Introduction
Colombe Jacobsen-Derstine is a multi-talented individual who has successfully transitioned from acting to the culinary world. Born on December 21, 1977, in Chicago, Illinois, she first captured hearts as Julie “The Cat” Gaffney in “The Mighty Ducks” films before pursuing her passion for cooking. Now a respected chef, blogger, and sustainable food advocate, Colombe has carved out a unique career path that spans entertainment and culinary arts.
| Full Name | Colombe Jacobsen-Derstine |
|---|---|
| Profession | Chef, Actress, Blogger |
| Birthday | December 21, 1977 |
| Age | 47 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Net Worth | $1.2-1.5 million (estimated as of 2025) |
| Relationship Status | Married to Jeffrey Lefleur |
Early Life & Background
Colombe Jacobsen-Derstine was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. Details about her early education remain relatively private, though her later career choices indicate early interests in both performing arts and cooking. Her professional training includes attending the prestigious Natural Gourmet School in New York, where she honed her culinary skills and developed her philosophy on healthy, sustainable cooking.
Acting Career
Colombe’s acting career began with her breakout role as Julie “The Cat” Gaffney, the talented goalie in “D2: The Mighty Ducks” (1994), where she starred alongside Emilio Estevez. She reprised this role in “D3: The Mighty Ducks” (1996), further cementing her place in 90s pop culture.
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Her filmography expanded to include a role in the science fiction blockbuster “Men in Black II” (2002). Later in her acting career, she appeared in “The Living Wake” alongside Jesse Eisenberg and had a role in Jon Favreau’s critically acclaimed film “Chef” (2014), where she played a character named Lisa—a fitting role considering her real-life culinary expertise.
Culinary Journey
Following her acting success, Colombe pursued her passion for the culinary arts by attending the Natural Gourmet School in New York. This career transition brought her into the public eye again when she competed in the 2007 season of “The Next Food Network Star,” showcasing her cooking skills and food philosophy to a national audience.
Embracing her culinary identity fully, Colombe launched her own blog and website, “Colombe du jour,” where she shares recipes, cooking tips, and her approach to natural, healthy eating. Her food philosophy emphasizes sustainable practices, natural ingredients, and accessible healthy cooking.
Personal Life
Colombe is married to Jeffrey Lefleur, with whom she has built a family. The couple has two children: a son named Xander and a daughter named Delphine. While maintaining her professional presence online and in the culinary world, Colombe balances her career with family life, occasionally sharing glimpses of her personal world through her blog and social media.
Net Worth & Financial Success
As of 2025, Colombe Jacobsen-Derstine’s estimated net worth ranges from $1.2 to $1.5 million. This wealth stems from her diverse career spanning acting royalties from “The Mighty Ducks” franchise and other film appearances, her culinary ventures including her blog “Colombe du jour,” possible cookbooks, cooking demonstrations, and consulting work in the food industry.
Notable Facts & Trivia
- Colombe’s name has French origins, with “colombe” meaning “dove” in French, reflecting an elegant touch to her personal brand in the culinary world.
- Her role as Julie “The Cat” Gaffney in “The Mighty Ducks” films remains a nostalgic favorite for many 90s kids who grew up with the franchise.
- Her appearance in “Chef” (2014) represented a perfect blend of her two career worlds—acting and cooking.
- She competed in “The Next Food Network Star” in 2007, using this platform to showcase her culinary talents to a broader audience.
- Her blog “Colombe du jour” reflects her commitment to sustainable cooking and healthy eating practices.
Culinary Philosophy
Colombe’s approach to cooking emphasizes natural ingredients, sustainable practices, and accessible methods for healthy eating. Through her blog and public appearances, she advocates for mindful cooking that considers both nutritional value and environmental impact. Her training at the Natural Gourmet School informed her focus on whole foods and conscious cuisine.
Media Appearances
Beyond her role on “The Next Food Network Star,” Colombe has maintained a presence in food media through her blog and occasional appearances on cooking segments and demonstrations. Her unique background as a former child actress who transitioned to the culinary world makes her an interesting subject for interviews and features in both entertainment and food publications.
FAQ
How old is Colombe Jacobsen-Derstine? Colombe is 47 years old as of 2025, having been born on December 21, 1977.
What is Colombe Jacobsen-Derstine famous for? She is known for her role as Julie “The Cat” Gaffney in “The Mighty Ducks” films and later for her career as a chef, blogger, and contestant on “The Next Food Network Star.”
Is Colombe Jacobsen-Derstine married? Yes, she is married to Jeffrey Lefleur, and they have two children named Xander and Delphine.
What is the name of Colombe’s food blog? Her blog is called “Colombe du jour,” where she shares recipes and healthy eating tips.
Did Colombe win The Next Food Network Star? No, while she competed in the 2007 season, she did not win the competition.