Jessica Dominique Marais, born on January 29, 1985, in Johannesburg, South Africa, is a South African-born Australian actress celebrated for her performances in television and film.
Her family relocated to Perth, Western Australia, when she was nine, following stints in Canada and New Zealand.
The move was prompted by her father Tony’s appointment at the University of Western Australia as a university dean, diplomat, and economist.
Tragically, six months after arriving in Australia, Tony suffered a fatal heart attack, leaving Jessica and her younger sister to be raised by their schoolteacher mother, Karen, in Perth.
Marais’s early life was marked by resilience, shaped by her multicultural upbringing and the loss of her father.
She developed a passion for the arts, which led her to study at the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), graduating in 2007.
Siblings
Jessica has one sibling, a younger sister named Clara Marais.
However, information about Clara is limited, as she maintains a private life away from the public eye.
Clara has been mentioned in reports of family gatherings, notably in a 2023 event where she attended alongside Jessica, Jessica’s daughter Scout, and Scout’s father, James Stewart.
Career
Marais’s acting career began with a breakthrough role as Rachel Rafter in the Australian comedy-drama series Packed to the Rafters (2008–2013).
Cast while still attending NIDA, Marais portrayed the eldest daughter in a close-knit family, earning widespread acclaim for her ability to convey complex emotions.
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Marais appeared in the series from its debut until Season Four, with cameo appearances in the final episode of Season Four in 2012 and the series finale in 2013.
Her success in Packed to the Rafters opened doors to international opportunities, including a recurring role as Mord’Sith Denna in the American fantasy series Legend of the Seeker (2008–2010) and a co-starring role in the Starz drama Magic City (2012–2013), set in 1950s Miami.
Marais returned to Australia to star as Dr. Joan Millar in Love Child (2013–2017), a drama about a 1960s maternity home, and as Greta in The Wrong Girl (2016–2017), a romantic comedy-drama.
Her film credits include Two Fists, One Heart (2008), Needle (2011), and That Sugar Film (2015).
In 2014, she portrayed transgender entertainer Carlotta in a television movie, showcasing her versatility.
Marais stepped away from acting in 2020 to focus on her mental health, later transitioning to work outside the entertainment industry, including a brief stint as a cafe worker in Perth.
Accolades
For her role in Packed to the Rafters, Marais won two Logie Awards in 2009: Most Popular New Female Talent, beating out Margot Robbie, and Most Outstanding Newcomer.
She was nominated for the Logie Award for Most Popular Actress in 2010 and 2011, though she lost to Rebecca Gibney and Asher Keddie.
Marais also earned two nominations for Equity Ensemble Awards, reflecting her contribution to ensemble casts.
Her performance in Love Child garnered critical acclaim, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile actress.
Beyond acting, Marais has been acknowledged for her advocacy work, particularly in raising awareness about mental health issues.
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