Simone Kessell (born August 19, 1975) is a New Zealand actress of Māori and European descent. She is best known for her roles in Terra Nova, Of Kings and Prophets, The Crossing, and more recently Yellowjackets. Married to Australian director Gregor Jordan, she has built a career spanning New Zealand, Australia, and Hollywood.
Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Simone Kessell |
| Date of Birth | August 19, 1975 |
| Age (2025) | 50 years |
| Birthplace | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Nationality | New Zealand |
| Profession | Actress |
| Height | 5′8″ (1.73 m) |
| Spouse | Gregor Jordan (m. 2004) |
| Children | 2 sons (Jack, born 2005; Beau, born 2013) |
| Notable Roles | Terra Nova, Of Kings and Prophets, The Crossing, Yellowjackets |
Early Life and Background
- Born in Auckland, New Zealand.
- Her mother is Māori and her father of European descent.
- Began acting as a teenager in local TV dramas and hosted a children’s show called The Cartoon Company at age 18.
Career Highlights
- Early appearances in New Zealand and Australian productions such as Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Xena: Warrior Princess, Water Rats, and Medivac.
- Breakthrough role as Lt. Alicia Washington in Fox’s sci‑fi series Terra Nova (2011).
- Starred opposite Ray Winstone in ABC’s Of Kings and Prophets (2016).
- Played Rebecca in The Crossing (2018).
- Currently co‑stars in Showtime’s Yellowjackets (2023–present). Simone Kessell’s private life
Relationships
- Simone Kessell has been married since 2004 to Australian director Gregor Jordan, known for films such as Two Hands and Ned Kelly.
- Before her marriage, she dated actor Heath Ledger, who later introduced her to Gregor Jordan.
Family
- Together with Gregor Jordan, she has two sons:
- Jack, born in 2005.
- Beau, born in 2013.
- She often emphasizes the importance of balancing her career with family life, especially as her international projects require travel between New Zealand, Australia, and Los Angeles.
Lifestyle
- Simone Kessell describes herself as “fiercely Kiwi,” staying connected to her Māori heritage and roots despite her global career.
- She enjoys a relatively private lifestyle, sharing limited details about her children while focusing on her work and cultural identity.
- In interviews, she highlights the challenge of balancing fame with family responsibilities, but also expresses gratitude for her career longevity.
Her private life reflects a blend of stability and discretion:
- Strengths: Long-term marriage, strong family foundation, cultural pride.
- Risks: Frequent travel and demanding roles can strain family balance.
- Opportunities: Her connection to both Hollywood and Australasian cinema allows her to maintain career growth while staying close to her roots.
Net Worth and Financial Analysis
- Estimated net worth: $2 – 3 million (2025).
- Income sources:
- Salaries from TV series (Terra Nova, Yellowjackets).
- Film appearances (Stickmen, The Informers).
- International projects in Australia and the U.S.
- Lifestyle: Lives between New Zealand, Australia, and Los Angeles with her family.
Net Worth Overview
- As of 2025, Simone Kessell’s net worth is estimated at $2 – 3 million.
- Her wealth comes primarily from her long career in television and film, spanning New Zealand, Australia, and Hollywood.
Income Sources
- Television Roles: Major contributions from series such as Terra Nova, Of Kings and Prophets, The Crossing, and Yellowjackets.
- Film Appearances: Roles in Stickmen, The Informers, and other productions.
- International Projects: Work across Australasia and the U.S. has diversified her income streams.
Estimated Annual Income Breakdown
| Source | Estimated Annual Income |
|---|---|
| TV Series Salaries | $200k – $400k |
| Film Roles | $100k – $200k |
| Endorsements/Appearances | $50k – $100k |
| Other Ventures | $50k – $100k |
| Total Annual | $400k – $800k |
- Strengths: Longevity in acting, versatility across genres, renewed visibility with Yellowjackets.
- Risks: Several of her earlier shows were short‑lived, limiting long‑term residuals.
- Opportunities: Streaming platforms and prestige TV series provide new growth potential.
Career Analysis
- Strengths: Versatility across genres (sci‑fi, drama, fantasy).
- Challenges: Many of her shows (Terra Nova, Of Kings and Prophets) were short‑lived despite critical attention.
- Opportunities: Streaming platforms and prestige series (Yellowjackets) have given her renewed visibility.
- Impact: Simone Kessell is respected for her longevity and adaptability in a competitive industry.
Here’s a FAQ section about Simone Kessell, structured for SEO and AdSense optimization. It complements her biography, financial overview, and private life details with clear, concise answers.
FAQ on Simone Kessell
Who is Simone Kessell?
Simone Kessell is a New Zealand actress of Māori and European descent, known for her roles in Terra Nova, Of Kings and Prophets, The Crossing, and Yellowjackets.
How old is Simone Kessell in 2025?
She is 50 years old, born on August 19, 1975.
What is Simone Kessell’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated at $2 – 3 million in 2025, primarily from television salaries, film roles, and international projects.
Who is Simone Kessell married to?
She has been married to Australian director Gregor Jordan since 2004.
Does Simone Kessell have children?
Yes, she has two sons: Jack (born 2005) and Beau (born 2013).
What are Simone Kessell’s most famous roles?
- Terra Nova (2011)
- Of Kings and Prophets (2016)
- The Crossing (2018)
- Yellowjackets (2023–present)
Where does Simone Kessell live?
She divides her time between New Zealand, Australia, and Los Angeles, balancing her career with family life.
What is Simone Kessell’s cultural background?
She is of Māori and European descent, and often emphasizes her pride in her Kiwi identity.
