Amy Jackson
Born
Amy Louise Jackson
31 January 1992
Douglas, Isle of Man
Nationality
British
Occupation
Actress, Model
Years active
2009–present
Partner
Ed Westwick (engaged)
Children
1
Photo credits:
IP Publicity, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Amy Louise Jackson (born 31 January 1992) is a British actress and model who has predominantly worked in Indian films, particularly in Tamil and Telugu cinema, as well as in Hindi films. After winning the Miss Teen World competition in 2009, Jackson began her acting career with the Tamil period drama Madrasapattinam (2010), which garnered her critical acclaim and established her as a promising newcomer in South Indian cinema.

Born and raised on the Isle of Man, Jackson began her modelling career at the age of 16, winning the Miss Liverpool title in 2009 before claiming the Miss England crown and subsequently the Miss Teen World title. Her success in pageantry opened doors to the Indian film industry, where she would go on to build a successful career spanning over a decade.

Early Life and Education

Amy Louise Jackson was born on 31 January 1992 in Douglas, Isle of Man, to Alan and Marguerita Jackson. She grew up in Woolton, Liverpool, England, where she attended St Edward's College. From a young age, Jackson showed interest in performing arts and modelling, participating in various school productions and local modelling assignments.

During her teenage years, she began pursuing modelling more seriously while continuing her education. Her natural beauty and photogenic features quickly caught the attention of talent scouts and pageant organizers, setting the stage for her entry into competitive beauty pageants.

Modelling Career

Jackson's professional modelling career began when she was just 16 years old. In 2009, she entered the Miss Liverpool pageant and won the title, which propelled her into the national spotlight. Building on this success, she competed in the Miss England competition and emerged victorious, earning the right to represent England on the international stage.

Her crowning achievement in modelling came later that year when she won the Miss Teen World competition, solidifying her status as an international beauty queen. These accomplishments attracted attention from Indian filmmakers who were looking for fresh faces to introduce to their audiences.

Film Career

Debut and Tamil Cinema (2010-2014)

Jackson made her acting debut with the Tamil film Madrasapattinam (2010), directed by Vijay. Set in the pre-independence era, the period romance featured Jackson as Amy Wilkinson, a British woman who falls in love with an Indian man. Despite being a newcomer with no knowledge of Tamil, her performance was widely praised by critics, and the film was a commercial success. This debut established her as a credible actress rather than just a pretty face from the pageant world.

Following her successful debut, Jackson appeared in several Tamil films including Superu (2010) and Vettai Mannan (delayed release). She continued to work predominantly in Tamil cinema during this period, gradually building her repertoire and learning the nuances of Indian filmmaking.

Telugu and Multi-language Films (2012-2015)

In 2012, Jackson expanded her reach to Telugu cinema with Yevadu (2014), starring opposite Ram Charan. The film was a massive commercial success and further increased her popularity across South India. She also appeared in the Telugu film I (2015), directed by Shankar and starring Vikram. I was one of the most expensive Indian films ever made at the time and showcased Jackson in a glamorous role. The film's success at the box office cemented her position as a leading actress in South Indian cinema.

During this period, she also ventured into Hindi cinema with Ek Deewana Tha (2012), though the film did not perform as well as her South Indian projects.

Bollywood and Continued Work (2015-present)

Jackson made a notable entry into mainstream Bollywood with Singh Is Bliing (2015), starring opposite Akshay Kumar. The action-comedy was a commercial success and introduced her to a wider North Indian audience. She followed this with appearances in other Hindi films, though she continued to balance her work between different film industries.

In recent years, Jackson has been selective about her film projects, taking on fewer roles while focusing on other aspects of her career and personal life. She has also explored opportunities in Hollywood and international productions, though specific projects have been kept relatively private.

Notable Filmography

Year Film Language Role Notes
2010 Madrasapattinam Tamil Amy Wilkinson Debut film; Critical acclaim
2012 Ek Deewana Tha Hindi Jessie Bollywood debut
2014 Yevadu Telugu Shruti Commercial success
2015 I Tamil Diya Big-budget production
2015 Singh Is Bliing Hindi Sara Commercial success
2016 Theri Tamil Mithra Special appearance
2017 The Villain Kannada Special appearance Item number
2018 2.0 Tamil/Hindi Nila Sci-fi blockbuster with Rajinikanth

Personal Life

In 2019, Amy Jackson gave birth to her son, Andreas. She has been open about her journey into motherhood and frequently shares moments from her life as a parent on social media.

In January 2024, Jackson announced her engagement to British actor Ed Westwick, known for his role as Chuck Bass in the television series Gossip Girl. The couple had been dating for several months before their engagement, and their relationship has garnered significant media attention given both of their high profiles in the entertainment industry.

Jackson divides her time between London and Mumbai, maintaining connections to both her British roots and her adopted home in India. She is known for her philanthropic work, particularly in areas concerning children's welfare and education.

Other Ventures

Philanthropy and Advocacy

Throughout her career, Jackson has been involved in various charitable causes. She has worked with organizations focused on children's education and welfare, using her platform to raise awareness about important social issues. She has also been an advocate for animal rights and environmental conservation.

Brand Endorsements

As one of the most recognizable foreign faces in Indian cinema, Jackson has been the face of numerous brands and products. Her endorsements have ranged from fashion and beauty products to lifestyle brands, making her a sought-after celebrity endorser in the Indian market.

Social Media Presence

Jackson maintains an active presence on social media platforms, where she shares updates about her professional work, personal life, and causes she supports. Her social media following runs into millions, making her one of the most followed British personalities associated with Indian cinema.

Public Image and Legacy

Amy Jackson is credited with being one of the few international actresses to successfully establish herself in Indian cinema. Her willingness to learn local languages, adapt to different film industries, and immerse herself in Indian culture has earned her respect from audiences and industry professionals alike.

Critics have praised her for choosing diverse roles and for her dedication to her craft despite the challenges of working in a foreign film industry. While she faced initial skepticism as a foreign actress in Indian cinema, her performances and longevity in the industry have silenced most critics.

Her success has paved the way for other international actors looking to work in Indian cinema, and she remains an inspiration for aspiring models and actors who dream of crossing over into different entertainment industries.

Awards and Recognition

  • Miss Teen World (2009)
  • Miss England (2009)
  • Various nominations for her performances in Tamil and Telugu cinema
  • Recognition for her contribution to bridging British and Indian entertainment industries