who is Jana Kramer? Everything you need to know

Earlier Life

Jana Kramer, born on December 2, 1983, is an American actress and country music singer. She began her career in entertainment as an actress, appearing in TV shows like “One Tree Hill.” Kramer transitioned to a country music career, releasing albums like “Jana Kramer.” Before her entertainment career, she competed on the TV show “Dancing with the Stars” in 2016.

Personal life

Jana Kramer’s personal life has seen various relationships and challenges. After a brief marriage to Michael Gambino, marked by domestic abuse, she had a short-lived engagement and marriage with actor Johnathon Schaech. Her relationship with country singer Brantley Gilbert ended in 2013. In 2015, Kramer married Washington Redskins player Mike Caussin, with whom she has two children. Despite periods of separation, including Caussin’s rehab stint, they renewed vows in 2017. However, in 2021, Kramer filed for divorce, finalizing it in July. She dated Jay Cutler and Ian Schinelli before confirming her engagement to Allan Russell in 2023, with the couple welcoming their first child in November.

Filmography

Year	Title	Role
2002	Dead/Undead	Alice St. James
2003	The Passage	Bartender at Alvin’s
2003	Blood Games	Mistress Tiamat (credited as Jana Rae)
2005	Blue Demon	Carrie
2005	Return of the Living Dead: Necropolis	Katie Williams
2006	Click	Julie
2007	Boxboarders!	Victoria
2008	Prom Night	April
2008	Bar Starz	Ryann
2008	The Poker Club	Trudy Todaro
2009	Laid to Rest	Jamie
2009	Spring Breakdown	Seven #2
2013	Heart of the Country	Faith Carraday
2013	Approaching Midnight	Aspen
2016	Country Crush	Katherine
2018	Support the Girls	Shaina

Career

In 2002, Jana Kramer marked her acting debut in the independent horror film “Dead/Undead.” The subsequent year, she made her television debut with a guest appearance on “All My Children.” Kramer’s versatile acting career includes roles in TV shows like “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Private Practice,” “CSI: NY,” and a recurring role on NBC’s “Friday Night Lights.”

In 2008, Kramer joined the cast of the CW’s “90210,” playing high school student Portia Ranson. She also appeared in HBO’s “Entourage” in 2009, playing a sorority girl in four episodes. June 2009 brought the announcement of her starring role in the CW drama series “One Tree Hill,” portraying tabloid darling Alex Dupre. Initially a recurring character, her role was upgraded to a series regular.

Simultaneously, Kramer ventured into music, signing a recording contract with Elektra Records in February 2011. Her promo track, “I Won’t Give Up,” premiered in the “One Tree Hill” episode “Holding Out for a Hero” and reached number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Working with country music producer Scott Hendricks, she began crafting her debut album. In April 2011, Kramer released another promo track, “Whiskey,” which achieved recognition on the Billboard Hot 100 chart based on digital sales alone. Despite her successful acting career, she decided to focus on her music career, leading to her departure from “One Tree Hill” in its final season.

Awards and Nomination

Year	Association	Category	Result (citation needed)
2012	American Country Awards	New Artist of the Year	Nominated
2012	American Country Awards	Single by a New Artist: “Why You Wanna”	Nominated
2012	American Country Awards	Music Video by a New Artist: “Why You Wanna”	Nominated
2013	ACM Awards	Top New Female Artist	Won
2013	ACM Awards	Top New Artist	Nominated
2013	CMT Music Awards	Female Video of the Year: “Why Ya Wanna”	Nominated
2013	CMT Music Awards	Breakthrough Video of the Year: “Why Ya Wanna”	Nominated
2016	ACM Awards	Female Vocalist of the Year	Nominated
2016	American Country Countdown Awards	Breakthrough Female of the Year	Nominated
2016	American Country Countdown Awards	Female Vocalist of the Year	Nominated

LOS ANGELES – MARCH 14: Singer / Actress Jana Kramer arrives for the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards on March 14, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Glenn Francis/Pacific Pro Digital Photography)

Concusion

Jana Kramer’s life has been marked by a diverse career in acting and country music, along with a series of personal challenges in her relationships. From early struggles, including a brief and abusive marriage, to her successful career in entertainment, Kramer has experienced highs and lows. Her journey through various relationships, marriages, separations, and personal struggles has been publicized, showcasing resilience and growth. Despite facing difficulties, she continues to evolve both professionally and personally, with her recent engagement and the joy of welcoming children highlighting a positive chapter in her life.