Jessica Marais

Jessica Marais, born on January 29, 1985, in Johannesburg, South Africa, is a talented Australian actress celebrated for her impactful performances in television. She gained widespread recognition for her roles in the hit Australian series "Packed to the Rafters" and "Love Child," and showcased her talent internationally in the American drama "Magic City."

At the age of nine, Marais and her family moved to Perth, Western Australia, after spending time in Canada and New Zealand. Tragically, just six months after their arrival in Australia, her father, Tony, passed away from a heart attack during a family outing, leaving Marais and her younger sister, Clara, to be raised by their mother, Karen. She completed her education at St Hilda's Anglican School for Girls in 2002.

Marais honed her acting skills at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), graduating in 2007. During her time at NIDA, she performed notable roles such as Ophelia in Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and Charity in "Sweet Charity." Her career took off when she secured a leading role in "Packed to the Rafters" while still a student, alongside fellow NIDA graduate Hugh Sheridan.

In her personal life, Marais was engaged to her "Packed to the Rafters" co-star James Stewart from 2009 to 2015, and they share a daughter born in May 2012. Through her impressive body of work, Marais continues to be a prominent figure in the Australian entertainment industry.