Jessica Marais is a South African-born Australian actress and television personality who first rose to fame as Rachel Rafter in the series Packed to the Rafters. She has since starred in several other television shows, including Love Child, The Wrong Girl, and, most recently, Wakefield.
In addition to her work in television, Marais has appeared in several films, including The Secret Daughter and Breaking the Bank. Marais has been recognized for her work with multiple awards, including the Australian Film Institute Award for Best Lead Actress and the Logie Award for Most Popular Actress.
Jessica Marais Biography
| Full Name: | Jessica Marais |
|---|---|
| Born Date: | 29 Jan 1985 |
| Age: | 38 years old |
| Horoscope: | Aquarius |
| Lucky Number: | 8 |
| Lucky Stone: | Amethyst |
| Lucky Color: | Turquoise |
| Best Match for Marriage: | Aquarius, Gemini, Sagittarius |
| Gender: | Female |
| Profession: | Actress |
| Country: | South Africa |
| Height: | 0 feet 6 inches (0.15m) |
| Marital Status: | divorce |
| Divorce | James Stewart |
| Net Worth | $1.5 Million |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Birth Place | Johannesburg |
| Education | National Institute of Dramatic Art |
| Father | Tony Marais |
| Mother | Karen Marais |
| Siblings | Clara Marais |
| Kids | Scout Edie Stewart |
Early Life
Jessica Marais (born on 29 January 1985), in Johannesburg, South Africa, and spent the first nine years living in Canada and New Zealand. Her family then relocated to Perth, Western Australia, where Marais’ father died six months after their arrival.
Marais and her younger sister, Clara, were raised by their mother, Karen. Marais attended John XXIII College, a Catholic co-educational school in Claremont, for a year. The loss of her father at a young age no doubt had a profound impact on Marais, but she persevered and went on to have a successful career in acting.
Education
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.
Career
Jessica Marais began her career in the entertainment industry in the early 2000s, appearing in minor roles in several Australian television shows. Her first major role came in 2005 when she played Susie McAllister in Love Bytes. The following year, she played Danni Stark in the series The Alice, for which she won the Australian Film Institute Award for Best Lead Actress. In 2007, Marais appeared in the Australian mini-series The Incredible Journey of Mary Bryant, and the following year, she landed her most notable role as Rachel Rafter in Packed to the Rafters. The show was a massive success.
Marais continued to star in Packed to the Rafters until the show ended in 2013. She also appeared in the mini-series Brock and the TV movie Peter Allen: Not the Boy Next Door during that time. In 2014, Marais starred in Love Child, a critically acclaimed show that ran for four seasons. After taking a break from acting in 2017, Marais returned to the screen in 2019, starring in the TV movie Riot and the series Wakefield. She has continued to work steadily in television, and her career shows no signs of slowing down.
Marais has also made a name for herself as a stage actress, starring in productions such as Hedda Gabler, which earned her a Helpmann Award nomination, and The Effect, which won her the Matilda Award for Best Female Actor in a Leading Role. She is known for her ability to play complex and nuanced characters, and her dedication to her craft has earned her a reputation as one of Australia’s most talented and versatile actresses.
In addition to her acting work, Marais is also a successful model and brand ambassador. She has been the face of some advertising campaigns, including for brands such as David Jones, Michael Hill, and L’Oreal. She has also been a spokesperson for several charities, including the Cancer Council Australia and the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Marais is a multi-faceted individual who has significantly impacted both the entertainment and charitable sectors.
Filmography
2008: Two Fists, One Heart
2010: Needle
2013: Planes
2015: That Sugar Film
2020: Chasing Wonders
Television
2008–2012, 2013: Packed to the Rafters (seasons 1–4)
2009–2010: Legend of the Seeker
2012–2013: Magic City
2014–2017: Love Child
2014: Carlotta
2016–2017: The Wrong Girl
2016: Have You Been Paying Attention?
Personal Life
Actress Jessica Marais and her Packed to the Rafters co-star James Stewart were engaged in 2009 but called off their engagement in 2015. The two had a daughter together in 2012, and Marais reportedly returned to work after the birth while Stewart cared for their child full-time.
Marais later shared that their relationship had ended, but they remained on good terms and continued co-parenting their daughter. Their amicable separation was a refreshing change from the often contentious nature of celebrity breakups and a testament to their maturity and commitment to co-parenting.
Domestic Violence
In 2016, Jessica Marais found herself embroiled in a media controversy when a reporter from the Herald Sun revealed that she was the victim of domestic violence at the hands of her ex-husband, Jake Holly.
Marais initially did not comment on the incident. Still, he later released a statement condemning domestic violence and asserting that she was no longer afraid to speak out about her experience. The controversy sparked a national conversation about domestic violence and victim blaming. Marais’ courage in speaking out about her experience helped to raise awareness about an important social issue.
Awards
– AFI Awards: Best Lead Actress in a Television Drama (2007)
– Australian Film Critics Association Awards: Best Actress (2008)
– Logie Awards: Most Popular Actress (2010, 2012, 2013, 2015)
– Helpmann Awards: Best Female Actor in a Play (2014)
– Matilda Awards: Best Female Actor in a Leading Role (2017)
– AACTA Awards: Best Actress in a Supporting Role (2013)
– APRA Screen Music Awards: Most Performed Television Theme (2010)
These are just some of the awards Jessica Marais has won throughout her career.
Social Media
Follow Jessica Marais on all her social media platforms:
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
Net Worth
Jessica Dominique Marais is a highly acclaimed South African actress based in Australia. She is best known for her outstanding performances in the TV series Packed to the Rafters and Love Child. With a net worth of $1.5 million, she has become one of the most recognizable faces in the Australian entertainment industry. Her talent, versatility, and dedication to her craft have earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan following.
FAQs
Is Jessica Marais still acting?
Jessica Marais stepped away from acting in 2018 to focus on her mental health. Marais has bipolar disorder and depression. In 2020, she was set to make a comeback in the reboot of Packed to the Rafters, but she pulled out at the last minute.
Does Jessica Marais have a child?
Yes, Jessica Marais has a daughter named Scout Edie Stewart. Marais and her former partner, James Stewart, welcomed Scout in May 2012.
How old is Jessica Marais?
She is currently 38 years of age. Born on 29 January 1985.
Who is the mother of Scout Stewarts?
Jessica Marais is the mother of Scout Edie Stewart. Marais and her ex-partner, actor James Stewart, welcomed their daughter in May 2012.