Jessica Marais (born 29 January 1985) is an Australian actress. She was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and moved to Australia with her family at the age of nine. Marais attended John XXIII College in Perth, Western Australia, where she excelled in drama.
Marais studied at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney, graduating in 2007.
Marais began her professional acting career shortly after graduating from NIDA. Her career spans television, film, and theatre, with a strong focus on Australian television drama.
Marais is best known for her roles in several popular Australian television series, including:
Marais has also appeared in several films, including:
Marais has received numerous awards and nominations for her work, including:
Marais has been open about her struggles with bipolar disorder and has advocated for mental health awareness.