Marisa Abela

Last updated on the 12 May 2025 by Maeve

Mini Biography

Born: 7 December 1996, Brighton, East Sussex, England.

Marisa Abela was raised in Rottingdean with her older brother, Jack, by her side. Her parents, actress Caroline Gruber and director Angelo Abela, divorced when she was four years old. With a diverse heritage, her father of Maltese and Libyan descent and her mother of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, Abela was exposed to a rich cultural background. She attended Roedean School on a drama scholarship and took classes at The Theatre Workshop, initially intending to study History and Law at University College London to become a human rights lawyer. However, she ultimately pursued acting, graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in 2019.

Marisa Abela debuted on screen at just 11 years old, portraying Alice in the 2008 thriller “Man in a Box”. She experienced a major career breakthrough in 2020 when she took on the role of Ellie Sutherland in the Sky One political thriller “COBRA”. Her prominence continued to rise with her portrayal of Yasmin Kara-Hanani in the BBC Two and HBO drama “Industry”, a performance that earned her a BAFTA for best actress.

She also appeared in films such as “She Is Love” (2022), “Rogue Agent” (2022), and “Barbie” (2023), where she played Teen Talk Barbie. In 2024, she portrayed Amy Winehouse in “Back to Black”, a biographical drama that received mixed reviews but earned praise for her performance.

In her personal life, Marisa Abela is engaged to actor and singer Jamie Bogyo. She is passionate about animal welfare and owns a pet dog named Molly. Beyond acting, she enjoys travelling and has been featured on various magazine covers. Her career continues to flourish, solidifying her status as a rising star in the entertainment industry.

WINNER | Television: Leading Actress for Industry (2025)

Suggested viewing

Industry (2020)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.5

A group of ambitious graduates competes for permanent positions at a prestigious London investment bank, tackling the high-pressure world of finance. As they face ruthless competition, ethical dilemmas and personal struggles, they must balance their careers with their own identities, forming complex relationships while confronting the brutal realities of corporate life.

Top cast: Marisa Abela, Myha’la Herrold, Ken Leung, Harry Lawtey, Sagar Radia, Conor MacNeill, David Jonsson, Caoilfhionn Dunne.

Back to Black (2024)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.3

The film explores the life and career of Amy Winehouse, capturing her meteoric rise and struggles with fame. It examines her personal relationships, artistic journey and battles with addiction, offering an intimate look at her passion for music and the challenges that shaped her legacy in the industry.

Top cast: Marisa Abela, Jack O’Connell, Eddie Marsan, Lesley Manville, Juliet Cowan, Sam Buchanan, Pete Lee-Wilson, Thelma Ruby.

Full filmography @ Wikipedia