| Jessica Marais | |
|---|---|
| Born | Jessica Dominique Marais 29 January 1985 Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 2008–present |
| Partner | James Stewart |
Jessica Dominique Marais (born 29 January 1985 in South Africa) is an Australian actress who hails from Perth, Western Australia. She is best known for her role as Rachel Rafter in the television series Packed to the Rafters.
Contents |
Born in South Africa, Marais and her family lived in Canada and New Zealand before relocating to Perth, Western Australia, when she was nine.
It's sort of something you relive. It feels fresh but obviously time does heal a lot of wounds and I'm definitely much better at coping with it now.
Six months upon arrival in Australia Marais' father Tony, died from a heart attack while returning from a family picnic. Marais and her younger sister Clara, where raised by her mother Karen. [1] She attended John XXIII College for a year and then went to St Hilda's Anglican School for Girls from 1995 until her graduation in 2002. [2]
Jessica attended the National Institute of Dramatic Art where she graduated in 2007. NIDA appearances included Ophelia in William Shakespeare's Hamlet and Charity in Sweet Charity. While still completing her final year she won the role in Packed to the Rafters, along with co-star and fellow NIDA graduate Hugh Sheridan. [3]
Marais was attending NIDA when she was cast in the role of Rachel Rafter on the television series Packed to the Rafters. The television series become a success and was instantly renewed. On Sunday 3 May 2009, Marais won the Logie for "Most Popular New Female Talent" and the prestigious Graham Kennedy Award for "Most Outstanding New Talent" at the Logie Awards of 2009 for her performance in Australian TV Drama Packed to the Rafters. In February 2011 it was announced that Marais had left Packed to the Rafters, with her final episode airing on 23 August 2011.[4] Marais starred in the series from Season One until Season Four from 2008-2011.
Marais also starred in Rai Fazio's film Two Fists, One Heart with fellow Perth actor Tim Minchin and Daniel Amalm which was released in March 2009.[5] Jessica guest-starred in the American series, Legend of the Seeker filmed in Auckland New Zealand, playing the role of a Mord'Sith, Denna.
After departing Packed to the Rafters, Marais relocated to Los Angeles to pursue a career in hollywod productions. Marais is set to head to Miami, to film scenes for a 10-episode US drama Magic City (TV series).
Marais is engaged to former Packed to the Rafters co-star James Stewart. Stewart portrays the role of Jake Barton in the series. When Marais departed the series, Stewart remained on the television series. [6]
On 15 November 2011, Marais and Stewart announced that they are expecting their first child. [7]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Two Fists, One Heart | Kate | |
| 2008–2011 | Packed to the Rafters | Rachel Rafter | 73 episodes |
| 2009–2010 | Legend of the Seeker | Denna | 4 episodes |
| 2010 | Fish Lips | Audrey - adult | Short film |
| 2010 | Needle | Kandi | |
| 2012 | Magic City | Lily Diamond |