Marisa Abela is a talented British actress who has quickly become one of the most promising names in modern cinema. Known for her standout performances in the TV drama Industry and her powerful portrayal of Amy Winehouse in the biopic Back to Black (2024), she has proven her ability to bring depth and emotion to every role she takes on.
Born and raised in Brighton, England, Marisa’s multicultural roots — Maltese-Libyan from her father’s side and Ashkenazi Jewish from her mother’s — have given her a unique perspective on storytelling and identity. Trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), she combines technical skill with natural charisma, creating performances that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Real Name
Her full name is Marisa Gabrielle Abela, professionally known as Marisa Abela in the entertainment industry.
Bio / Wiki
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marisa Gabrielle Abela |
| Nickname | Marisa |
| Date of Birth | 7 December 1996 |
| Age (2025) | 28 years old |
| Birthplace | Brighton, East Sussex, England |
| Profession | Actress |
| Years Active | 2008 – Present |
| Famous For | Role as Yasmin Kara-Hanani in Industry (2020–2022) and Amy Winehouse in Back to Black (2024) |
| Education | Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), Graduated 2019 |
| Nationality | British |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed (Multicultural Jewish–Maltese–Libyan heritage) |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 56 kg (123 lbs) |
| Body Type | Slim and Fit |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Children | None |
| Father | Angelo Abela (Maltese–Libyan descent, TV director/producer) |
| Mother | Caroline Gruber (Ashkenazi Jewish descent, actress) |
| Siblings | One brother – Jack Abela |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (Maltese–Libyan–Jewish) |
| Current Residence | London, England |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $2 million – $3 million USD |
| Income Source | Acting, Endorsements, Film & TV projects |
| Debut | Man in a Box (2008) – Short film |
| Breakthrough Role | Industry (2020–2022) |
| Upcoming Project | Black Bag (2025) directed by Steven Soderbergh |
| Favorite Actor | Meryl Streep |
| Favorite Actress | Kate Winslet |
| Favorite Movie Genre | Biographical Drama |
| Favorite Hobby | Theatre, Reading, Traveling |
| Favorite Food | Mediterranean cuisine |
| Favorite Color | Emerald Green |
| Favorite Quote | “Acting is about finding truth in every moment.” |
| Interesting Fact | Started acting at age 11 in Man in a Box (2008) |
Age, Height and Weight
Marisa Abela is 28 years old (as of 2025).
She stands at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall and has a slim, professional build suitable for both television and film roles.
Early Life and Education
Marisa was born in Brighton, East Sussex, and raised in the nearby village of Rottingdean. She attended Roedean School on a drama scholarship and later graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in 2019.
Originally, she considered pursuing law and becoming a human rights lawyer, but her passion for storytelling and performance led her to acting.
Mother, Father, and Siblings
Marisa was born into a creative, multicultural family:
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Father: Angelo Abela – of Maltese-Libyan descent, television director and producer.
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Mother: Caroline Gruber – of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, actress.
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Sibling: Brother named Jack, who also works in creative arts.
Her family’s diverse heritage and artistic influence helped nurture her love for performance and culture.
Boyfriend / Husband / Relationship
Marisa Abela keeps her personal life private and has not publicly confirmed any current relationship. She appears to be career-focused, dedicating her time to film and television projects.
Popularity and Its Reason
Marisa gained widespread popularity for her breakout performance as Yasmin Kara-Hanani in HBO/BBC’s drama series Industry (2020–2022).
Her portrayal of Amy Winehouse in Back to Black (2024) further elevated her global recognition, showcasing her acting range and emotional depth.
Career
Marisa’s acting career demonstrates growth, diversity, and artistic evolution:
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First Role: Man in a Box (2008) – Short film debut at age 11.
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Breakthrough: Industry (2020–2022) as Yasmin Kara-Hanani.
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Film Roles:
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Rogue Agent (2022) as Sophie Jones
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Barbie (2023) – Supporting role
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Back to Black (2024) – As Amy Winehouse
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Black Bag (2025) – Upcoming spy film directed by Steven Soderbergh
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Her ability to play complex and emotionally layered characters has earned her critical acclaim and fan admiration.
Net Worth of Marisa Abela
As of 2025, Marisa Abela’s estimated net worth ranges between $2 million – $3 million USD.
Her income primarily comes from film, television projects, and brand endorsements.
Nationality and Religion
Marisa holds British nationality.
Her multicultural background (Maltese-Libyan father and Jewish mother) influences her worldview and artistic approach. She hasn’t spoken publicly about her religion but values her cultural heritage.
Hobbies
Outside acting, Marisa enjoys:
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Theatre and creative writing
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Reading and traveling
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Spending time with family
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Exploring new acting techniques
She believes staying grounded through personal hobbies helps her stay authentic as an actress.
Next Steps and Goals
Marisa’s upcoming goal is to expand her international film career. With Black Bag (2025) under Steven Soderbergh, she aims to strengthen her presence in Hollywood and continue taking on challenging roles that explore human depth and emotion.
Interesting Facts
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Began acting at age 11.
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Survived thyroid cancer, inspiring many fans with her resilience.
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Graduate of RADA, one of the UK’s top drama schools.
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Known for balancing personal privacy with genuine fan engagement online.
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Her performance as Amy Winehouse was both controversial and praised for authenticity.
Conclusion
Marisa Abela’s rise from Brighton to global recognition exemplifies talent, resilience, and authenticity. Her multicultural roots, RADA training, and emotional intelligence have shaped her into one of Britain’s most promising young actresses. With future projects like Black Bag (2025), she continues to push creative boundaries and inspire others through passion, strength, and artistic integrity.
FAQs About Marisa Abela
Q1. What made Marisa Abela famous?
Her role as Yasmin Kara-Hanani in Industry and her portrayal of Amy Winehouse in Back to Black (2024) brought her major fame.
Q2. What is her educational background?
She graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in 2019.
Q3. What are her cultural roots?
Marisa is of Maltese, Libyan, and Ashkenazi Jewish descent.
Q4. Does Marisa Abela have children?
No, she has not shared any information about having children.
Q5. What’s her next big project?
She stars in Black Bag (2025), a high-budget spy thriller directed by Steven Soderbergh.
