Growing up in small English village, Jessica Brown Findlay aspired to be a famous ballerina. After years of training beginning in nursery school, she was asked at age 15 to dance with the Kirov Ballet at the Royal Opera House in London for a summer season. But her dreams were shattered when a botched ankle operation ended her dancing career. She got into a few acting classes and was spotted almost immediately by a casting agent.

After wrapping her leading role in the 2011 coming-of-age feature film, Albatross, Brown Findlay was tapped for the role of Downton Abbey's Lady Sybil. Three seasons later, she reflects on her character, now married and pregnant: "A lot has changed for Sybil but we find her incredibly happy and settled. She's been able to find her identity. She's spent these months in Ireland with Branson, she's had the joy of work… and she's completely accepted there. She's just really content."

In 2012, Brown Findlay starred in the television series Labyrinth alongside MASTERPIECE alum Vanessa Kirby (Great Expectations). Presently filming in New York, back in period costume for the upcoming feature film Winter's Tale with Colin Farrell, Brown Findlay was able to attend Downton Abbey costar Dan Stevens' Broadway opening of The Heiress.