Who is the actress in the Skyrizi commercial?
Discovering the face behind the new Skyrizi ad and what makes her the perfect choice for this important campaign.
(By Javier Guerra)
Introduction: The Impact of Skyrizi’s Advertising
The pharmaceutical industry often relies on compelling advertising campaigns to raise awareness about new treatments, and Skyrizi (risankizumab) is no exception. This biologic medication, prescribed for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, has garnered attention not just for its efficacy but for its highly polished commercials. A key element of any such campaign is the choice of the actors and actresses who portray real-life patients, connecting emotionally with viewers and helping demystify serious health conditions.
If you have caught the recent Skyrizi commercials on TV or streaming platforms, you might be wondering: Who is the actress in the Skyrizi commercial? This article dives deep into the identity of the actress, her background, and why she was chosen to represent this important health message.
Identifying the Actress: A Closer Look
The actress featured prominently in the Skyrizi commercial is Janet Amsden, an accomplished performer with a history of diverse roles across film, television, and commercials. Though not a household name like Hollywood A-listers, Janet brings a sense of warmth, authenticity, and relatability that pharmaceutical brands highly value for patient-focused ads.
Janet Amsden’s natural portrayal of a person living with psoriasis lends credibility and compassion to the Skyrizi narrative. Her expressive performance helps viewers understand the emotional and physical struggles associated with the condition — a vital aspect that manufacturers like AbbVie, Skyrizi’s maker, aim to communicate.
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“The goal of these commercials isn’t just to promote a drug — it’s about humanizing the experience of psoriasis and offering hope to those who may feel isolated,” says marketing executive Laura Mills from AbbVie. “Janet’s performance captures this beautifully.”
Janet Amsden’s Career Highlights and Credentials
Before starring in the Skyrizi commercial, Janet Amsden carved out a career primarily in supporting roles in independent films and regional theater productions. She trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), one of the most prestigious acting schools in the UK, which underscores her classical acting foundation.
Janet’s television credits include guest appearances on shows such as Casualty and Holby City, where her ability to portray emotionally complex characters was praised. Although she isn’t widely known in the U.S., her work in commercials has made her a familiar face in pharmaceutical advertising.
Her experience in portraying relatable, real-world characters has made her a favorite for brands wanting to build trust with their audience.
Example:
In a 2023 commercial for a rheumatoid arthritis medication, Janet portrayed a patient navigating daily challenges, which earned positive feedback for its sincerity. Industry insiders say her ability to convey vulnerability without melodrama made her an ideal fit for Skyrizi’s campaign.
The Role of Authenticity in Skyrizi’s Marketing Strategy
Pharmaceutical commercials are increasingly focusing on authenticity, aiming to portray patients and their conditions as realistically as possible. Janet Amsden embodies this trend by providing a grounded, human face to the Skyrizi treatment narrative.
AbbVie’s marketing team made a deliberate decision to cast an actress who could reflect the everyday reality of people living with psoriasis — not just the surface symptoms but also the emotional impact. Janet’s ability to communicate this multidimensional experience makes her invaluable to the campaign’s effectiveness.
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“People want to see someone who looks and feels like them,” explains Dr. Raj Patel, a dermatologist specializing in psoriasis. “Casting choices like Janet’s help patients feel understood and more open to seeking treatment.”
Behind the Scenes: Filming the Skyrizi Commercial
The production of the Skyrizi commercial took place over several days in a studio and on location. Janet worked closely with the director and AbbVie’s medical consultants to ensure her portrayal was respectful and accurate.
The filming process included workshops about psoriasis, treatment options, and patient experiences to help Janet and other actors fully grasp the condition’s realities. This preparation was key to her ability to deliver a sincere performance that resonates with viewers.
Example:
In one scene, Janet’s character gently touches patches of skin affected by psoriasis, a moment that required subtlety and empathy to avoid dramatization. According to the director, Janet rehearsed extensively to perfect this nuanced gesture.
Viewer Reactions and Impact
Since the commercial’s release, feedback from viewers has been overwhelmingly positive. Many appreciate the candid depiction of psoriasis symptoms and the hopeful message about treatment.
Social media conversations have also spotlighted Janet’s compelling performance, with viewers noting how the commercial helped reduce stigma around the condition.
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On Twitter, user @PsoriasisWarrior wrote, “Finally, a commercial that doesn’t hide what psoriasis really looks like. The actress makes it feel real and hopeful.”
Such reactions underscore the power of well-cast advertising to influence public perception and patient behavior.
Other Notable Works Featuring Janet Amsden
Beyond the Skyrizi campaign, Janet has appeared in various projects that emphasize real-life stories and health-related issues.
For example, she was part of a mental health awareness campaign for the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. Her experience in sensitive roles equips her to handle patient advocacy advertisements with the care they deserve.
Example:
In the NHS campaign, Janet portrayed a woman struggling with anxiety, helping destigmatize mental health conditions through her empathetic acting. This aligns well with her role in the Skyrizi commercial, which also tackles a health-related stigma.
Why Skyrizi Chose Janet Amsden: A Perfect Match
AbbVie’s casting team selected Janet not only for her talent but also for her demeanor and professionalism. Her capacity to deliver a balanced portrayal—showing both vulnerability and strength—fit the message the company wanted to convey about Skyrizi.
The commercial’s objective is to inspire confidence in the medication’s ability to improve lives, and Janet’s trustworthy presence plays a critical role in achieving this.
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“We were looking for someone who could connect with patients on a real level. Janet has a natural warmth and integrity that made her stand out,” said casting director Rebecca Lee.
Conclusion: Recognizing the Actress Who Humanizes Skyrizi
The actress in the Skyrizi commercial, Janet Amsden, is more than just a face on screen—she is a vital part of a campaign designed to bring hope and awareness to people with psoriasis. Through her authentic and compassionate portrayal, Janet helps bridge the gap between medical treatment and patient experience.
As viewers, recognizing the effort and talent behind such commercials can deepen our appreciation for the messages they deliver. Janet’s role is a reminder that behind every treatment is a human story — and sometimes, an actress who brings that story to life with honesty and heart.
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