Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Tessa Thompson
Discover the career path of Tessa Thompson, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Tessa Thompson is an American actress who began her career with the Los Angeles Women's Shakespeare Company. She gained recognition after appearing in productions of The Tempest and Romeo and Juliet. Her breakthrough roles came with leading parts in independent films such as Mississippi Damned (2009) and Tyler Perry's For Colored Girls (2010), following her role in the television series Veronica Mars (2005-2006).
2002: Stage Debut in The Tempest
In 2002, Tessa Thompson made her professional stage debut in LAWSC's production of "The Tempest", playing the role of Ariel.
2003: Romeo and Juliet: Antebellum New Orleans, 1836
In 2003, Tessa Thompson appeared in "Romeo and Juliet: Antebellum New Orleans, 1836", earning an NAACP Theatre Award nomination.
2005: Veronica Mars Role
In 2005, Tessa Thompson appeared in "Veronica Mars", marking an early role in her career.
2005: Cold Case and Veronica Mars
In 2005, Tessa Thompson made her first television appearance on "Cold Case" and gained fame with her role as Jackie Cook on "Veronica Mars".
2006: Grey's Anatomy Appearance
In 2006, Tessa Thompson appeared on the ABC medical drama series "Grey's Anatomy".
2006: When a Stranger Calls
In 2006, Tessa Thompson made her first feature film appearance in the remake of "When a Stranger Calls".
2007: Hidden Palms
In 2007, Tessa Thompson was part of the cast of the CW's "Hidden Palms".
2008: Make it Happen
In 2008, Tessa Thompson appeared in the dance film "Make it Happen".
2009: Mississippi Damned
In 2009, Tessa Thompson starred in the independent drama film "Mississippi Damned".
2010: For Colored Girls and Detroit 187
In 2010, Tessa Thompson appeared in "For Colored Girls" and had a guest role in "Detroit 187".
2010: For Colored Girls
In 2010, Tessa Thompson had a leading role in Tyler Perry's "For Colored Girls".
2012: 666 Park Avenue
In 2012, Tessa Thompson had a guest role in the horror series "666 Park Avenue".
2014: Dear White People and Selma
In 2014, Tessa Thompson received favorable notices for her roles in "Dear White People" and "Selma", where she played civil rights activist Diane Nash.
2015: Creed and The Grand Romantic
In 2015, Tessa Thompson appeared in "Creed" and in Nate Ruess' short film, "The Grand Romantic".
April 2016: Cast as Valkyrie in Thor: Ragnarok
In April 2016, Tessa Thompson was cast as Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero film "Thor: Ragnarok".
2016: Westworld and Smart People
In 2016, Tessa Thompson began starring in "Westworld" and appeared in the play "Smart People".
June 2017: Casting in Sorry to Bother You
In June 2017, Tessa Thompson was cast in the science fiction comedy "Sorry to Bother You".
November 3, 2017: Release of Thor: Ragnarok
On November 3, 2017, "Thor: Ragnarok" was released, featuring Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie.
2017: Thor: Ragnarok
In 2017, Tessa Thompson played Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film "Thor: Ragnarok".
February 23, 2018: Release of Annihilation
On February 23, 2018, the science fiction horror film "Annihilation", starring Tessa Thompson, was released.
July 6, 2018: Release of Sorry to Bother You
On July 6, 2018, "Sorry to Bother You", starring Tessa Thompson, was released.
November 21, 2018: Release of Creed II
On November 21, 2018, "Creed II" was released, with Tessa Thompson reprising her role as Bianca Taylor. Thompson also contributed to the soundtracks of Creed and Creed II by co-writing and performing multiple songs with producer Moses Sumney.
2018: Creed II, Sorry to Bother You, and Annihilation
In 2018, Tessa Thompson starred in "Creed II" reprising her role as Bianca Taylor, as well as in the independent films "Sorry to Bother You" and "Annihilation".
April 26, 2019: Release of Avengers: Endgame
On April 26, 2019, Tessa Thompson reprised her role as Valkyrie in the superhero film "Avengers: Endgame".
June 14, 2019: Release of Men in Black: International
On June 14, 2019, "Men in Black: International", starring Tessa Thompson, was released.
2019: Men in Black: International
In 2019, Tessa Thompson had a leading role in "Men in Black: International".
2020: The Left Right Game and Sylvie's Love
In 2020, Tessa Thompson co-produced and voiced the lead role in "The Left Right Game" and starred in "Sylvie's Love".
2020: Sylvie's Love
In 2020, Tessa Thompson received Emmy and BAFTA nominations for her work in "Sylvie's Love".
January 2021: Production Company Deal at HBO
In January 2021, Tessa Thompson's production company signed a first look deal at HBO and would executive produce adaptations of two novels, "Who Fears Death" and "The Secret Lives of Church Ladies".
October 2021: Wrapped Production on The Listener
In October 2021, Tessa Thompson wrapped production on the drama film "The Listener".
2021: Passing
In 2021, Tessa Thompson received a BAFTA nomination for her role in "Passing".
2022: King Valkyrie in Thor: Love and Thunder
In 2022, Tessa Thompson reprised her role as King Valkyrie "Val" in "Thor: Love and Thunder".
2022: Thor: Love and Thunder
In 2022, Tessa Thompson reprised her role as Valkyrie in "Thor: Love and Thunder".
2024: Directorial Debut with Raat Ki Rani
In 2024, Tessa Thompson made her directorial debut with the music video for "Raat Ki Rani", the lead single of Arooj Aftab's album Night Reign.
October 2025: Release of Hedda
In October 2025, the film "Hedda", in which Tessa Thompson will portray the title role, is scheduled to be released.
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