Jessica Madsen

Jessica Shirley Madsen (born 11 April 1992) is an English actress. On television, she is known for her role as Cressida Cowper in the Netflix period drama Bridgerton (2020–). Her films include Leatherface.

Early life and education Madsen was born in London to Jens Madsen and Julia Timewell and grew up in Surrey. Timewell, an artist, was born in what is now Zimbabwe and grew up in South Africa. Madsen's maternal great great aunt was the English writer Dorothy Whipple. She is of Danish descent on her father's side.

Madsen attended Notre Dame Preparatory School in Cobham for her primary education, and later Hurst Lodge School, and completed A Levels in Theatre, Media and English literature at Hurtwood House. She trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, graduating in 2013.

Career Upon graduating from drama school, Madsen made her television debut in an episode of the 2013 ITV 1960s-set drama Breathless. This was followed by further appearances in an installment of the Sky Arts anthology Playhouse Presents and episodes of the Channel 4 comedy-drama Babylon, the BBC One medical soap opera Holby City, and the period drama Mr Selfridge, also on ITV. In addition, Madsen made her professional stage debut in Swimming at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

In 2017, Madsen made her feature film debut as Clarice in the horror film Leatherface, a prequel to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and played Jenny in the ITV three-part miniseries Tina and Bobby. In 2019, she appeared in the films Dark Light as Annie Knox and Rambo: Last Blood as Becky. Madsen was subsequently cast as Cressida Cowper in the 2020 Netflix period drama Bridgerton, an adaptation of the Regency romance novels by Julia Quinn. In October 2025, Madsen was announced to star alongside Honor Swinton Byrne and Sam Spruell in the feature film Tidepools, which began principal photography in Cornwall.

Personal life In June 2023, Madsen revealed she is bisexual via Instagram. The following June, she wrote that she is "In love with a woman, loud about it and proud about it!"

Acting credits Film Year Title Role Notes 2017 The Fowl Steph Short film Leatherface Clarice 2019 Dark Light Annie Knox Rambo: Last Blood Becky 2025 Tidepools Filming

Television Year Title Role Notes 2013 Breathless Miss Roper 1 episode 2014 Playhouse Presents Episode: "Timeless" Babylon Nina 1 episode 2015 Holby City Minty Colquhoun Episode: "Be Bold, Be Bold" Mr Selfridge Polly Maxwell Taylor 2 episodes 2017 Tina and Bobby Jenny Cox / Jenny Squibb Miniseries 2020–2026 Bridgerton Cressida Cowper Recurring role (seasons 1–2)Main role (season 3)Guest (season 4) TBA Lynette Chappell Upcoming miniseries Bloodaxe Gunnhild

Video games Year Title Role Notes 2017 Need for Speed Payback Jessica Miller

Theatre Year Title Role Notes 2014 Swimming Lucy The Pleasance, Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Awards and nominations YearAwardCategoryWorkResultRef.2021Screen Actors Guild AwardsOutstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama SeriesBridgerton