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Marisa Abela: Everything you need to know about the Amy Winehouse star

The 'Industry' actress is portraying the musical icon in the late singer’s upcoming biopic

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Lauren Ramsay
Online Writer
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Filming started for the hotly anticipated Amy Winehouse biopic ‘Back to Black’ on January 17 in Soho, London, giving us a first glimpse at Marisa Abela in character as the late singer. And the resemblance is uncanny, making us feel like we're back in the naughties all over again. 

The Tears Dry On Their Own singer was an icon for her 60’s inspired street style and signature ‘beehive’ hair, alongside her mesmerizingly eclectic voice. 

MORE: The Daily Lowdown: Amy Winehouse biopic gets major update

READ: Jay-Z once urged Amy Winehouse to move in with him

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Marisa plays the late Amy Winehouse in her upcoming biopic

Abela from Brighton, East Sussex was spotted wearing a mini black bodycon dress, a black jacket over the top and nude ballet shoes – a Winehouse-typical ensemble. 

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Eddie Marsan plays Amy's dad Mitch Winehouse

Director Sam Taylor-Johnson posted a close up image of Abela in costume on his Instagram, showing an imitation of Amy’s beauty spot. He captioned it: “Marisa Abela…watch out everyone! Cameras roll on Monday. Here we go!” 

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Who is Marisa Abela?

Marisa Abela is a 26-year-old British actress who obtained a BA degree in Acting from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in 2019. Like Amy Winehouse, Abela is of Jewish descent. In an interview with The National she said " [My] mum and dad come from completely different cultures — my dad is Maltese Arab, and my mum is from a family of Polish Jewish refugees."

She already has stellar acting credits, starring in the 2020 TV series COBRA, and recently playing Yasmin Kara-Hanani on HBO's hit series Industry. She’s also going to be in the new Barbie movie led by Margot Robbie, though it’s unconfirmed who her character will be. She told W Magazine “If you'd have told me that by the time I was 25 I'd have worked with Lena Dunham and Greta Gerwig, I'd have geeked out”

Aside from acting, her sartorial resume is impeccable too. She attended the 2022 Fashion Awards wearing a stunning custom red Emilia Wickstead gown and captioned an image on her Instagram: “Miss Claus is in her Goth Era. ❤ Custom @emiliawickstead and killer @messikajewelry for the fashion awards last night.” Her Instagram feed is a plethora of disty prints, designer gowns and plenty of jacket inspo. We’re obsessed already.

Amy Winehouse was a style muse in her own right, and we are desperate to see Marisa recreate some of the Rehab singer’s most iconic looks.

Marisa Abela’s most stylish moments

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