Shantol Jackson is a rising Jamaican actress famous for her role as Naomi Thomas in the British-French drama Death in Paradise.
With just five years in the industry, she has made a significant impact, performing in numerous stage productions in Jamaica and internationally. In 2016, she debuted in her first feature film, Sprinter, written and directed by Storm Saulter.
She also appeared in the short film Sugar, penned by Sharon Leach and directed by Michelle Serieux in the same year. Moreover, she starred in Idris Elba’s 2017 film, Yardie. It premiered at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in Utah in January 2018, earning acclaim and further spotlighting her talent.
In recognition of her exceptional contributions to the arts, Shantol was honored in 2017 with Jamaica’s Prime Minister Youth Award for Excellence in Arts & Culture, cementing her status as a trailblazer in the creative industry.
Shantol Jackson Is Of Jamaica Descent
Born on July 7, 1992, in Portmore, Jamaica, Shantol Jackson is of Jamaican origin. Her heritage suggests that she may have African ancestry. This aligns with the majority of Jamaicans, whose heritage is deeply influenced by Africa due to the history of the transatlantic slave trade.
Her striking features, such as her thick, curly black hair and her distinct Jamaican accent, further reflect the rich heritage of African influence that defines much of Jamaica’s cultural identity.
Shantol beautifully embodies the essence of her African heritage, which is evident not only in her appearance but also in her behavior. She radiates strength, resilience, and creativity traits historically defining African communities.
Shantol Jackson’s Parents Supported Her Journey
Shantol Jackson’s journey to success is even more inspiring when considering the challenges she overcame. As her father’s only child, while her mother has three other children, she shares a particularly close bond with him.
Her father, who owns a car wash, worked tirelessly to provide her with the best education and opportunities. Despite his unwavering support, he was initially cautious about her dream of becoming an actress.
He was like: ‘How are you going to survive? You have to get a degree.’ He didn’t send me to a theatre college, which I wanted to do, and I was mad, but he was paying my school fees, so I had to do what he wanted me to do!
This dynamic highlights the sacrifices and compromises that ultimately shaped her journey, making her achievements all the more meaningful.
Her relentless determination and unwavering ambition ultimately paid off, landing her the role of a lifetime.
He’s so proud and that’s my biggest dream, to be honest: to make my daddy proud.
On my very first day on Death in Paradise, I took a photo of myself in , I took a photo of myself in the uniform – and that’s his WhatsApp display picture.
While she has chosen to keep her parents’ names private, she has revealed the special bond she shares with her mother. Her mother has been a pillar of support, making countless sacrifices to help Shantol pursue her dreams.
Shantol feels profoundly grateful and blessed to have such an incredibly loving and devoted mother by her side.
Additionally, Shantol has shared fond memories of watching Death In Paradise with her father. Now that she is part of the series herself, she imagines how proud her father would be to see her shining in the show they once enjoyed together.
These personal connections and experiences continue to inspire her as she thrives in her career.
