Jessica Marais (born 29 January 1985) is a South African-born 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.

Although born in South Africa, Marais and her family spent some time in Canada and New Zealand before relocating to Perth when she was nine. 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. A born actor, it was at St Hilda's that Marais' love of acting was fuelled with leading roles in many school productions such as "No, No Nanette". Arguably her most notable performance was when she took on the role of the "Ichneumon Fly" in the 2002 production of Karel and Josef Capek's "The Insect Play". This allowed her to challenge type-casting and prove her extraordinary talent as an actress.

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.[1]

Jessica 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.[2]. Jessica recently guest starred in an episode of the new American series Legend of the Seeker filmed in Auckland New Zealand playing the role of Denna, the episode aired on the 10th January 2009. She has since filmed two more episodes.

On Sunday May 3, 2009, Marais won the Silver 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.

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