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Entertainment • Actress

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson is an American actress, producer, and musician born in Los Angeles, California.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Tessa Thompson is an American actress, producer, and musician born in Los Angeles, California. She is known for film and television roles including *Veronica Mars*, *Creed*, *Thor: Ragnarok*, and *Westworld*, and has also appeared in independent films such as *Passing* and *Hedda*.

Early life and education

Tessa Thompson was born in Los Angeles and studied at Santa Monica College. While there, she began performing with the Los Angeles Women’s Shakespeare Company in stage productions of Shakespeare plays.

Acting career

Thompson built her career through television and film roles, moving from early appearances in *Veronica Mars* to major roles in films such as *Selma*, *Creed*, and *Thor: Ragnarok*. She has also worked in independent cinema and prestige television.

Marvel Cinematic Universe

Thompson is best known in franchise filmmaking for portraying Valkyrie. The role appears across several Marvel films and helped raise her international profile.

Later work and recognition

Her later projects include *Passing* and *Hedda*, both associated with award recognition. She has also worked as an executive producer on selected projects.

Key facts

  • Tessa Thompson began her professional acting career in theatre while studying at Santa Monica College.
  • She gained wider recognition for roles in *Selma* (2014) and *Creed* (2015).
  • She played Valkyrie in multiple Marvel Cinematic Universe films, including *Thor: Ragnarok*.
  • She starred in *Sorry to Bother You*, *Little Woods*, and *Annihilation* in 2018.
  • She received a BAFTA nomination for *Passing* (2021) and a Golden Globe nomination for *Hedda* (2025).
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Canadian context

Her work is widely distributed in Canada through major film releases and streaming platforms, and she has a strong profile among Canadian audiences interested in Hollywood, superhero films, and prestige television.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Tessa Thompson?
Tessa Thompson is an American actress, producer, and musician known for film, television, and stage work.
When was Tessa Thompson born?
She was born on October 3, 1983.
What is Tessa Thompson best known for?
She is best known for *Creed*, *Thor: Ragnarok*, *Westworld*, and *Veronica Mars*.
What Marvel character does she play?
She plays Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Has Tessa Thompson received major award nominations?
Yes. She received a BAFTA nomination for *Passing* and a Golden Globe nomination for *Hedda*.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tessa-Thompson
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, nationality, occupations, and major film and television roles.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tessa_Thompson
    Supports: Career timeline, early theatre work, filmography highlights, and award-related notes including *Passing* and *Hedda*.
  3. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/actors/tessa-thompson
    Supports: Background, early career, and major roles in television and film.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1935086/
    Supports: Birth name, birthplace, and selected credits across film and television.