Jeanne Neilson was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa and following her studies at the University of Stellenbosch she lived abroad for several years in Europe and the United Kingdom. On her return to Cape Town in 2003 she pursued a career in film. Her breakthrough came in the lead role of "Jill" in Faith Like Potatoes and since then she has appeared in films such as The Deal opposite Meg Ryan and 'William H Macy', Free Willy: Escape from Pirate's Cove, Byl (Kyknet) and various other German, British and South African productions. Following her training at the William Esper Studio in New York, Jeanne was cast in the leading role of the L.A. based film, The Heart of Christmas, alongside Candice Cameron Bure and George Newbern. Jeanne is known as a consummate professional and was nominated to the board of the South African Guild of Actors where she successfully served for two years. She lives in Cape Town with her husband Dominic Wilhelm and is the proud mother of Eliana.