Mecia Simone Simson (MEE-shə; born 29 December 1989) is an English actress and model. She won the fifth series of Britain's Next Top Model (2009). More recently, she is known for her role as Francesca Findabair in the Netflix series The Witcher (2021–).
Mecia Simson | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Simson at the 2022 Comic-Con Germany Stuttgart | |
| Born | Mecia Simone Simson 29 December 1989 Plymouth, England |
| Alma mater | Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts |
| Years active | 2009–present |
Early life and education
Simson was born in Plymouth to an English mother and a Jamaican father. She attended Dunstone Primary School, Plymstock School, and City College Plymouth.[1] After taking a year-long foundation course at the Central School of Speech and Drama in 2016, Simson went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Acting from the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in 2019.[2]
Career
At the age of 19, Simson competed in and won the fifth series of the Sky Living reality television competition Britain's Next Top Model in 2009. Shortly after winning, she landed her first cover photoshoot for the magazine Company.[3] She went on to have gigs with Stella McCartney, Max Factor,[4] and Debenhams,[5] and appear in the Olly Murs music video "Oh My Goodness". In 2014, Simson was a finalist on the Beverley Hills-filmed series Model Turned Superstar.[6] She was previously signed with Milk London and Q New York,[7] and is currently signed with Established Models.[8]
After graduating from drama school, Simson made a guest appearance in an episode of the Peacock science fiction series Brave New World in 2020. The following year, Simson joined the main cast of the Netflix adaptation of The Witcher for its second season as the elven sorceress Francesca Findabair.[9][10][11]
Personal life
Simson moved to London for her career and as of 2023, is based in Hornsey.[12] She also regularly visits her family in Plymouth.[13]
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Britain's Next Top Model | Herself – Winner | Series 5 |
| 2014 | Model Turned Superstar | Herself – Finalist | |
| 2015 | The Hunt | Laura | Miniseries |
| 2015 | He Who Has It All | Mel | Short film |
| 2020 | Brave New World | Alpha Woman One | Episode: "Firefall" |
| 2021–present | The Witcher | Francesca Findabair | Main role (season 2–) |
| 2022 | My Sad, Angry Man | Dr Idida | Short film |
Music video
- "Oh My Goodness" (2011), Olly Murs