Jessica Grace Smith

Straight out of drama school Toi Whakaari, Dannevirke-raised Jessica Grace Smith won a starring role in movie Diagnosis: Death, as a young cancer patient investigating ghosts. Smith rejoined the film's director Jason Stutter,by co-starring in his black comedy Edwin: My Life as a Koont. She then headed to Australia, where she scored an ongoing part in Aussie soap Home and Away. In 2019, Smith played the role of a young Cheryl West on Westside She went on to play an obedient pastor’s daughter in 2024 TV drama Testify. Smith has also directed for the screen, including award-winning short film Everybody Else is Taken.

I guess you could say I had a bit of an epiphany. I did very well at law school and got top grades, but life is too short and I wanted a job I loved. Jessica Grace Smith on swapping from law to acting, Dannevirke News, 26 September 2011