Columbia Journalism Student Beau Jessup, Daughter of Actress Lisa Maxwell, Dies at 27

Key points

• Columbia Journalism School confirmed the death of student Beau Jessup on November 9, 2026, offering condolences to her family and peers.
• No cause of death was released by the university or family; the medical examiner is reportedly investigating the circumstances.
• Jessup was pursuing a Master of Science in Journalism and was scheduled to graduate in May 2027.
• She previously earned a Master’s in Writing for Performance from the University of Cambridge and studied Social Anthropology at the London School of Economics.
• Columbia News published an interview with Jessup from October, conducted as part of their 'Notebook' student series, shortly before her death.

Background

Beau Jessup was the daughter of British actress Lisa Maxwell and Paul Jessup. Maxwell is known for roles in 'The Bill,' 'Loose Women,' and 'Jeepers Creepers.' Jessup had a history of early entrepreneurial and journalistic projects, including a website called SpecialName that helped Chinese parents choose English names for their children, which led to a TEDx talk. She also started a column called 'Beau’s Community Bakes' at age 16, using recipes to interview elderly residents about their lives. Her recent work focused on cultural journalism and theater, specifically her play 'The Sandbag,' which explores family memory and inherited narratives.

How outlets are covering it

The New York Daily News and People.com reported the news with standard obituary details, noting the lack of cause of death information. Columbia University’s official statement emphasized the tragedy of publishing the interview posthumously, framing it as a tribute to her 'far-too-brief life.' The Telegraph source was inaccessible due to a security block, providing no additional perspective. All available sources agree on the basic facts: her age, her affiliation with Columbia, her mother’s identity, and the timing of the announcement. No conflicting narratives or specific causes of death were reported by any accessible outlet.

Why it matters

The death of a young graduate student from a prominent family highlights the sudden nature of loss in academic and creative communities. The posthumous publication of her interview offers a rare glimpse into her professional aspirations and personal philosophy on storytelling, providing a humanizing counterpoint to the brief news announcements. It also underscores the ongoing investigation into the circumstances of her passing, which remains unresolved in the public record.

What to watch

The medical examiner’s investigation into the cause of death is ongoing, though no results have been released. Columbia University is providing support to grieving students and staff. The family has not released further statements or details regarding the circumstances of her death. Jessup’s play, 'The Sandbag,' is in development with THORO Artists, and her unfinished academic work remains a subject of remembrance among her peers.