Emmy-nominated actress Ashley Jensen was born on August 11, 1969 in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. After taking up acting training at the Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, she made her acting debut in 1991, appearing in the film Tickets for the Zoo. Most of her initial acting credits were centered on British television, with her breakout success being in the final season of the comedy May to December. Her other television credits include regular roles in Bad Boys, Roughnecks, City Central, Clocking Off, Two Thousand Acres of Sky, and the primetime soap EastEnders.
Jensen’s more recent television credits are more recognized by viewers and critics. She had a starring role in the “science drama” Eleventh Hour, where she played the role of Rachel Young, the Special Branch operative who effectively serves as a bodyguard for government scientist Ian Hood (Patrick Stewart). This was followed by a role in the acclaimed comedy Extras, which is Ricky Gervais’ follow-up to the hugely successful The Office. Her portrayal of Maggie Jacobs, the well-meaning friend of Andy Millman (Gervais) who is unfortunately socially inept—her inadvertent insults and tactlessness puts everybody around her in trouble—has earned her two British Comedy Awards in 2005. It also earned her nominations from the BAFTA Awards, as well as an Emmy Award nomination in 2007.
American viewers may know Jensen as Christina McKinney in the television series ugly Betty. A seamstress aspiring to become a famous fashion designer, she is the one true ally of Betty Suarez (America Ferrera), and often provides her with tips on how to deal with the magazine’s top brass, as she has immense knowledge of goings-on and dirty politics in the workplace. Her character was supposedly an American, but the producers decided to tweak it for Jensen after being impressed with her performance.