Simone Kessell was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, where her life was shaped by her Maori mother and European decent father. As a teenager, she embarked on her acting career in New Zealand, initially working on local TV dramas and later hosting her own kids' show, 'The Cartoon Company', at the tender age of 18.
With her passion for acting burning brighter, Simone made the bold move to Sydney, where she collaborated with some of Australia's most renowned industry professionals on various television projects. This experience undoubtedly honed her skills and prepared her for the next chapter in her journey.
The inevitable call to the United States beckoned, and Simone relocated to Los Angeles, setting the stage for her rise to prominence in the American entertainment industry. Her early successes in Hollywood included notable roles in prominent films and television shows, marking the beginning of her illustrious career.
One of her most notable achievements was being cast as a lead in FOX's Spielberg-produced Terra Nova, followed by her starring role in ABC's 'Of Kings and Prophets'. Her performances in both projects garnered widespread critical acclaim, with publications such as the Boston Globe and New York Times praising her as a "definitive highlight" and "stand out performer".
In recent years, Simone has continued to impress audiences with her versatility and range, starring in the main cast of ABC's prime-time drama series 'The Crossing'. Her work in the Australian biker thriller '1% (Outlaws A24)' earned her a 2018 AACTA (Australian film award) nomination for best supporting actress, pitted against the likes of Nicole Kidman in 'Boy Erased'.
As Simone's star continues to rise, her latest project, the Sony Pictures Television series 'Reckoning', is set to premiere this Fall 2019, further solidifying her position as a talented and sought-after actress in the entertainment industry.