Jess Bush isn’t your typical Hollywood star. The Australian actor, model, and visual artist has carved out a career that spans reality television, high-profile acting roles, and thought-provoking art installations. While many first met her as a contestant on Australia’s Next Top Model, she’s since proven to be far more than just a familiar face in fashion. Today, she’s best known for playing Nurse Christine Chapel on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, a role that has introduced her to a dedicated global fanbase.
A Creative Mind from the Start
Born on March 26, 1992, in Keperra, Queensland, Bush grew up immersed in creativity. Long before she ever stepped in front of a camera, she was already making a name for herself in the visual arts world. By the age of 19, she was selling her artwork professionally, experimenting with painting, sculpture, and jewelry design. It was clear early on that she wasn’t one to confine herself to a single creative lane.
A Reality TV Beginning
In 2011, Bush’s career took an unexpected turn when she competed in the seventh season of Australia’s Next Top Model. She joined the competition not just for the modeling opportunities but for the challenge, the travel, and the chance to push herself in new ways. Though she didn’t take home the top prize, the experience gave her invaluable exposure and opened doors in the entertainment industry. But rather than sticking solely to modeling, she began transitioning into acting—a move that would prove to be career-defining.
Finding Her Place in Acting
Following her reality TV stint, Bush slowly built up her acting credentials with guest roles in Australian television. She appeared in Home and Away and The Secret Daughter before landing a recurring role in Playing for Keeps in 2019. Her work in Australian dramas kept her busy, but it wasn’t until she nearly stepped away from acting altogether that her biggest break arrived.
By the early 2020s, Bush was feeling creatively burnt out. She had told her management that she only wanted to audition for roles that truly excited her. That’s when Star Trek: Strange New Worlds entered the picture—though at the time, she didn’t even realize it. The audition sides were intentionally vague, the kind that “self-detonate in 24 hours,” as she later joked. Without knowing exactly what she was reading for, she sent in her tape, and after a series of Zoom callbacks, she got the call that changed everything.
Bringing Nurse Chapel to Life
In Strange New Worlds, Bush plays Christine Chapel, a character originally portrayed by Majel Barrett in Star Trek: The Original Series. Stepping into the shoes of a character with an existing legacy could have been daunting, but Bush approached it with a fresh perspective. Her version of Chapel is playful, witty, and full of energy—bringing a modern edge to the character while staying true to the essence of Star Trek.
A major shift for Bush was losing her Australian accent for the role, a challenge she embraced. She’s spoken about how the accent change helps her fully embody Chapel’s mannerisms and mindset, creating a clear distinction between herself and the character.
Beyond just playing Chapel, Bush has connected with the Star Trek universe in a deeper way. Speaking with The Daily Beast, she opened up about her appreciation for the show’s commitment to inclusivity, particularly in its LGBTQ+ representation. She also revealed something personal—she identifies as queer, a statement that resonated with fans and further solidified her connection to the character and the series’ broader message of acceptance.
Beyond Acting: An Artist at Heart
Even as her acting career has flourished, Bush has never stepped away from her art. Her passion for visual storytelling is evident in her intricate jewelry designs—some of which have even made their way onto Strange New Worlds.
One of her most ambitious projects is Bee Totem, an ongoing installation that began in 2019. The project involves collecting honeybees from beekeepers, preserving them in crystal resin, and suspending them in large-scale installations. With the help of projection artists and sound designers, she creates immersive environments that invite viewers to reflect on the vital role bees play in our ecosystem.
For Bush, Bee Totem is more than an art project—it’s a statement. Each preserved bee serves as a tiny memorial, a way of honoring the thousands of bees that die quietly every day. The work has received several rounds of funding from the Australian government, and Bush has spoken about her long-term vision: to create a cathedral-like space where people can sit in quiet reflection, surrounded by thousands of suspended bees. It’s an ambitious dream, but given her track record, it’s likely only a matter of time before it becomes a reality.
From Sci-Fi to Space Exploration
Working on Star Trek has sparked another unexpected passion for Bush: space exploration. By 2023, she had begun collaborating with NASA and Redwire at the Kennedy Space Center, further blurring the line between science fiction and real-world innovation. While acting remains her primary focus, she’s found herself increasingly drawn to the advancements happening in space technology and research.
What’s Next for Jess Bush?
As Star Trek: Strange New Worlds continues to thrive, Bush remains at the forefront of the series. But she’s not one to settle into just one lane—whether it’s acting, visual art, or even space research, she’s constantly evolving. She has spoken about wanting to play a villain at some point, a stark contrast to her role as Nurse Chapel, and she’s always open to new artistic challenges.
With a career that defies easy categorization, Bush has proven that she’s more than just a rising star—she’s a creative force. Whether through acting, art, or her growing involvement in the space industry, one thing is clear: she’s just getting started.
