Tessa Thompson Biography: Tessa Lynne Thompson, born on October 3, 1983, is an American actress known for her dynamic range and impactful performances. She began her acting career with the Los Angeles Women’s Shakespeare Company while studying cultural anthropology at Santa Monica College, performing in stage productions like The Tempest and Romeo and Juliet.
Tessa Thompson Biography
Tessa Lynn Thompson, born on October 3, 1983, in Los Angeles, California, is an accomplished American actress. She is the daughter of singer-songwriter Marc Anthony Thompson and the granddaughter of actor and musician Bobby Ramos. Raised in Los Angeles and later Brooklyn, New York, Thompson comes from a diverse background—her father is of Afro-Panamanian descent, and her mother has Mexican and British Isles ancestry.
Tessa Thompson Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Tessa Lynne Thompson
October 3, 1983 Los Angeles, California, U.S.
|
|---|---|
| Alma mater | Santa Monica College |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 2002–present |
| Relatives | Zsela (half-sister) |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Tessa Thompson
Tessa Lynne Thompson is an American actress. She began her professional acting career with the Los Angeles Women’s Shakespeare Company while studying at Santa Monica College, appearing in productions of The Tempest and Romeo and Juliet.
Tessa Thompson Achievements
Thompson’s early television work included a role in Veronica Mars (2005–2006), but her breakout came with lead performances in Tina Mabry’s Mississippi Damned (2009) and Tyler Perry’s For Colored Girls (2010). She earned critical acclaim for her performances in Dear White People (2014) and as civil rights activist Diane Nash in Ava DuVernay’s Selma (2014).
Tessa Thompson Personal Life
Thompson attended Santa Monica High School, where she actively participated in theater productions. She went on to study cultural anthropology at Santa Monica College. She gained early recognition on stage, notably playing Juliet in a production of Romeo and Juliet at the Boston Court Theatre in Pasadena, California.
Tessa Thompson Wiki
- Born: 3 October 1983 (age 41 years), Los Angeles, California, United States
- Parents: Marc Anthony Thompson
- Upcoming movie: Hedda
- Height: 1.62 m
- Nationality: American
Early Life and Education
Thompson was born in Los Angeles, California, and grew up between there and Brooklyn, New York. Her father, Marc Anthony Thompson, is an Afro-Panamanian singer-songwriter and founder of the musical collective Chocolate Genius, Inc. Her mother is of mixed Mexican and white heritage. Thompson’s younger half-sister on her father’s side, Zsela, is also a singer and songwriter.
She attended Santa Monica High School, where she performed as Hermia in a student production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Later, while studying at Santa Monica College, she pursued cultural anthropology and attended lectures by Lisa Wolpe of the Los Angeles Women’s Shakespeare Company.
Profile Overview
- Full Name: Tessa Lynne Thompson
- Date of Birth: October 3, 1983
- Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
- Nationality: American
- Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $4 million
Family Background
Thompson was born to singer-songwriter Marc Anthony Thompson, founder of the musical collective Chocolate Genius, Inc., and a mother of mixed Mexican and white heritage. Raised in both Los Angeles and Brooklyn, New York, she grew up in a richly artistic and multicultural household. Her paternal half-sister, Zsela, is a singer and songwriter, reflecting the family’s deep creative roots. During her time at Santa Monica High School, Thompson showcased her acting talent by playing Hermia in a school production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She later studied cultural anthropology at Santa Monica College, where she also attended lectures by Lisa Wolpe of the Los Angeles Women’s Shakespeare Company—an experience that blended her academic and artistic interests.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
Thompson began her professional acting journey with the Los Angeles Women’s Shakespeare Company, appearing in stage productions such as The Tempest and Romeo and Juliet. Her performance as Juliet earned her a nomination for an NAACP Theatre Award, highlighting her early promise as a performer. She made her television debut in 2005, portraying Jackie Cook on the hit series Veronica Mars. This role marked her transition into mainstream entertainment.
Her film breakthrough came with leading roles in Mississippi Damned (2009) and Tyler Perry’s For Colored Girls (2010). She received critical acclaim for her performances in Dear White People (2014) and as civil rights activist Diane Nash in Ava DuVernay’s Selma (2014), firmly establishing her as a rising star in Hollywood.
Notable Roles and Accomplishments
Thompson’s performance as Bianca Taylor in the Creed trilogy (2015, 2018, 2023) and her portrayal of Valkyrie in Marvel’s Thor: Ragnarok (2017) and Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) solidified her place in blockbuster cinema. Her work on HBO’s Westworld (2016–2022) demonstrated her ability to thrive in complex, genre-spanning roles.
Beyond acting, Thompson is also a talented singer-songwriter. She was a member of the Los Angeles-based indie electro-soul group Caught a Ghost and contributed original music to the Creed and Creed II soundtracks, co-writing and performing several songs alongside producer Moses Sumney.
Personal Life and Relationships
In June 2018, Tessa Thompson openly shared that she is attracted to both men and women, though she chooses not to define her sexuality with specific labels. She has emphasized the importance of maintaining personal privacy while also advocating for openness and inclusivity. Thompson has spoken candidly about the challenges she has faced in the entertainment industry and remains a vocal proponent of increased representation and diversity in Hollywood.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Thompson made her directorial debut in 2024 with the music video for “Raat Ki Rani,” the lead single from Arooj Aftab’s album Night Reign, showcasing her creative range beyond acting.
- She is celebrated for her distinctive fashion sense, frequently appearing on best-dressed lists and serving as a muse for prominent fashion designers.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Beyond her artistic work, Thompson is a committed advocate for social justice. She actively supports initiatives focused on racial equity and gender equality, using her public platform to amplify these causes. Her ongoing activism is an integral part of her public identity and legacy.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
Tessa Thompson remains a leading figure in contemporary film and television, with several anticipated projects on the horizon. Her influence transcends acting—she is a cultural trailblazer helping to shape the conversation around inclusion and equity in the entertainment world. Thompson’s journey is marked by a deep commitment to her craft and to social progress, making her not only a standout performer but also an inspiring voice for change.
Tessa Thompson Net Worth 2025
As of 2025, Thompson’s net worth is estimated at around $4 million. This wealth stems from her accomplished acting career and her work on film soundtracks. Her financial success highlights both her artistic dedication and thoughtful career decisions.
FAQs
Why is Tessa Thompson important?
She is best known for her appearances in the films Selma (2014), Dear White People (2014), and Creed (2015) and in the television series Veronica Mars (2005–06) and Westworld (2016–22). She also portrayed the character Valkyrie in three films set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Is Tessa Thompson in Grey’s Anatomy?
The hospital drama Grey’s Anatomy has seen several famous guest stars throughout its 19-season run, and Tessa Thompson appeared in a few episodes in season 2.
Who is Tessa Thompson’s bio?
The actress Tessa Lynn Thompson was born on October 3, 1983 in Los Angeles, California. She is the daughter of singer-songwriter Marc Anthony Thompson and the granddaughter of actor-musician Bobby Ramos. She was raised in Los Angeles before moving to Brooklyn, New York.
Is Tessa Thompson deaf?
It was always important to me, even in her having progressive hearing loss, that in the context of our films, her hearing loss would not progress all the way,” she said. “I did not feel comfortable in telling that story. I’m not a member of the Deaf community.
What is Tessa Thompson’s accent?
She’s actually American but she use a British accent to play Valkyrie.
Is Tessa Thompson LGBTQ?
Her journey transcends her on-screen performances, marking her as a fearless voice for LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility. As a bisexual woman in a high-profile industry, Thompson’s advocacy is not only personal but also influential.