2024-08-19

Derek Storm / Everett Collection
  • Faith: Christian
  • Career: Actress
  • Birthday:  August 02, 1959

Victoria Jackson is an actress and comedienne best known for Known for her quirky humor, distinctive voice, and her role on "Saturday Night Live" from 1986 to 1992.

Born on August 2, 1959, in Miami, Florida, Victoria Lynn Jackson grew up in a deeply religious family. Her father was a gym coach who instilled in her the values of discipline and hard work. Her mother, a homemaker, nurtured her creative side, encouraging her to pursue the arts. Raised in a conservative Christian household, Jackson's faith was an integral part of her upbringing, shaping her worldview and guiding her decisions throughout her life.

From a young age, Jackson showed a flair for performance. She was a natural entertainer, often performing gymnastics and singing songs for her family and friends. Her athletic abilities earned her a gymnastics scholarship to Furman University, where she studied for a year before transferring to Auburn University. It was during her time at Auburn that she discovered her love for acting and comedy, leading her to pursue a career in entertainment.

After college, Jackson moved to Los Angeles to chase her dream of becoming an actress. She took on various odd jobs while auditioning for roles, eventually landing small parts in television shows and commercials. Her big break came in 1986 when she was cast as a featured player on *Saturday Night Live*. Her unique blend of physical comedy, musical talent, and quirky characterizations quickly made her a fan favorite.

During her six-year tenure on *SNL*, Jackson became known for her distinctive voice and her portrayals of ditzy blonde characters. Her high-pitched voice and bubbly persona were often used to great comedic effect, and she became a regular on the show's "Weekend Update" segment. Some of her most memorable characters included the stereotypical airhead, a role that both played into and subverted traditional gender stereotypes.

Jackson's time on *SNL* coincided with the rise of other comedy greats like Dana Carvey, Phil Hartman, and Jan Hooks, and together they formed one of the most iconic casts in the show's history. Despite her success on the show, Jackson often felt out of place in the liberal environment of *SNL*, given her conservative Christian beliefs. However, she remained true to her values, even when it meant going against the grain.

She married her first husband, Nisan Mark Eventoff, in 1984, but the marriage ended in divorce. In 1991, she married Paul Wessel, a police officer, with whom she has two daughters, Aubrey and Scarlet.

Jackson's role as a mother has always been her top priority. She took a step back from her career in the 1990s to focus on raising her daughters, homeschooling them and instilling in them the same Christian values that she grew up with.

In 2016, Victoria Jackson was diagnosed with breast cancer, a battle she fought with the same determination and faith that have characterized her life. After undergoing a double mastectomy and chemotherapy, she went into remission, only for the cancer to return in 2024.

In August 2024, Jackson shared with her followers on social media that her cancer had returned and was now inoperable. Doctors discovered a tumor in her lung that was pressing against her windpipe, making surgery impossible.

Victoria Jackson's Religious Beliefs

Jackson's Christian faith has been a defining aspect of her life and career. She has never shied away from expressing her beliefs, even when it has led to controversy. After leaving *SNL*, Jackson became more vocal about her conservative Christian views, often speaking out on issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and religious freedom.

In the 2000s, Jackson became a regular contributor to conservative media outlets, where she shared her thoughts on politics, culture, and religion. She also wrote a book, *Is My Bow Too Big? How I Went From SNL to the Tea Party*, in which she detailed her journey from Hollywood to political activism.

Jackson's outspokenness has made her a polarizing figure, but she remains unapologetic about her views. She believes that her platform as a public figure comes with a responsibility to speak the truth as she sees it, even if it means facing criticism or losing opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Throughout her cancer journey, Jackson has leaned heavily on her faith, often quoting scripture and sharing her belief that God has a plan for her life. She has described her life as "fantastic" and remains grateful for the time she has been given, even as she faces an uncertain future.


Back to the Celebrity Faith Database




The Celeb-O-Matic knows! Find out which celebrity your beliefs match up to.

take the quiz now ›