Marisa Abela is one to watch in both British TV and international film. Known for her breakout roles and presence on screen, Abela’s career is taking off. From her early life to her most talked about performances, here’s everything you need to know about this talented actress.
Who is Marisa Abela?
Born on December 7, 1996 in Brighton, England, she grew up with a passion for acting. She studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) one of the top drama schools in the UK. Her mixed heritage (English, Maltese, Libyan) gives her a unique identity that shines through in her acting.
Breakthrough Role in “Industry” (BBC & HBO)
She got noticed for her role as Yasmin Kara-Hanani in the hit series Industry. The show, co-produced by HBO and BBC, goes into the world of finance through the eyes of young graduates in London. Abela’s Yasmin, a smart and ambitious trainee in a male dominated industry, got praised for her depth and authenticity.
Playing Amy Winehouse in “Back to Black”
In 2024, Abela played Amy Winehouse in Back to Black the biopic directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson. The performance showed off her dramatic range and vocals, got both praise and criticism. Fans and critics were blown away by how much she looked like Winehouse not just in appearance but in capturing her emotional depth and complexity.
Why Marisa Abela is a Star to Watch?
- Versatile: From finance dramas to biopics, Abela can do it all.
- Critical Acclaim: Her performances get rave reviews from critics and fans.
- Growing Fanbase: With a growing social media presence Abela is connecting with fans worldwide.
- Future Projects: Rumour has it she’s got upcoming roles in big studio films, she’s going Hollywood bound.
Her influence on Young British ActorsAs one of the new breed of actors changing the face of UK film and TV Marisa Abela is inspiring others with her bold choices and commitment to complex characters. She brings a new voice to modern storytelling and proves talent, authenticity and hard work still gets you to the top.
She is more than a rising star she’s a player in the game. Whether you like drama series or biopics Abela’s performances are not to be missed. Watch this space she’s just getting started.
Who the hell is Marisa Abela? (And why is everyone suddenly obsessed?)
Alright, picture this: Brighton, December ‘96, and her pops into the world. Her dad’s some TV director (Angelo Abela), her mom’s an actress (Caroline Gruber)—so, yeah, she basically grew up marinating in creativity. No shocker she wanted a piece of the spotlight before she was even out of primary school.
Her background?
All over the map: English, Maltese, Libyan-Jewish. You can totally see it in the way she buries herself in a role—never boring, always a bit complicated (in the best way).
She did the hardcore drama training thing at RADA, graduated 2019. That’s like the Hogwarts of British acting. You know she’s got the receipts.
Getting Her Start (aka “We all start somewhere, right?”)
While grinding away at RADA, Marisa hit up the usual newbie gigs—small theater spots, short films, hustling for credits. Then, boom, HBO/BBC comes calling…
Industry (2020–now)
She walks in as Yasmin Kara-Hanani—basically, a total fish-out-of-water in the nightmare-wonderland of London finance. If you haven’t watched her, she’s a revelation: snarky, vulnerable, ambitious, confused—sometimes all in the same ten seconds. The show itself slaps, but she’s a legit highlight. Critics ate it up, too.
The Big Move: Playing Amy Freaking Winehouse (Back to Black, 2024)
Now, THIS is where Twitter lost its collective mind. Marisa gets cast as Amy Winehouse—yes, that Amy. Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, no less.
She didn’t just slap on eyeliner and call it a day. She went all-in—vocal training, deep-dives into Amy’s old interviews, built up the voice and the attitude. Reviews for the movie were kinda all over, but everyone agreed: Marisa completely brought it. Honest to god, she nailed the heartbreak, the weirdness, the fire, all of it.
And let’s be real—most actors would run screaming from a role that iconic. She just said, “Yeah, sure, why not?”
Stuff That Happened Because of Winehouse:
- Suddenly the world knows her name
- Surprise! She can actually sing
- Casting agents in Hollywood and Europe are now sending her a million DMs
Other Cool Sh*t She’s Done
- Cobra (2020): Played Ellie Sutherland in a political thriller (think: chaos in Downing Street).
- Rogue Agent (2022): Creepy psychological thriller with James Norton.
- Five Dates (2020): This sort-of choose-your-own-adventure dating film/game. Very 2020.
- She Is Love (2022): Artsy indie rom-dram. She popped up in a supporting role.
Her Vibe as an Actor (nerd alert)
She’s not interested in playing boring, paper-thin characters. Nah, she likes the messy stuff—women fighting the system, feeling too much, making bad decisions. Big influences? Kate Winslet, Binoche, Viola Davis. Big names, big feelings.
Instagram & The Private Life Saga
Okay, she’s not out here live-streaming her breakfast, but she does drop the occasional BTS photo on Insta (@marisabela_). You’ll get the odd artsy shot, activism stuff, and a bit of a peek behind the curtain, but nothing too TMI.
She’s vocal about equality, feminism, all the “let’s make Hollywood less of a boys’ club” stuff. Props to her for using her platform.
Awards? Not Yet. But Watch This Space.
Alright, she hasn’t (yet) got a BAFTA or Oscar to use as a paperweight, but she’s been:
- Nominated for “Rising Star” awards
- Tagged on every “next big thing” list by Variety, Screen International, The Guardian, you name it
- Praised out the wazoo for taking on Winehouse (and not tanking her career in the process)
What’s Next?
Rumor mill says she’s circling some juicy projects—maybe some fancy costume dramas, possibly a global streaming hit, could even pop up in a Marvel thing. Who knows? Wouldn’t bet against her.
Why You Should Care (aka TL;DR)
Marisa Abela is the real thing. Serious acting chops, guts to spare, and a knack for picking roles with a little meat on the bone. She’s one of those few young UK actors with real staying power. Mark my words—you’ll be seeing her light up your screen again soon, whether you want to or no