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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Screen & Stage • Actress

Tessa Thompson

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

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Tessa Thompson is an American actress, producer, and musician known for roles in *Creed*, *Thor: Ragnarok*, and *Westworld*.

What it is

Thompson began acting in theatre while at Santa Monica College, then moved to television with *Veronica Mars*. Her breakout came with *Selma* (2014) and *Creed* (2015), followed by major franchise work as Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She has also starred in independent films like *Passing* and *Hedda*, earning BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations.

Why it matters

Thompson's career spans blockbuster superhero films, prestige television, and award-winning indie projects, making her a versatile figure in Hollywood. Her work is widely distributed in Canada through major releases and streaming platforms, giving her a strong profile among Canadian audiences interested in superhero films and prestige TV.

Key details

Born October 3, 1983, in Los Angeles. Known for Valkyrie in multiple Marvel films. Received a BAFTA nomination for *Passing* (2021) and a Golden Globe nomination for *Hedda* (2025). Also works as an executive producer on selected projects.

In short

  • American actress, producer, and musician born 1983 in Los Angeles.
  • Best known for *Creed*, *Thor: Ragnarok*, *Westworld*, and *Veronica Mars*.
  • Plays Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
  • Earned BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations for *Passing* and *Hedda*.
Canadian angle

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.

Quick questions

Who is Tessa Thompson?
Tessa Thompson is an American actress, producer, and musician known for film, television, and stage work.
What is Tessa Thompson best known for?
She is best known for *Creed*, *Thor: Ragnarok*, *Westworld*, and *Veronica Mars*.
Has Tessa Thompson received major award nominations?
Yes. She received a BAFTA nomination for *Passing* and a Golden Globe nomination for *Hedda*.

Sources

  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.