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 a celebrated American actress recognized for her versatile performances across diverse film genres, from major blockbusters to independent dramas. Her talent has earned her multiple prestigious nominations, including two BAFTA Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
1929: Adaptation of 'Passing'
In 2021, Tessa Thompson starred in "Passing" a film adapted from the 1929 novel of the same name by Nella Larsen.
1955: Original film 'Lady and the Tramp'
In 2019, Tessa Thompson voiced Lady in "Lady and the Tramp", a live-action adaptation of the 1955 film of the same name.
2002: Professional Stage Debut in 'The Tempest'
In 2002, Tessa Thompson made her professional stage debut as one of three actors portraying Ariel in LAWSC's production of "The Tempest".
2003: Appearance in 'Romeo and Juliet'
In 2003, Tessa Thompson appeared as Juliet in "Romeo and Juliet: Antebellum New Orleans, 1836", which earned her an NAACP Theatre Award nomination.
2005: Television Debut in 'Cold Case' and Role in 'Veronica Mars'
In 2005, Tessa Thompson made her first television appearance in an episode of "Cold Case" and landed the role of Jackie Cook on "Veronica Mars".
2005: Recurring Role in 'Veronica Mars'
In 2005, Tessa Thompson took a recurring role in the teen mystery series "Veronica Mars".
2006: Appearance on 'Grey's Anatomy'
In 2006, Tessa Thompson appeared on the ABC medical drama series "Grey's Anatomy".
2006: Recurring Role in 'Veronica Mars'
In 2006, Tessa Thompson had a recurring role in the teen mystery series "Veronica Mars".
2006: Film Debut in 'When a Stranger Calls'
In 2006, Tessa Thompson made her film debut in the horror film "When a Stranger Calls".
2006: Feature Film Appearance in 'When a Stranger Calls'
In 2006, Tessa Thompson's first feature film appearance was in the remake of the horror film "When a Stranger Calls", where she played the role of Scarlett.
2007: Role in 'Hidden Palms'
In 2007, Tessa Thompson was a part of the cast of the CW's drama "Hidden Palms", portraying Nikki Barnes.
2008: Appearance in 'Make it Happen' and Guest Roles
In 2008, Tessa Thompson appeared in the dance film "Make it Happen" and had guest star roles on the television series "Life" and "Private Practice", also appearing in season four of "Heroes".
2009: Leading Role in 'Mississippi Damned'
In 2009, Tessa Thompson played one of her first leading roles in the independent drama "Mississippi Damned".
2010: Role in 'For Colored Girls'
In 2010, Tessa Thompson appeared in Tyler Perry's "For Colored Girls".
2012: Guest Role in '666 Park Avenue'
In 2012, Tessa Thompson had a guest role as Gavin Doran's daughter, Sasha, on the horror series "666 Park Avenue".
2012: Recurring Role in 'Copper'
In 2012, Tessa Thompson took a recurring role in the historical drama series "Copper".
2014: Roles in 'Dear White People' and 'Selma'
In 2014, Tessa Thompson gained favorable notices for her role in the comedy-drama "Dear White People" and played civil rights activist Diane Nash in Ava DuVernay's historical drama "Selma".
2015: Role in 'Creed'
In 2015, Tessa Thompson co-starred as Bianca Taylor opposite Michael B. Jordan in "Creed".
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: Off-Broadway in 'Smart People' and 'Westworld'
In 2016, Tessa Thompson acted in the off-Broadway production of "Smart People" and took a starring role in the HBO science fiction drama series "Westworld".
June 2017: Cast in 'Sorry to Bother You'
In June 2017, Tessa Thompson was cast in "Sorry to Bother You".
2017: Role as Valkyrie in 'Thor: Ragnarok'
In 2017, Tessa Thompson played Valkyrie in "Thor: Ragnarok".
2018: Franchise Films and Independent Films
In 2018, Tessa Thompson appeared in "Creed II", and the independent films "Sorry to Bother You", "Little Woods", and "Annihilation".
2019: Leading role in 'Men in Black: International'
In 2019, Tessa Thompson played a leading role in "Men in Black: International".
2020: Podcast Series, Movie Role, and Emmy Nomination
In 2020, Tessa Thompson co-produced and voiced the lead role in "The Left Right Game", and starred in "Sylvie's Love", also serving as an executive producer and earning a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award.
2020: Starring and Executive Producer Role in 'Sylvie's Love'
In 2020, Tessa Thompson starred in the Amazon Prime Video romantic drama film "Sylvie's Love" and also served as an executive producer.
January 2021: Production Deal with HBO
In January 2021, it was reported that Tessa Thompson's production company had 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", where she has the only on-screen role and served as one of the film's producers.
2021: Role in 'Passing' and BAFTA Nomination
In 2021, Tessa Thompson starred in "Passing", earning a nomination for the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.
2022: Role in 'Thor: Love and Thunder'
In 2022, Tessa Thompson played Valkyrie in the movie "Thor: Love and Thunder".
2022: Starring Role in 'Westworld'
In 2022, Tessa Thompson took a starring role in the HBO science fiction drama series "Westworld".
2023: Releases of 'The Marvels' and 'Creed III'
In 2023, Tessa Thompson reprised her roles in "The Marvels" and "Creed III".
2024: Directorial Debut
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: Premiere and Theatrical Release of 'Hedda'
In October 2025, Tessa Thompson's film "Hedda" premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and received a theatrical release.
2025: Title Role and Executive Producer in 'Hedda'
In 2025, Tessa Thompson played the title role in "Hedda", which she also executive produced.
2026: Broadway Debut in 'The Fear of 13'
In 2026, it was announced that Tessa Thompson would make her Broadway debut in "The Fear of 13" starring opposite Adrien Brody.
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