Jessica Shirley Madsen, born on April 11, 1992, in Westminster, London, England, is an English actress known for her versatile roles in both British and American films and television. She grew up in Surrey, the daughter of Jens Madsen and Julia Timewell, an artist with roots in Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Her early education took place at Notre Dame Preparatory School in Cobham, and she later honed her acting skills at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, graduating in 2013.

Her acting career began with her television debut in the 2013 ITV drama "Breathless." She continued to build her portfolio with appearances in "Playhouse Presents," "Babylon," "Holby City," and "Mr. Selfridge." Her stage debut came with the play "Swimming" at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. In 2017, she made her feature film debut as Clarice in the horror film "Leatherface," a prequel to "Texas Chainsaw Massacre." She also starred in the ITV miniseries "Tina and Bobby" as Jenny.

Her career gained further momentum with roles in the films "Dark Light" and "Rambo: Last Blood" in 2019. However, she is perhaps best known for her role as Cressida Cowper in the popular Netflix period drama "Bridgerton," which began in 2020. This role has brought her significant recognition and a nomination for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.

Moreover, Jessica Madsen is also a talented photographer. She has a keen interest in capturing moments through her lens, which complements her artistic background. Her personal life is relatively private, but she has been open about her bisexuality, revealing her relationship with a woman in June 2023. She is also known for her love of dogs and has a pet dog that often features in her social media posts.

Her performances have earned her several accolades, including the Laurence Olivier Bursary Award and the Lillian Bayliss Award in 2012. Her journey from a drama school graduate to a recognized actress in both British and American entertainment industries is a testament to her talent and dedication.