Key Takeaways
- Jessica Frances Dukes is a versatile actress known for her breakthrough role in Ozark and acclaimed stage performances.
- She holds an MFA in Acting and has won awards like the Obie Award for her theatrical work.
- Dukes continues to expand her career with recent roles in Earth Abides and The Gilded Age.
Jessica Frances Dukes, born on December 23, 1990, is an American actress celebrated for her impactful performances on both stage and screen.
The actress, who is almost 34 years old, has a magnetic presence and versatile acting skills, and Dukes has made a name for herself in Hollywood.
She is most notable for her role as Special Agent Maya Miller in Netflix’s acclaimed series Ozark.
Early Life And Education
Hailing from Prince George’s County, Maryland, Jessica Frances Dukes discovered her passion for acting at an early age.
Her journey began with performances in school plays and community theater, which paved the way for her eventual enrollment at Frostburg State University (FSU).
At FSU, she immersed herself in theater arts, earning critical acting experience through a variety of stage productions.
Following her undergraduate studies, Dukes pursued her Master of Fine Arts in Acting at Catholic University, honing her craft further and establishing herself in the Washington, D.C., theater scene.
Rise To Stardom
Jessica Frances Dukes transitioned seamlessly from theater to television, earning roles in shows like NCIS: New Orleans, New Amsterdam, and Jessica Jones.
However, her breakout performance in Ozark catapulted her to fame.
Portraying the no-nonsense FBI forensic accountant Maya Miller, Dukes captivated audiences with her nuanced depiction of a character who brought tension and depth to the show’s narrative.
Apart from her work in television, Dukes has an impressive range of stage performances.
She was an original cast member of Robert O’Hara’s Bootycandy, a satirical play that garnered critical acclaim.
Her performance earned her an Obie Award and solidified her reputation as a force in the theater world.
Additionally, she starred in the Off-Broadway play By the Way, Meet Vera Stark, which earned her an AUDELCO award.
Recent Projects
In 2023, Dukes took on a leading role in the science fiction thriller Gray Matter.
She also starred as Emma (known as Em) in the highly anticipated MGM+ miniseries Earth Abides, which premiered on December 1, 2024.
Her character, Em, is described as intelligent, resourceful, and fiercely independent.
Moreover, Dukes is currently filming Season 3 of HBO’s historical drama series The Gilded Age.
Despite her busy schedule, she remains connected with her fans and frequently shares insights into her life and career on social media.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Jessica Frances Dukes stands at 5′ 2″ (1.57 m).
- She was born and raised in Riverdale, Maryland.
- Beyond acting, Dukes enjoys connecting with her fans on social media, writing, and workshopping original projects.
