If you’ve spent any time roaming the rolling hills of Hudson, Alberta, you know the voice. It’s high-pitched, incredibly fast, and usually delivering a piece of gossip that nobody asked for but everyone secretly needed. For years, the heart of the Bartlett-Fleming ranch wasn't just the horses—it was the nosy, lovable, and occasionally exhausting girl next door. So, who plays Mallory in Heartland? That would be the talented Jessica Amlee.
She stepped onto the screen as a precocious kid and basically grew up in front of us. Seeing her go from a ten-year-old tagalong to a married woman in later seasons is one of those TV experiences that makes you feel ancient. Honestly, it's hard to imagine the early seasons of the show without her constant meddling.
The Girl Behind the Gossip: Jessica Amlee
Jessica Kelsey Amlee was born on July 17, 1994, in Maple Ridge, British Columbia. She didn't just stumble into acting; she’s been a pro since she was a literal child. Before she ever set foot on the Heartland ranch, she was already stacking up credits in shows like Smallville and The Outer Limits. But let’s be real—to most of us, she will always be Mallory Wells.
Mallory wasn't just a neighbor. She was the person who held a mirror up to the main characters, often pointing out the obvious romantic tension between Amy and Ty when they were too stubborn to admit it. Amlee played that "annoying but indispensable" balance perfectly. It’s a tough tightrope to walk. If the actor is too abrasive, the audience hates the character. If they're too sweet, the character is boring. Jessica made Mallory someone you wanted to tell to "shush" while simultaneously wanting to give her a hug.
Why Did Mallory Leave Heartland?
This is the question that kept fans up at night during Season 7. Why would she just leave? After nearly a decade on the show, Jessica Amlee decided it was time to move on in 2013.
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It wasn't drama. It wasn't a contract dispute. She was just... done being Mallory.
Think about it: she started the show when she was twelve. By the time she left, she was nineteen. That’s your entire adolescence spent playing the same person. In interviews, Jessica has been pretty candid about the fact that she felt she had "gotten the hang" of Mallory and needed to see what else she was capable of. She moved to Los Angeles to pursue new projects and find her own identity outside of the Alberta foothills.
The writers handled her exit by having Mallory move to Paris with Jake. It felt right. It was a big, dramatic move for a character who always dreamed of something bigger than a small-town ranch.
The Big Returns: Seasons 10 and 16
If you thought she was gone for good, you clearly don't know how Heartland works. This show loves a homecoming. Jessica Amlee made a highly anticipated return in Season 10 for a two-episode arc. This was the payoff fans wanted—Mallory and Jake finally tied the knot. It was a beautiful full-circle moment that gave the character the "happily ever after" she’d been chasing since she first started crushing on boys in the early seasons.
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But the real shocker came much later.
In Season 16, Mallory returned again, but the vibes were different. It wasn't just a happy visit. We found out that life in Colorado (where she and Jake had been living) wasn't exactly a fairytale. They were struggling. Jake had lost his job, they were broke, and—in a classic Heartland twist—Mallory was pregnant.
Seeing a mature, stressed-out Mallory was a gut punch for long-time viewers. It reminded us that the "kid" we knew was now facing real-world adult problems. Thankfully, the Bartlett-Fleming family did what they do best: they stepped in and helped her find her footing again.
What Else Has Jessica Amlee Been In?
If you're looking for more of her work, she hasn't been idle. After her initial departure from the ranch, she landed a lead role in the Netflix series Greenhouse Academy as Jackie Sanders. It was a complete 180 from Mallory—tougher, edgier, and much less likely to talk your ear off about horse trailers.
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She also starred in the Lifetime movie Kidnapped: The Hannah Anderson Story, which showed off her range as a dramatic actress.
Where is Jessica Amlee Now?
As of 2026, Jessica continues to live and work in the industry, though she’s also branched out into other areas of life. She’s been involved in youth advocacy work, specifically as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). It’s pretty cool to see an actor use their platform for something so grounded and impactful.
On social media, she remains close with her former castmates. Her friendship with Amber Marshall (Amy) is legendary among fans. Even though she isn't a series regular anymore, she’ll always be part of the Heartland DNA.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Rewatch the Classics: If you want to see Jessica’s best work, revisit Season 1 through Season 7. Her chemistry with Jack (Shaun Johnston) is arguably the best platonic relationship in the show's history.
- Follow the Journey: Keep an eye on her Instagram (@jessicakelseyamlee) for updates on her current projects and occasional Heartland throwbacks.
- Check out Greenhouse Academy: If you want to see her play a completely different character, her run on this Netflix show is definitely worth a binge.
Whether you find her character "iconic" or "a bit much," there is no denying that Jessica Amlee defined an era of the show. She brought a specific brand of chaotic energy that Heartland sometimes misses in its later years. Mallory Wells wasn't just the girl next door; she was the little sister we all grew up with.
Next time you’re watching an old episode and Mallory starts rambling, remember that the actor behind the character was essentially doing her homework in between takes and growing into the woman who would eventually headline her own Netflix series. That’s a pretty impressive ranch-to-Hollywood story.