Jessica Henwick

Jessica Yu-Li Henwick, born on August 30, 1992, in Surrey, England, is a British actress, writer, and director known for her diverse roles in television and film.

Early Life and Education

Jessica was born to a Singaporean-Chinese mother and a Zambian-born English father. Her father, Mark Henwick, is an author known for the urban fantasy series Bite Back. Jessica grew up in Surrey with her two brothers and attended Collingwood College in Camberley. She briefly trained at Redroofs Theatre School and later with the National Youth Theatre under Rikki Beadle-Blair.

Career Beginnings

Jessica’s career began in 2009 when she was cast as Bo in the CBBC series Spirit Warriors, making her the first actress of East Asian descent to play the lead role in a British television series. For this role, she trained in wushu with martial arts choreographer Jude Poyer.

Breakthrough Roles

Jessica’s international breakthrough came with her role as Nymeria Sand in the HBO series Game of Thrones (2015-2017). She also appeared as X-wing pilot Jessika Pava in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), a character that became a fan favorite.

Notable Works

• Iron Fist (2017-2018): Jessica played Colleen Wing in this Marvel series, a role she reprised in The Defenders (2017) and Luke Cage (2018).

• The Matrix Resurrections (2021): She starred as Bugs in this highly anticipated sequel.

• The Gray Man (2022): Jessica appeared in this action thriller alongside Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans.

• Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022): She played a significant role in this ensemble cast film.

• The Royal Hotel (2023): Another notable film in her career.

Writing and Directing

In addition to acting, Jessica has ventured into writing and directing. Her directorial debut, the short film Bus Girl, was nominated for a BAFTA.

Personal Life

Jessica is known for her advocacy for diversity and representation in the entertainment industry. She continues to be a prominent figure in both British and international cinema, showcasing her talent across various genres and roles.

Jessica Henwick’s career is marked by her versatility and dedication to her craft, making her a standout performer in the industry.

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