Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson, born on October 3, 1983, is a versatile American actress celebrated for her dynamic performances across film, television, and stage. She began her professional journey with the Los Angeles Women's Shakespeare Company while studying at Santa Monica College, showcasing her talent in productions such as The Tempest and Romeo and Juliet. Her film debut came in the horror flick When a Stranger Calls (2006), followed by notable roles in the independent drama Mississippi Damned (2009) and Tyler Perry's For Colored Girls (2010).

Thompson's career gained momentum with her acclaimed performances in the comedy-drama Dear White People (2014) and as civil rights activist Diane Nash in Ava DuVernay's historical drama Selma (2014). She achieved mainstream recognition through her roles in the Creed franchise, portraying Bianca Taylor in Creed (2015), Creed II (2018), and Creed III (2023). Additionally, her portrayal of Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including Thor: Ragnarok (2017) and Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), solidified her status as a leading actress.

In 2018, she starred in several independent films, including Sorry to Bother You, Little Woods, and Annihilation. Her performance in Passing (2021), where she depicted a black woman during the Harlem Renaissance, earned her a BAFTA Award nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Thompson also took on the title role in Hedda (2025), which she executive produced, showcasing her multifaceted talents.

On stage, she appeared in the off-Broadway production of Smart People (2016) and has made significant contributions to television, with recurring roles in series such as Veronica Mars (2005–2006), Copper (2012–2013), and Westworld (2016–2022). Her work in the Amazon Prime Video romantic drama Sylvie's Love (2020) further highlights her versatility, as she also served as an executive producer and received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Television Movie.