Jillian Mercado

Jillian Mercado is an American actress, model, and disability advocate who has challenged traditional beauty standards and promoted inclusivity in the fashion industry. After gaining significant recognition in 2014 with her first major campaign for the denim brand Diesel, selected by Nicola Formichetti, Jillian Mercado went on to sign a modeling contract with IMG Models in August 2015. This marked a pivotal moment in her career as one of the few professional models with a visible physical disability, establishing her as an American actress, model, and disability advocate who consistently challenges traditional beauty standards and promotes inclusivity in the fashion industry. Mercado had previously cultivated her expertise, graduating from New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology in 2010 and completing internships at ‘Veranda’ and ‘Allure’ magazines, alongside volunteering at Fashion Week and covering events for PMc Magazine.

Mercado’s upcoming acting engagements are extensive, including roles in the 2025 FX/Hulu series ‘Dying for Sex,’ as well as ‘The Paper Bag Plan’ and ‘9-1-1’ slated for 2025. She will also appear in the upcoming drama film ‘Between The Aisles’ and has completed post-production work on ‘The Call’ and ‘Natural Selection.’ Further demonstrating her commitment to diversity and inclusion, Mercado continues to participate in prominent discussions exploring Latinx culture and identity in the metaverse, reinforcing her influence as a leading figure for authentic representation across multiple platforms.