Competitive figure skating defined the early trajectory of Lio Tipton, who moved from the ice rink to the national stage as a contestant on America's Next Top Model in 2008. Since that debut, Tipton transitioned into a multi-faceted career in film and television, building a portfolio that spans network comedy and mainstream cinema productions.
From the Ice Rink to Runway
Born in Minneapolis in 1988, Tipton began ice skating at age two and a half. After relocating to Sacramento, California, at age eight, Tipton competed in four U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships and twice reached the U.S. Junior Figure Skating Championships on the Juvenile level as a regional pair champion. Following retirement from competitive skating at 16, Tipton participated in charity shows before pivoting to fashion modeling. This early career included walking at Los Angeles Fashion Week for the Imasu collection and signing with I Model & Talent.
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Tipton gained significant national attention in 2008 as a contestant on Cycle 11 of America's Next Top Model, recruited via MySpace. During the competition, Tipton stood out for a successful CoverGirl commercial and a dominant performance in the go-sees challenge. Despite being eliminated in the finale, Tipton secured representation with Ford Models and Abrams Artists Agency. Subsequent modeling assignments included features in Maxim, Vogue, and Seventeen, as well as campaigns for Forever 21 and Guess.
Film and Television Development
Tipton transitioned into acting with a 2008 guest appearance on The Big Bang Theory. A breakout role followed in the 2011 film Crazy, Stupid, Love, where Tipton played a babysitter alongside Steve Carell. This performance led to diverse roles in projects including the HBO comedy Hung, where they portrayed Sandee, and the zombie-themed film Warm Bodies. In 2014, Tipton took on a lead role in the film Two Night Stand and starred in the ABC sitcom Manhattan Love Story. Further screen credits include appearances in Lucy and a 2018 guest spot on the Murphy Brown revival.
Education and Personal Life
Tipton attended Marymount California University and also received training at the New York Film Academy. In June 2021, Tipton announced their identity as queer and non-binary, opting for the use of they/them pronouns. Tipton married entertainment executive Chaz Salembier in October 2022.
Fast facts
- Born: 1988, Minneapolis
- Citizenship: United States
- Education: New York Film Academy
- Primary Occupations: Actor, Model
- Spouse: Chaz Salembier
- Pronouns: They/them
Questions readers ask
What was Tipton's initial competitive background?
Tipton was a competitive figure skater who competed in four U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships.
What was Tipton's first major lead film role?
Tipton's first lead role was in the 2014 film Two Night Stand, directed by Max Nichols.
Achievements
- Educated at New York Film Academy
- Worked as actor, model and figure skater
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