Tessa Thompson began her professional acting career with the Los Angeles Women's Shakespeare Company while studying at Santa Monica College, taking on roles in The Tempest and Romeo and Juliet. Since those early stage productions, she has established a diverse portfolio spanning independent dramas, major franchise blockbusters, and various television series that highlight her range as a performer.
Early Career and Television Roles
Born in Los Angeles in 1983, Thompson attended Santa Monica High School before enrolling at Santa Monica College. Her professional debut occurred in 2002 with The Tempest. She entered television in 2005 with a guest role in Cold Case, followed by a recurring part in the series Veronica Mars. Throughout the mid-2000s, she appeared in various dramas including Grey's Anatomy and Hidden Palms. By 2012, she secured a role in the historical series Copper, which ran through 2013.
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Thompson gained significant industry recognition in 2014 for her portrayal of Samantha White in Dear White People, which resulted in a Gotham Award for Best Actor. That same year, she appeared as activist Diane Nash in the historical drama Selma. Her film career expanded significantly with the 2015 sports drama Creed, where she played Bianca Taylor. She reprised this role in the 2018 and 2023 sequels. Her 2018 work included roles in Annihilation, Little Woods, and Sorry to Bother You.
Franchise Work and Recent Projects
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thompson debuted as Valkyrie in Thor: Ragnarok in 2017 and appeared in Thor: Love and Thunder in 2022. She also starred in Men in Black: International in 2019. Her television credits include a starring role in the science fiction series Westworld from 2016 to 2022 and an executive producer role for the film Sylvie's Love, which earned a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. In 2025, she took the title role in Hedda, a project she also executive produced that led to a Golden Globe nomination.
Fast facts
- Born: 1983, Los Angeles
- Citizenship: United States
- Education: Santa Monica College
- Breakthrough Award: Gotham Awards for Best Actor (2014)
- Broadway Debut: The Fear of 13 (2026)
- Primary Occupations: Actor, singer, composer
Questions readers ask
What was Tessa Thompson's first professional role?
She made her professional stage debut in 2002 as Ariel in The Tempest with the Los Angeles Women's Shakespeare Company.
Which major film franchises has she appeared in?
She has starred in the Creed sports drama series, the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Valkyrie, and Men in Black: International.
Achievements
- Educated at Santa Monica College
- Worked as actor, stage actor and television actor
