If you only know Jessica McNamee as the tough-as-nails Sonya Blade from the recent Mortal Kombat flicks, you’re kinda missing out on a decade of weird, funny, and dramatic television. She didn't just appear out of thin air to throw energy rings at Goro. Honestly, she’s one of those actors who has been a staple in your living room for years, often hiding in plain sight across multiple continents.
The Australian Soap Roots and "Packed to the Rafters"
Before she was a global action star, Jessica was basically Australian royalty. Most fans of tv shows with jessica mcnamee will point straight to Packed to the Rafters. She played Sammy Rafter, the "good girl" who eventually deals with some pretty heavy marital drama. It was a massive hit. Like, "shut down the country on Tuesday night" kind of hit.
She wasn't there for the whole run, though. She left around 2010. Why? She wanted to smash that wholesome image. She literally went from playing the sweet daughter-in-law to starring in The Loved Ones, a horror movie where she plays a goth girl tied to a chair. Talk about a pivot.
But wait, even before the Rafter family, she had a stint on Home and Away. She played Lisa Duffy back in 2007. If you remember that character, you’re a true soap historian. Lisa’s time in Summer Bay ended in a tragic car accident—classic soap opera stuff—but it was enough to prove she had the chops for more than just background work.
Crossing the Pond: Sirens and the US Breakout
Then came the jump to America. A lot of Aussie actors struggle with the transition, but Jessica landed a lead in Sirens. This was a Michael Mosley-led comedy on the USA Network, developed by Denis Leary.
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She played Theresa Kelly, a Chicago cop.
What made this show work was the banter. It wasn't a gritty police procedural. It was a fast-talking, slightly crude, very funny show about EMTs and their messy lives. McNamee’s Theresa was the grounded center of the chaos, often dealing with her on-again, off-again boyfriend Johnny. It only lasted two seasons (2014-2015), which is a shame because it’s one of the more underrated comedies of that era. If you can find it on a streaming service, it’s worth the binge just for the chemistry between the leads.
A Quick Look at the Deep Cuts
You might have missed these one-offs or short stints:
- White Collar (2013): She popped up in the episode "Shoot the Moon." She played Penny Chase, a woman involved in a high-stakes kidnapping plot during a honeymoon.
- The Time of Our Lives (2014): A return to Aussie drama. She played Lisa Montego for a four-episode arc.
- Into the Dark (2019): This was a Hulu anthology series. She starred in the episode "I'm Just F*cking with You," which is a psychological thriller set in a motel. It’s creepy as hell.
- Upright (2022): She joined Tim Minchin in the second season of this critically acclaimed dramedy. She played Avery Mae, a glamorous but exasperated actress girlfriend. It’s a very different vibe from her action roles.
Why Jessica McNamee Stays Under the Radar
It’s weird. She’s been in The Meg with Jason Statham. She played Margaret Court in Battle of the Sexes. Yet, people still see her on screen and go, "Wait, where do I know her from?"
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Part of that is her range. She doesn't have a "type." She can do the Chicago accent in Sirens, go back to her natural Aussie lilt for Upright, and then pivot to a military-grade intensity for Sonya Blade. It's a chameleon thing.
Most people don't realize she was a contestant on the Australian Dancing with the Stars back in 2009, either. She didn't win, but the athleticism she showed there probably helped with the stunt-heavy work she's doing now.
What’s Next for the Mortal Kombat Star?
As of 2026, the big news is obviously Mortal Kombat II. It’s been a long road to get this sequel out—the SAG-AFTRA strikes of 2023 pushed things back, and then there was a strategic move to grab a prime summer release slot. It's officially hitting theaters on May 8, 2026.
In this sequel, she's back as Sonya Blade, but the stakes are higher. Karl Urban is joining as Johnny Cage, and the rumor mill says Sonya and Johnny's dynamic is a major focus. It’s a far cry from the suburban drama of Packed to the Rafters, but that’s the beauty of her career path.
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Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch Sirens first: If you only know her from movies, this is the best way to see her comedic timing.
- Track the 2026 release: Mortal Kombat II is slated for May 8. Expect trailers to lean heavily into the Sonya/Johnny Cage rivalry.
- Explore Upright Season 2: It’s her best recent TV work that isn't just about punching people. It shows a much more nuanced, adult side of her acting.
Don't expect her to slow down on the TV front just because the movies are getting bigger. She’s one of the few who successfully jumps back and forth between big-budget Hollywood and local Australian productions without missing a beat.
Next Step: Check your streaming subscriptions for Upright or Sirens to see the range she brings before catching her in the Mortal Kombat sequel this May.