Jessica trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London and, upon graduation, appeared in rep. in Aberdeen. Her first main professional part came in a production of Emlyn Williams's "Spring 1600", at the Lyric Hammersmith. She then acted with the Pilgrim Players and the Repertory Players. In 1948, she won the prestigious Clarence Derwent award in the category of "Best Supporting Performance" for her portrayal of "Barbara Martin" in "Royal Circle". In addition, she appeared regularly on television, most notably in The Heiress (1969), Probation Officer (1959), A Family at War (1970) and Big Brother (1970).