Alisha Wainwright


Alisha Ena Wainwright is an American actress. Following her film debut in Just Before I Go, Wainwright had supporting roles in films such as Death of a Telemarketer and
Palmer, as well as a lead role in There's Something Wrong with the Children. She is best known for her leading roles as List of [The Mortal Instruments characters #Maia Roberts|Maia Roberts] on the second and third seasons of the Freeform supernatural drama series Shadowhunters and Nicole Warren on the Netflix superhero drama series Raising Dion.

Early life

Alisha Wainwright was born in Orlando, Florida. She attended Cypress Bay High School in Weston, Florida. Her mother is from Jamaica and her father is from Haiti.

Career

After appearing in a web comedy sketch on the YouTube channel Smosh in 2012, Wainwright guest-starred in several film and television productions including Criminal Minds and Lethal Weapon. In September 2016, her casting as the werewolf List of The [Mortal Instruments characters#Maia Roberts|Maia Roberts] on Freeform's fantasy series Shadowhunters, based on The Mortal Instruments book series by Cassandra Clare was announced. After being a recurring character in season 2, she was promoted to series regular for season 3 of the show. Wainwright currently stars in the Netflix series Raising Dion. In 2023, Wainwright began hosting When Science Finds a Way, a podcast produced by the Wellcome Trust that explores global health challenges through personal stories and scientific innovation.

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNotes
2013Second Rate DealNikkiShort film
2014Just Before I GoSarah
2016Save HerCasting Assistant #1Short film
2017The HatredBetaine
2020Death of a TelemarketerChristine
2021PalmerMaggie Hayes
2023There's Something Wrong with the ChildrenMargaret Winslow
2025Bird In HandBird

Television

YearTitleRoleNotes
2014Criminal MindsDebbie MartinEpisode "What Happens in Mecklinburg..."
2014MarriedAlissaEpisode "Uncool"
2014Love is RelativeAudreyTV movie
2014–2015PerceptionChantal Douglas / Timid GirlEpisode "Possession"
Episode "Romeo"
2015VanityShellyEpisode "Expression"
2015Switched at BirthDaryaEpisode "To the Victor Belong the Spoils"
2015Major CrimesAinsley ReedEpisode "Blackout"
2015Axle TrampAnna
2016General HospitalNurse Kelsey2 episodes
2015–2016Disney Star DarlingsLeona 10 episodes
2016RosewoodCassie HansonEpisode "Forward Motion & Frat Life"
2018Lethal WeaponJess BaileyEpisode "Double Shot of Baileys"
2018The Wedding Do OverTaylorTv Movie
2017–2019ShadowhuntersMaia RobertsRecurring role, 13 episodes
Main role, 16 episodes
2019–2022Raising DionNicole ReeseMain role
2023-PlatonicAudrey2 episodes

Other

YearTitleRoleNotes
2012SmoshAnthony's girlfriend
2016NBA 2K17Alanah Turner Video game