Biography
Known for her undeniable talent, genuine nature, and magnetic energy; actress Jessica Meraz is quickly making a name for herself in the film and television industry through the versatile characters she brings to life on screen. In 2017, Meraz rejoined the cast of TNT’s hit drama series, "Major Crimes," as a Series Regular starring as Det. Camila Paige. Meraz shined as Camila, a young detective who was still recovering financially after having to raise her five younger siblings after the death of her parents in a car accident 15 years prior. A favorite of Chief Mason (Leonard Roberts), Camila made a name for herself inside Criminal Intelligence before her transfer to Missing Persons. Season 6 of "Major Crimes" premiered on October 31, 2017. In addition to "Major Crimes," Meraz was seen on the Freeform critically acclaimed drama, "Chasing Life," as Natalie Ortiz for its two season run. Born and raised in the border town of El Paso, Texas, Meraz is half Mexican from her mother’s side and of Scottish and Irish ancestry on her father’s. She is the youngest of five children, and speaks fluent Spanish. Meraz got her start in acting at seven years old in community theater. Between her junior and senior year of high school, she had the opportunity to participate in the New York Film Academy-Los Angeles. She spent her summer in LA gaining hands-on experience in the filmmaking world, taking courses in acting, writing, directing, producing, and editing. As the summer came to an end, she begged her parents to let her stay in LA, however they insisted she finish high school in El Paso. Meraz was determined to make her way back to the west coast and made the move to Los Angeles when she was 18. She graduated from USC’s prestigious School of Theater. Her first professional acting gig was a guest star role on ABC Family’s long-running series, "Greek." The series’ showrunner, Patrick Sean Smith, would turn out to also be the showrunner on "Chasing Life." Meraz went on to book a handful of guest star roles on successful shows including: ABC Family’s "Baby Daddy," ABC’s "Suburgatory," and "Newsreaders," a spin-off of the Emmy Award Winning "Children’s Hospital" for Adult Swim. Meraz is trained in comedy, improv, and sketch. Meraz showcased her comedic sensibilities appearing as a storyteller in an episode of Comedy Central’s hit series, "Drunk History," and many other sketch and improv spots on Adult Swim, Comedy Central, and funnyordie.com. Additional credits include a two-episode guest star role opposite Zac Levi in Yahoo’s Ed Helms produced series "Tiny Commando," several episodes of the Emmy nominated, Funny or Die series "The Earliest Show" (directed and written by Ben Schwartz), the web series "Life Stinks" opposite Rachael Harris, and the You Tube Red series, "Do You Want to See a Dead Body," opposite Rob Huebel and Terry Crews. Jessica has recurred on two CW dramas. She played supervillain, Menagerie, on the CW's "Supergirl" and, most recently, "Red" on the final season of CW’s "Nancy Drew." She also costarred in the Independent Comedy Horror film, "Clearmind" that recently came out on Amazon Prime and Tubi in 2024. In addition to working in TV and film, Meraz lives a very active lifestyle and loves traveling and the outdoors. Whether spending time with her beloved family or enjoying her other passion, Salsa dancing; Meraz has a zest for life that is infectious.
