Meet Marisa Abela, The Actor Taking on Amy Winehouse in 'Back to Black'
The 27-year-old actress is rising among the ranks of Hollywood ahead of her portrayal of the iconic singer, Amy Winehouse.
Back to Black is one of the most buzzworthy movies of 2024. Scheduled for release in the United States on May 17, 2024, the film details the turbulent life and musical legacy of beloved pop-soul singer Amy Winehouse. Marisa Abela plays the coveted role of Winehouse. Abela is a young star who has only had a handful of film roles up to this point.
With her career poised to take off, many fans are eager to learn more about Abela, her history, and what she thinks about tackling such a high-pressure role, so ahead of the release of Back to Black, join L'OFFICIEL in getting to know the young actress.
When Did Marisa Abela Start Acting?
Abela was born in England in 1996. She started her career as a child, appearing in various BBC programs before she was a teenager. Abela landed her first high-profile role in 2020, when she was cast in the British political TV series COBRA. It was clear to critics and fans that Abela showed promise as a performer, and ultimately, she would get the role of a lifetime in 2023, when news broke that she had been cast as Amy Winehouse in the highly-anticipated biopic.
Marisa Abela Stars in Back to Black
Sam Taylor-Johnson directs Back to Black, which details Winehouse's meteoric rise to fame, her struggles with body image, and her troubled romantic life. With a star-studded cast, including Jack O'Connell, Eddie Marsan, and Juliet Cowan, there's a lot of talent on deck. Most of the attention, however, is focused on Abela, who tackles the role of the late singer with aplomb. Back to Black was released in the United Kingdom in April 2024, with a United States release scheduled for mid-May.
What Has Marisa Abela Said About Portraying Amy Winehouse?
Abela knows the role of Winehouse is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and dove into the part headfirst. In a recent interview, the actor said she found herself deeply inspired by Winehouse's story, noting that what she achieved in her lifetime was "amazing." Abela said, "...What was most important to us was to leave the taste in people's mouths that it didn't eclipse her success and her talent again."
"I think Amy's legacy has taught me to be brave. I think she was an incredibly brave woman," Abela said, opening up about what she took away from filming Back to Black. "That strength and vulnerability can go hand in hand. And in fact, that's the strongest thing of all, to bear your soul and be unafraid and not let anyone infiltrate your individuality in that way."
