Tommy Dorfman Biography: Tommy Dorfman (born May 13, 1992) is an American actress best known for her role as Ryan Shaver in the Netflix drama series 13 Reasons Why (2017). Her work has graced the covers of Paper Magazine, Fucking Young!, and American Studies. She has also featured in high-profile campaigns for brands such as Calvin Klein and Fendi. Tommy currently splits her time between Los Angeles and New York City, where she lives with her two dogs, Dabbs and Fiona.
Tommy Dorfman Biography
Dorfman is a multifaceted actress, writer, photographer, and director originally from Atlanta, Georgia. She earned her degree in acting from Fordham University in 2015. Tommy first gained recognition for her role as Ryan Shaver in the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why and has since built a diverse career across television, film, and theater. She most recently starred in Jeremy O. Harris’ acclaimed play Daddy at The Signature Theatre. In addition to her work on stage and screen, Tommy is an accomplished photographer.
Tommy Dorfman Biography 2025 Details
| Born | May 13, 1992
Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
|
|---|---|
| Education | Fordham University |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 2009–present |
| Spouses |
Peter Zurkuhlen (m. 2016; div. 2022)
Elise Williams
(m. 2023) |
| Relatives | Andi Dorfman (cousin) |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Tommy Dorfman
Tommy Dorfman is an American actress, best known for playing Ryan Shaver in the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why.
Tommy Dorfman Wiki
- Born: 13 May 1992 (age 33 years), Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Spouse: Elise Williams (m. 2023–2024), Peter Zurkuhlen (m. 2016–2021)
- Height: 1.8 m
- Education: Fordham University
Early Life and Education
Dorfman was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, in a Jewish family. She is a cousin of Andi Dorfman, who gained fame as a contestant on The Bachelorette. Tommy graduated from Fordham University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Tommy Dorfman |
| Date of Birth | May 13, 1992 |
| Birthplace | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | B.A. in Theatre Arts, Fordham University (2015) |
| Career Debut | Foreign Exchange (Short Film, 2009) |
| Known For | 13 Reasons Why, Love, Victor, I Wish You All The Best |
| Relationship Status | Divorced (as of May 2025) |
| Spouses | Peter Zurkuhlen (2016–2021), Elise Williams (2023–2025) |
| Children | None |
| Net Worth | Estimated $20 million |
Career Journey and Milestones
Dorfman began her professional acting career in 2009 with the short film Foreign Exchange. Her major break came in 2017 when she was cast as Ryan Shaver in 13 Reasons Why, a role that garnered critical and public attention for its exploration of difficult themes like bullying and mental health. Despite the show’s success, Dorfman revealed she earned just under $30,000 for the first season—barely qualifying for union health insurance. She has since expanded her work to include directing and writing. Her feature directorial debut, I Wish You All The Best, premiered at SXSW in 2024 to widespread acclaim.
Notable Works and Contributions
In addition to her work on 13 Reasons Why, Dorfman appeared in Love, Victor, Jane the Virgin, and Insatiable, and performed on stage in Jeremy O. Harris’ critically acclaimed play Daddy at The New Group in New York. In 2025, she released her memoir Maybe This Will Save Me, offering a powerful account of her experiences with addiction, gender identity, and growing up queer in the American South.
Personal Life and Identity
Tommy’s personal journey has been highly visible and influential. She was married to Peter Zurkuhlen from 2016 until 2021. In 2023, she quietly wed Elise Williams in a Malibu ceremony, but the couple filed for divorce in May 2025 after nearly two years of marriage. In terms of identity, Dorfman publicly came out as non-binary in 2017 and later, in 2021, as a transgender woman. She chose to keep the name “Tommy” in honor of her late uncle. In 2022, she also came out as a lesbian.
Fun Facts and Trivia
- Maintained sobriety for over a decade
- Frequently discusses the importance of mental health and addiction recovery
- Advocates for queer and trans rights through public speaking and media appearances
- Lives between Los Angeles and New York City with her dogs, Dabbs and Fiona
Charitable Work and Social Impact
Dorfman is actively engaged in charitable causes, particularly those focused on LGBTQ+ rights, mental health awareness, and addiction recovery. Her willingness to share her personal story has made her a powerful voice in destigmatizing these issues and advocating for greater inclusivity in media and society.
Future Plans and Cultural Influence
Looking ahead, Dorfman plans to continue developing film and TV projects that explore themes of identity, authenticity, and transformation. Her work both on and off screen continues to challenge norms and expand representation, making her a cultural force beyond entertainment.
Tommy Dorfman Net Worth 2025
With an estimated net worth of $20 million, Dorfman’s earnings stem from acting, directing, writing, speaking engagements, and brand collaborations. Known for her fashion-forward presence, she has appeared in campaigns for Calvin Klein and Fendi, and has shot editorial covers for publications like Paper Magazine and Fucking Young!.
FAQs
Is Tommy Dorfman still with her husband?
Tommy Dorfman is saying goodbye to a life chapter. The 13 Reasons Why star filed for divorce from her wife Elise Williams after nearly two years or marriage on May 16 in New York City, per court documents obtained by E! News
What is Tommy Dorfman famous for?
Tommy Dorfman is an actress, writer, photographer, and director from Atlanta, GA. She graduated with a degree in acting from Fordham University in 2015. First known for her role as Ryan Shaver on 13 Reasons Why, Tommy has since worked in television, film, and theater – recently starring in Jeremy O.
Is Tommy Dorfman on hormones?
13 Reasons Why’ star Tommy Dorfman says she’s ‘never felt better’ after taking female hormones. Tommy Dorfman told InStyle that she’s “never felt better” after taking estrogen. Dorfman reintroduced herself as a woman in July via a Time magazine interview.
What gender does Tommy Dorfman identify as?
Tommy Dorfman publicly came out as a transgender woman in July 2021, after previously identifying as non-binary. She now uses she/her pronouns.
Why did Tommy Dorfman keep her name after transitioning?
Tommy chose to keep her birth name as a tribute to her late uncle, who passed away shortly after she was born. She has shared that the name holds deep personal meaning.
What is Tommy Dorfman’s memoir about?
Her memoir, Maybe This Will Save Me, explores her experiences with gender identity, addiction, mental health, and growing up queer in the American South.