Jessica Myrie is Building a Legacy on and Off Screen

In an industry where persistence often rivals talent, Jessica Myrie is proving she has both in spades. The Canadian actress, host, and producer has become a formidable presence in the film and television space—garnering multiple Best Actress awards, co-founding an influential nonprofit, and balancing a dynamic career that spans screen, stage, and storytelling.

Born in Toronto to Jamaican parents, Jessica’s journey into the arts began not on a red carpet, but in a school auditorium. “I remember playing one of the stepsisters in a Cinderella musical,” she recalls with a smile. “I wanted to be Cinderella so bad, but I told myself I’d make the best of what I had. And when it came time to sing—I sang! That moment stayed with me.”

Though the support system wasn’t there in her early years to pursue acting full-time, she never let the dream go. Seven years ago, she stepped back into that dream—and she’s been blazing a path forward ever since.

Jessica first caught the industry’s attention in the award-winning short film ‘She Waits,’ where her portrayal earned her Best Actress honors at the International Black and Diversity Film Festival. That performance set the tone for what would become a recurring theme in her career: raw vulnerability and deep commitment to craft.

“Winning those awards meant everything,” she says. “I put my all into becoming these characters. There’s a part of you that needs to be vulnerable and authentic—and that doesn’t come easy. It’s the work we do in private that we’re awarded for in public.”

Her momentum didn’t stop there. Jessica went on to win Best Actress accolades at both the Toronto Nollywood International Film Festival and the Inaugural Canadian Black Screen Awards for her gripping lead performance in the feature film ‘Irreconcilable Differences.’ On television, audiences might recognize her from the Peacock Original series ‘Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol,’ or from the nostalgic Vice TV docuseries ‘The Dark Side of the ’90s,’ where she embodied Mel B—aka “Scary Spice.”

In addition to acting, Jessica has flourished as a host and producer. She currently hosts ‘Black Business Live,’ a digital platform showcasing Black entrepreneurship, artistry, and community. “I got involved after one of the founders saw an interview I did about my acting career,” she explains. “One of my most memorable interviews was with Vivica A. Fox. She’s someone I’ve always looked up to. And speaking with Kardinal Offishall—growing up with his music, that was a full-circle moment for me.”

Though she makes it look effortless, Jessica is quick to admit the balancing act isn’t always graceful. “If I told you I balance all these roles, I’d be lying,” she says candidly. “This industry doesn’t leave much room for balance. You sacrifice sleep, your social life—but you find a way. Acting comes most naturally to me, and it’s the foundation for everything else.”

Determined to leave the industry better than she found it, Jessica co-founded Black Actors Canada, a nonprofit created to support and uplift Black talent in Canada. “We saw a void,” she says. “There was a lack of support and infrastructure for our people in this country, so we decided to build something for us, by us.”

Her hope? That the next generation of talent won’t face the same roadblocks. “We want to give young Black actors the tools, resources, and community they need to thrive. This is about professional development, but also about identity, voice, and visibility.”

Jessica’s Jamaican roots are not just a footnote in her bio—they’re a key ingredient in her storytelling. “I’ve used my patois in a role for a short film called ‘Duppy,’ she says. “I even had my mom help me with the script. Growing up in a Jamaican household gave me a unique set of skills—language, rhythm, humor—that I now get to use professionally.”

It’s that same authenticity she brings to every role, blending lived experience with refined technique to create performances that resonate deeply.

There’s no slowing down for Jessica Myrie. She’s currently in pre-production for the feature film ‘Dirty Paffin,’ is producing a new TV series, and has a short film lined up for fall—one she’ll both star in and produce. This fall, she’ll also host the prestigious Toronto Nollywood International Film Festival.

But even as her résumé continues to grow, she’s keeping her eyes on the bigger picture. “A big goal of mine is to create more content and resources for emerging actors,” she says. “Through Black Actors Canada, I want to help build a generation of artists who feel seen, supported, and powerful.”

From talent shows in Toronto to international film accolades, Jessica Myrie is proving what’s possible when passion meets purpose. She’s not just telling stories—she’s changing the narrative.