Amy Jackson
Amy Louise Jackson Westwick (born 31 January 1992) is a British actress and model renowned for her prominent roles in Indian cinema, spanning Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films, as well as her international television appearances.[1][2] Born in Douglas, Isle of Man, and raised in the Liverpool area of Knowsley, England, she transitioned from a successful modeling career in her teens to acting, debuting in the 2010 Tamil historical drama Madrasapattinam.[3][4] Jackson gained widespread recognition in India through high-profile Bollywood films such as Singh Is Bliing (2015) opposite Akshay Kumar and 2.0 (2018) alongside Rajinikanth, establishing her as a leading figure in South Asian entertainment.[5][6] Her career also extends to Hollywood, where she portrayed Imra Ardeen/Saturn Girl in the CW series Supergirl (2017–2018).[2] The daughter of Marguerita and Alan Jackson, she attended St. Edward's College in Liverpool and began modeling at age 15, quickly achieving accolades including Miss Teen Liverpool and Miss Teen World.[7][8] Her entry into acting came unexpectedly when she was scouted online by Tamil director A. L. Vijay for Madrasapattinam, marking her as one of the few Western actresses to break into Indian cinema without prior professional experience.[3][1] Following her debut, Jackson expanded into Bollywood with Ekk Deewana Tha (2012), a romantic drama remake, and delivered standout performances in action-oriented roles, including the female lead in I (2015) and a key character in the sci-fi blockbuster 2.0, one of India's highest-grossing films.[1][5] More recently, she starred in the extreme sports thriller Crakk (2024) and has continued to appear at major events like the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and Rome Film Festival, showcasing her enduring presence in global entertainment.[9][10][11] In her personal life, Jackson has been married to English actor Ed Westwick since August 2024, following a two-year relationship and engagement; the couple wed in a picturesque ceremony near the Amalfi Coast in Italy.[12][2] She is a mother to two sons: Andreas, born in September 2019 from a previous relationship with businessman George Panayiotou, and Oscar Alexander Westwick, born in March 2025 with Westwick.[13][14][15] Jackson is also recognized as an advocate for animal rights and environmental causes, supporting organizations like PETA through campaigns and public endorsements.[6]Early years and personal life
Early life
Amy Louise Jackson was born on 31 January 1992 in Douglas, Isle of Man, to parents Alan Jackson, a BBC Radio Merseyside presenter, and Marguerita Jackson, both Liverpool natives.[16] When she was two years old, her family relocated from the Isle of Man to the Liverpool suburb of Woolton to support her father's career.[17] She grew up in the area, developing an interest in sports and horse riding during her childhood.[18] Jackson attended St Edward's College, a private school in Liverpool, where she was known for her athletic pursuits rather than drama or performing activities. At the age of 15 in 2007, she began pursuing modeling, drawn by her passion for fashion.[19] This led to her participation in beauty pageants, culminating in her win at Miss Teen World in 2009, which provided her first significant public exposure.[20]Personal life
Amy Jackson began a relationship with British actor Ryan Thomas in April 2014, after the pair had known each other for several months.[21] Their romance lasted seven months before ending in November 2014, reportedly due to conflicting schedules amid her rising career in India.[22] In 2018, Jackson started dating businessman George Panayiotou, becoming engaged to him in January 2019.[23] The couple welcomed their son, Andreas, on 22 September 2019.[24] They separated in July 2021 after two years of engagement.[25] Jackson met actor Ed Westwick at an Aston Martin event in 2021, and the pair began dating shortly thereafter, going public with their relationship in early 2022.[26] Westwick proposed during a trip to Switzerland in December 2023, with the engagement announced in January 2024.[27] The couple married in a civil ceremony in London on 9 August 2024, followed by a destination wedding at Castello di Rocca on the Amalfi Coast in Italy on 24 August 2024.[28] On 24 March 2025, Jackson and Westwick welcomed their first child together, a son named Oscar Alexander Westwick.[13] As of 2025, the family resides in a countryside home in England, where Jackson balances motherhood with her professional commitments.[29]Career
Modelling
Amy Jackson began her modeling career in her hometown of Liverpool, England, where she was initially scouted following participation in local beauty contests. At age 16, she gained significant recognition by winning the Miss Teen World title in 2008, held in Houston, Texas, which provided her with international exposure and opened doors to professional opportunities in the fashion industry. This victory led to features on prominent magazine covers, including Vogue, Marie Claire, Maxim, and FHM, establishing her as a rising talent in modeling.[30] Following her pageant success, Jackson signed with modeling agencies in the UK, including Boss Model Management in the north and a London-based agency, which facilitated contracts and photoshoots that highlighted her versatility. Her work during this period included campaigns and editorials that showcased her in various international settings, building a portfolio that attracted attention from global fashion circles. Although specific luxury brand contracts like those with high-end designers were part of her early portfolio, her visibility grew through high-profile print features rather than exhaustive listings of endorsements.[31][30] In 2009, Jackson traveled to India for filming her debut film Madrasapattinam, immersing herself in the local industry through photoshoots and events. She permanently relocated to Mumbai in 2011 to pursue acting opportunities, expanding her career as she walked ramps and collaborated on editorials that blended Western and Indian aesthetics. Her presence in Mumbai's fashion weeks and modeling assignments during this time not only solidified her professional network but also led to her discovery by film director A. L. Vijay, who spotted her through online photographs from the Miss Teen World pageant, marking a pivotal transition from modeling to acting.[18][32][30][3]2010–2013: Film debut and early roles
In 2009, while competing as Miss Teen World, Amy Jackson was discovered by director A. L. Vijay through her photographs on the internet, leading to her casting in the lead role of his Tamil-language period romance Madrasapattinam (2010). Despite having no prior acting experience, she portrayed Amy Wilkinson, a British teenager who falls in love with a local boy in 1940s Madras amid the backdrop of India's independence movement. The film, co-starring Arya, was released on 9 July 2010 and achieved commercial success at the box office, grossing over ₹20 crore against a budget of ₹12 crore and receiving praise for its historical authenticity and Jackson's fresh performance as a newcomer.[3][33] Jackson's transition to Hindi cinema came with her debut in Ekk Deewana Tha (2012), a romantic drama directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon and serving as an official remake of his Tamil film Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa (2010). In the film, she played Jessie Thekekuttu, a Malayali Catholic girl who becomes the object of affection for the protagonist, portrayed by Prateik Babbar. The movie received mixed critical reception, with reviewers noting its engaging first half but criticizing the pacing and execution in the second; Jackson's portrayal was commended for its sincerity and appeal as a debutant in Bollywood, though some felt it lacked depth due to her limited dialogue delivery.[34] Returning to Tamil cinema, Jackson took on a supporting role as Sara in Thaandavam (2012), again directed by A. L. Vijay and starring Vikram in a dual role as an NRI ophthalmologist and a RAW agent. Her character, a London-based ally to the protagonist, involved action sequences and emotional support, marking her growing versatility in South Indian films. To prepare for the role, she learned basic Tamil phrases phonetically, as the language proved challenging given her British background and unfamiliarity with regional nuances.[35] Throughout this period, Jackson faced significant challenges adjusting to the Indian film industry, including language barriers in Tamil projects where she relied on dubbing for complex dialogues and cultural differences in on-set dynamics compared to Western modeling. These early experiences, however, helped her build resilience and a foundation in multilingual cinema, setting the stage for broader opportunities.[36]2014–2018: Breakthrough in Indian cinema
Amy Jackson made her Telugu cinema debut in 2014 with Yevadu, directed by Vamsi Paidipally, where she played a lead role opposite Ram Charan, marking her expansion into the Telugu film industry beyond her earlier Tamil work. The action thriller, which also featured Allu Arjun in a special appearance, showcased her in a romantic pairing that contributed to the film's commercial appeal.[37][38] In 2015, Jackson starred as the female lead in the Tamil romantic action film I, directed by S. Shankar, opposite Vikram, portraying supermodel Diya, the love interest of the protagonist. The film, known for its elaborate production and Vikram's multiple character transformations, became one of the year's biggest Tamil releases, grossing approximately ₹190 crore worldwide and establishing Jackson's prominence in South Indian cinema. Later that year, she entered Bollywood with the comedy Singh Is Bliing, directed by Prabhu Deva, playing Sara opposite Akshay Kumar, a role she described as a career milestone that solidified her presence in Hindi films. The movie earned over ₹54 crore in its opening weekend, highlighting her versatility in comedic genres.[39][40][41][42] Jackson continued to diversify her roles in 2016 with appearances in the Tamil action drama Gethu, directed by Thirukumaran, where she portrayed Nandhini, an aspiring news anchor and the female lead opposite Udhayanidhi Stalin. In the same year, she took on the love interest role of Megha in the Hindi sports comedy Freaky Ali, directed by Sohail Khan, opposite Nawazuddin Siddiqui, further demonstrating her range across action, drama, and comedy in both Tamil and Hindi industries.[43][44] Her breakthrough culminated in 2018 with 2.0, the Tamil sci-fi action sequel to Enthiran, directed by S. Shankar, where she played Nila, a humanoid robot assistant to Rajinikanth's character. The film, also starring Akshay Kumar, achieved massive commercial success, grossing over ₹700 crore worldwide and ranking as one of India's highest-grossing films at the time. This role underscored Jackson's growing stature in high-budget, pan-Indian productions.[45][46][47]2019–present: International projects and recent films
Following her role in the 2018 Indian film 2.0, Amy Jackson expanded her presence in international projects, with her performance as Imra Ardeen, also known as Saturn Girl, in the CW's Supergirl (third season, 2017–2018) marking her entry into American television. In the series, she portrayed the telepathic Legion of Super-Heroes member from the 31st century, appearing in a recurring capacity across 10 episodes as Mon-El's future wife and ally to Kara Zor-El/Supergirl. This highlighted her versatility in genre roles.[48][49] Jackson's Hollywood endeavors included a minor uncredited role as LouLou in the 2023 action-comedy Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre, directed by Guy Ritchie, in the ensemble cast alongside Jason Statham and Hugh Grant. The film follows a spy thwarting an arms deal, and Jackson's involvement represented a selective pivot toward global cinema amid her evolving priorities.[50][51] From 2019 to 2023, Jackson took a career hiatus primarily to focus on motherhood and personal life, following the birth of her son Andreas in September 2019. This period allowed her to prioritize family after a demanding schedule in Indian films, with no major acting credits during this time.[52][53] She made her acting return in 2024 with the Hindi action thriller Crakk – Jeetegaa Toh Jiyegaa!, playing Patricia Novak, a multilingual Europol agent assisting in a high-stakes survival game set in extreme sports. The film, starring Vidyut Jammwal and Arjun Rampal, marked her comeback to Bollywood after four years and emphasized her action-oriented screen presence. Later that year, Jackson starred in the Tamil thriller Mission: Chapter 1, portraying Sandra James in a story about a father's quest to save his daughter, opposite Arun Vijay; this project signified her return to Tamil cinema after a five-year absence.[54][55] In 2025, Jackson maintained her influence through endorsements and social media, boasting over 13 million Instagram followers where she shares advocacy and lifestyle content. She attended the 78th Cannes Film Festival in May, turning heads in a polka-dot Carolina Herrera gown on the red carpet for various screenings and the amfAR Gala. In October, she appeared at the Rome Film Festival. As of November 2025, no major new film releases have been announced.[56][57][11]Public image and activism
Media image
Amy Jackson has garnered recognition as a fashion icon through her features in leading publications such as Vogue India, where she has been highlighted in editorials and updates on her style and career, and Marie Claire, including interviews at events like the Cannes Film Festival.[58] Her appearances at high-profile red carpet events, including multiple BAFTA Film Awards ceremonies and the Cannes Film Festival—such as the 2025 edition where she turned heads in a strapless Carolina Herrera polka dot gown—have further solidified her status as a style influencer blending Western elegance with global appeal.[59][60] Media portrayals often describe Jackson as the "Western face in Indian cinema," celebrating her transition from a British model to a prominent figure in Bollywood and South Indian films, where her multicultural roles highlight her versatility and exotic allure for diverse audiences.[61] This image is amplified by tabloid coverage of her glamour and beauty, with frequent features on her red-carpet looks and rankings in desirable women lists by Indian outlets, including topping the Chennai Times Most Desirable Woman poll in 2014.[62] Jackson's social media presence underscores her evolution into a lifestyle influencer, boasting approximately 13.5 million Instagram followers as of November 2025, where she shares curated posts on fashion, travel, and daily aesthetics that engage a global fanbase.[63] Starting as a teenage model who won titles like Miss Teen World in 2009 and later broke into acting, her public persona has matured from high-fashion runways to a multifaceted career as an actress and digital tastemaker, with glamorous roles in films from 2014 to 2018 enhancing her sophisticated, cross-cultural image.[8]Activism and philanthropy
Amy Jackson adopted a vegan lifestyle in 2018, publicly committing to avoid animal products after reflecting on broader issues of animal exploitation. In an Instagram post, she stated, "Animals are not ours to experiment on, wear, eat or use for entertainment," explicitly opposing animal testing in cosmetics, the fur trade, and other forms of cruelty. As a PETA ambassador since 2016, she has promoted animal welfare through multiple campaigns, including encouraging adoption of homeless animals and urging people to go vegetarian to reduce animal suffering. Jackson has personally rescued several animals, including dogs and cats, and featured her adopted cat Alfie in a 2014 PETA ad with the slogan "Be an Angel for Animals: Adopt. Don't Buy!" to highlight the benefits of adoption over purchasing pets.[64][65][66] In addition to her animal advocacy, Jackson serves as a patron for the Sneha Sagar Orphanage, for girls in Mumbai, supporting their education and well-being since at least 2016. She has visited the orphanage multiple times, donating food, toys, and funds, and was honored by the United Nations in 2018 for her contributions on the International Day of the Girl Child, recognizing her work in girls' empowerment. Her philanthropy extends to humanitarian efforts, such as partnering with Breathe for India in 2021 to provide oxygen and medical aid during the COVID-19 crisis in the country. Jackson has also supported Being Human, Salman Khan's foundation focused on education and healthcare for underprivileged children, and St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.[67][68] Following the birth of her son in 2019, Jackson began openly advocating for mental health awareness, emphasizing the need for greater focus on well-being amid personal and global challenges. In a 2021 interview, she shared that motherhood intensified her commitment to mental health, stating it is "important to pay even more attention on one's mental health now" to cope with stress and emotional demands. She has since discussed experiences with toxic work environments in the film industry, regretting not confronting a bullying producer earlier and using her platform to encourage others to prioritize self-advocacy and therapy. Jackson's environmental activism includes her role as an ambassador for the Elephant Family, a UK-based charity dedicated to protecting Asian elephants and promoting human-wildlife coexistence, a position she has held since 2019. Through this, she supports anti-poaching initiatives and habitat conservation in India. As of 2025, she continues to champion women's empowerment, aligning her efforts in both India—via ongoing orphanage support—and the UK, where she participates in events raising funds for gender equality and girl child education, such as galas with the Elephant Family that highlight sustainable development for women in vulnerable communities.[69]Filmography and accolades
Filmography
Amy Jackson's filmography encompasses lead and supporting roles in Indian cinema across multiple languages, as well as select English-language films and television appearances.[70][71][72]| Year | Title | Role | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Madrasapattinam | Amy Wilkinson | Tamil | Lead role; directed by A. L. Vijay; co-starring Arya.[73] |
| 2012 | Ekk Deewana Tha | Jessie | Hindi | Lead role; directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon; co-starring Prateik Babbar. |
| 2012 | Thaandavam | Sara | Tamil | Supporting role; directed by A. L. Vijay; co-starring Vikram. |
| 2013 | Yevadu | Shruthi / Deepthi | Telugu | Supporting role; directed by Vamsi Paidipally; co-starring Ram Charan. |
| 2015 | I | Diya | Tamil | Lead role; directed by S. Shankar; co-starring Vikram.[74] |
| 2015 | Singh Is Bliing | Sara | Hindi | Lead role; directed by Prabhu Deva; co-starring Akshay Kumar. |
| 2015 | Thanga Magan | Hema D'Souza | Tamil | Supporting role; directed by Velraj; co-starring Vijay. |
| 2016 | Devi | Jennifer / Devi | Tamil | Lead role; directed by A. L. Vijay; co-starring Prabhu Deva. |
| 2016 | Freaky Ali | Megha | Hindi | Lead role; directed by Sohail Khan; co-starring Arbaaz Khan. |
| 2016 | Gethu | Nandhini Ramanujam | Tamil | Supporting role; directed by Thiru Kumaran; co-starring Udhaya. |
| 2016 | Theri | Annie | Tamil | Supporting role; directed by Atlee; co-starring Vijay and Samantha Ruth Prabhu. |
| 2016 | Tutak Tutak Tutiya | Ruba | Hindi | Lead role; directed by M. Rajesh; co-starring Farah Khan. |
| 2017–2018 | Supergirl (TV series) | Imra Ardeen / Saturn Girl | English | Recurring role (9 episodes); directed by various; co-starring Melissa Benoist and David Harewood.[75] |
| 2018 | 2.0 | Nila | Tamil | Lead role; directed by S. Shankar; co-starring Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar.[76] |
| 2018 | The Villain | Sophia | Kannada | Supporting role; directed by Prem; co-starring Sudeep. |
| 2018 | Boogie Man | Nimisha | English | Lead role; directed by Andrew Morahan. |
| 2023 | Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre | Maria | English | Supporting role; directed by Guy Ritchie; co-starring Jason Statham. |
| 2024 | Mission: Chapter 1 | Sandra James | Tamil | Supporting role; directed by A. L. Vijay; co-starring Arun Vijay. |
| 2024 | Crakk: Jeetega... Toh Jiyegaa | Patricia Novak | Hindi | Supporting role; directed by Aditya Datt; co-starring Vidyut Jammwal. |
Awards and nominations
Amy Jackson's contributions to Indian and international cinema have earned her recognition through various awards and nominations, primarily for her breakthrough roles in Tamil and Telugu films during the early 2010s. She received her first accolade for her debut performance, with subsequent honors highlighting her versatility in supporting roles. As of 2025, her recent projects have garnered limited nominations, focusing more on international festival appreciations rather than major industry awards.[77] The following table lists her key film-related awards and nominations, organized chronologically:| Year | Award | Category | Film | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards | Best Debut Actress | Madrasapattinam | Won[78][77] |
| 2013 | Filmfare Awards South | Best Supporting Actress – Tamil | Thaandavam | Nominated[78] |
| 2015 | South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) | Stylish Youth Icon of South Indian Cinema (Female) | — | Won[77] |
| 2015 | Filmfare Awards South | Best Actress – Tamil | I | Nominated[1] |
| 2016 | Asiavision Awards | Excellence in Tamil Cinema | Theri | Won[77] |
| 2018 | London Asian Film Festival | Bright Star Making Waves Globally | Boogie Man | Won[77][78] |
| 2019 | Ayodhya Film Festival | Best Actress | Boogie Man | Won[77] |
| 2020 | Lake City International Film Festival | Best Actress | Boogie Man | Won[77] |
| 2020 | Tagore International Film Festival | Best Supporting Actress | Boogie Man | Won[77] |