Taryn Manning Biography: Taryn Manning born November 6, 1978 is an American actress and singer, best known for her role as Tiffany “Pennsatucky” Doggett in the Netflix original series Orange Is the New Black (2013–2019). She also gained recognition for her performances as Cherry in Sons of Anarchy (2008–2010), Nola in Hustle & Flow (2005), and Janeane in 8 Mile (2002).
Taryn Manning Biography
Taryn Manning was born in Falls Church, Virginia, to musician Bill Manning and his wife, Sharyn. When she was just two months old, her parents separated. She moved with her mother and brother to Tucson, Arizona, where she was raised. As a child, Manning was actively involved in dance, karate, and acting. At the age of 12, her family relocated to California. She landed her first major film role in 2001 as Maddy in Crazy/Beautiful.
Taryn Manning Biography 2025 Details
Born | November 6, 1978 Falls Church, Virginia, U.S.
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Occupations |
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Genres | Pop rock, R&B, electropop, dance-pop, pop, hip hop |
Instrument | Vocals |
Years active | 1994–present |
Labels | Dreamworks |
Formerly of | Boomkat |
Category | Singers Bio |
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About Taryn Manning
Taryn Manning is an American actress and singer. She is best known for portraying Tiffany “Pennsatucky” Doggett in the Netflix original series Orange Is the New Black, Cherry in Sons of Anarchy, Nola in Hustle & Flow and Janeane in 8 Mile.
Taryn Manning Achievements
Her breakout performance came in 2005 with the role of Nola, a prostitute in Memphis, in Hustle & Flow. The role earned her a nomination for Best Breakthrough Performance from the Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association and contributed to the film’s SAG Award nomination for Outstanding Cast Performance. Manning has appeared in several notable TV shows, including Hawaii Five-0 (CBS, 2010) and Sons of Anarchy (FX, 2008).
Taryn Manning Wiki
- Born: 6 November 1978 (age 46 years), Falls Church, Virginia, United States
- Siblings: Kellin Manning
- Parents: Bill Manning, Sharyn Manning
- Height: 1.58 m
Early Life
Manning was born in Falls Church, Virginia, to Bill Manning, a musician, and Sharyn Louise (née White). Her parents divorced when she was just two months old. She and her brother, Kellin, were raised by their mother in Tucson, Arizona, where they lived in a trailer park and faced significant financial hardship. Manning has recalled how her mother sacrificed personal needs to support the family, including forgoing basic things like new clothes. Despite the financial strain, her mother ensured she had access to extracurricular activities, enrolling her in karate, dance, and acting lessons. At age 12, the family moved to Encinitas, California. Two years later, her father died by suicide—a tragedy that deeply impacted her life.
Key Details
Full Name | Taryn Gail Manning |
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Date of Birth | November 6, 1978 |
Place of Birth | Falls Church, Virginia, USA |
Nationality | American |
Raised In | Tucson, Arizona, and Encinitas, California |
Children | None |
Estimated Net Worth | $500,000 |
Major Awards | SAG Award for Orange Is the New Black |
Family Background
Born on November 6, 1978, in Falls Church, Virginia, Taryn Gail Manning grew up in a family shaped by both creativity and adversity. Her father, Bill Manning, was a musician, and her mother, Sharyn Louise, worked tirelessly to raise Taryn and her older brother, Kellin, after the couple separated when Taryn was just two months old. The family relocated to Tucson, Arizona, where they lived in modest conditions, including a trailer park.
Despite financial hardship, Sharyn supported her children’s interests, enrolling Taryn in dance, karate, and acting classes. When Taryn was 12, the family moved to Encinitas, California, where she continued nurturing her artistic passions. At age 14, tragedy struck when her father died by suicide—an event that deeply impacted her and fueled her drive to succeed in the arts.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough Moments
Manning began her career with small guest roles on shows like The Practice and NYPD Blue. Her first significant film role came in 2001 with Crazy/Beautiful, which opened the door to higher-profile projects. She went on to co-star in 8 Mile (2002) with Eminem and Crossroads (2002) with Britney Spears.
Her breakthrough came in 2005 with Hustle & Flow, where she played Nola, a sex worker with big dreams. The performance was critically acclaimed and showcased Manning’s ability to take on emotionally layered roles. She later became a household name through her role in Orange Is the New Black, which ran for seven seasons and earned her and the cast multiple Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Notable Works and Achievements
- Orange Is the New Black (2013–2019): Her performance as Pennsatucky evolved from antagonist to a deeply empathetic character, earning critical and fan praise.
- Music Career: As the lead vocalist of Boomkat, a duo she formed with her brother Kellin, Manning released the album Boomkatalog.One (2003), featuring the dance hit “The Wreckoning.” She also found success as a solo artist with songs like “Send Me Your Love,” which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart.
- Film Highlights: Hustle & Flow (2005), 8 Mile (2002), Crossroads (2002), Cold Mountain (2003), and White Oleander (2002).
Taryn Manning continues to remain relevant in the entertainment world through her diverse creative pursuits and compelling on-screen presence. Her ability to transcend genres and mediums makes her one of the most resilient and multi-talented performers of her generation.
Current Relevance and Recent Updates
As of late 2025, Taryn Manning continues to stay active in the entertainment industry. She is set to star in Out Come the Wolves, a drama inspired by the punk rock album from the band Rancid. The film also features Giancarlo Esposito and Harold Perrineau. With ongoing roles and public appearances, Manning remains a notable presence in Hollywood, proving her lasting impact and versatility.
Personal Life and Relationships
Taryn Manning’s personal life has included both highs and challenges. She was in a long-term relationship with actor Clifton Collins Jr. from 2002 to 2011. Later, she was involved in a widely publicized and turbulent relationship with Jeanine Heller, which led to legal disputes involving harassment allegations and restraining orders. Currently, Manning is single and has no children. She identifies as heterosexual but has openly acknowledged past relationships with women.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Taryn is a certified yoga instructor and credits the practice for supporting her mental and physical health.
- She originally auditioned for the role of Piper Chapman in Orange Is the New Black before being cast as Pennsatucky.
- Her musical inspirations include Björk, Fiona Apple, and Alanis Morissette.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Manning actively supports causes such as animal welfare through the Humane Society and LGBTQ+ advocacy. While she has faced controversy at times, her ability to evolve and maintain a presence across multiple creative platforms has solidified her status as a resilient and influential artist.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
With upcoming projects like Out Come the Wolves, Manning continues to prove her relevance in today’s entertainment landscape. Her influence spans beyond acting into music, fashion, and social advocacy, securing her place as a notable figure in modern pop culture.
Taryn Manning Net Worth 2025
Manning’s estimated net worth is $500,000, accumulated through her work in acting, music, and fashion. She owns properties in Los Angeles and New York’s Greenwich Village, reflecting her bicoastal lifestyle and taste for urban living.
FAQs
Where does Taryn Manning live?
Personal life. As of 2020, Manning resides in Palm Springs, California.
How much did Taryn Manning get paid for Orange is the New Black?
The stars who spoke out, including Kimiko Glenn, Emma Myles, Beth Dover, Alysia Reiner, Diane Guerrero, Taryn Manning, and Lea DeLaria, revealed that they were paid the SAG minimum day rate of under $900 per day with many having to stay on their day jobs to continue appearing in the series.
Is Taryn Manning religious?
Taryn was not raised Christian, but she became one later in life. Not only is it rare for someone to view the relationship between their Hollywood life and their spiritual life as so tethered like Taryn does, but Taryn’s spiritual maturity also came from her involvement in Hollywood.
What is Taryn Manning famous for?
She is also series regular on Orange Is the New Black (2013). In addition to acting, Manning is also a fashion designer, singer-songwriter, and the vocalist for electronic duo Boomkat. She is also co-owner of the clothing brand “Born Uniqorn”.
Does Taryn Manning have dentures?
Actress Taryn Manning’s gnarly, prosthetic teeth startled viewers because, by and large, poor characters in TV and film are played by actors whose whitened, straightened, veneered smiles aren’t covered up.