What Happened to Tessa Thompson?
Tessa Thompson is an acclaimed American actress and producer known for her versatile roles across blockbusters and independent cinema, as well as her activism. In early 2026, she made her Broadway debut in 'The Fear of 13,' starred in the hit Netflix series 'His & Hers,' and is set to lead and executive produce another Netflix series, 'Next Door,' solidifying her status as a prominent figure both in front of and behind the camera. She also received a Golden Globe nomination in 2026 for her role in the 2025 film 'Hedda.'
Quick Answer
As of March 2026, Tessa Thompson is experiencing a highly active period in her career, making her Broadway debut in 'The Fear of 13' with previews starting March 19. She recently starred in and executive produced the Netflix limited series 'His & Hers,' which premiered in January 2026 to significant viewership. Additionally, Thompson is slated to star in and executive produce 'Next Door,' a new dark comedy thriller series for Netflix, and received a Golden Globe nomination in 2026 for her performance in the 2025 film 'Hedda.' She continues to expand her influence through her production company, Viva Maude.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Stage Debut in 'The Tempest'
Tessa Thompson began her professional acting career with the Los Angeles Women's Shakespeare Company, making her stage debut in a production of 'The Tempest' while studying at Santa Monica College.
Film Debut in 'When a Stranger Calls'
Thompson made her feature film debut in the horror remake 'When a Stranger Calls,' playing the role of Scarlett.
Breakthrough with 'Dear White People' and 'Selma'
Thompson gained critical attention for her roles as Samantha White in the comedy-drama 'Dear White People' and as civil rights activist Diane Nash in Ava DuVernay's historical drama 'Selma,' solidifying her presence in independent cinema.
Joins 'Creed' Franchise as Bianca Taylor
She began her role as Bianca Taylor in Ryan Coogler's 'Creed,' a continuation of the 'Rocky' film franchise, a role she would reprise in sequels.
Stars in HBO's 'Westworld'
Thompson took on the dual role of Charlotte Hale / Dolores Abernathy in the critically acclaimed HBO dystopian science fiction series 'Westworld,' which ran until 2022.
Enters Marvel Cinematic Universe as Valkyrie
She made her debut as the fan-favorite character Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film 'Thor: Ragnarok,' a role she would continue in subsequent MCU films.
Activisim for Black Lives Matter
Thompson became increasingly active in the Black Lives Matter movement, participating in protests and advocating for social justice, using her platform to raise awareness.
Stars in and Executive Produces 'Sylvie's Love'
She starred in and executive produced the Amazon Studios romance drama 'Sylvie's Love,' for which she received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Television Movie.
Acclaim for 'Passing'
Thompson starred in Rebecca Hall's period drama 'Passing,' earning nominations for a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role and a Gotham Independent Film Award for Outstanding Lead Performance.
Directorial Debut with Music Video
Tessa Thompson made her directorial debut with the music video for 'Raat Ki Rani,' the lead single from Arooj Aftab's album 'Night Reign.'
Stars in and Executive Produces 'Hedda'
Thompson starred in and executive produced 'Hedda,' directed by Nia DaCosta, receiving a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama and a Critic's Choice award.
Netflix Series 'His & Hers' Premieres
The mystery thriller limited series 'His & Hers,' starring and executive produced by Thompson, premiered on Netflix, quickly garnering 19.9 million views.
Broadway Debut in 'The Fear of 13'
Thompson is set to make her Broadway debut alongside Adrien Brody in Lindsey Ferrentino's new play 'The Fear of 13,' with previews beginning on March 19 at the James Earl Jones Theatre.
Announced for Netflix Series 'Next Door'
It was announced that Thompson will star in and executive produce 'Next Door,' a new dark comedic thriller series for Netflix, developed by Sam Boyd and A24.
Teaming for 'A Separation' Adaptation
Thompson is teaming with filmmaker Jonas Carpignano on an adaptation of Katie Kitamura's bestselling novel 'A Separation.'
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Tessa Thompson, born October 3, 1983, in Los Angeles, California, has carved out a distinguished career marked by her ability to navigate diverse roles in both critically acclaimed independent films and major Hollywood franchises. Her early career saw her making a stage debut in 2002 with the Los Angeles Women's Shakespeare Company and a film debut in 2006's 'When a Stranger Calls.' She gained significant recognition in 2014 with her breakthrough performances in 'Dear White People' and Ava DuVernay's 'Selma,' where she portrayed civil rights activist Diane Nash.
Thompson's mainstream profile soared with her roles in popular franchises. She joined the 'Creed' series as Bianca Taylor, appearing in 'Creed' (2015), 'Creed II' (2018), and 'Creed III' (2023). Concurrently, she became a fan favorite in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Valkyrie, first appearing in 'Thor: Ragnarok' (2017) and reprising the role in 'Avengers: Endgame' (2019), 'Thor: Love and Thunder' (2022), and 'The Marvels' (2023). Her television work also includes a prominent role as Charlotte Hale/Dolores Abernathy in the HBO dystopian series 'Westworld' from 2016 to 2022.
Beyond acting, Thompson has increasingly taken on producing roles and used her platform for activism. She executive produced and starred in the romantic drama 'Sylvie's Love' (2020), earning a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Television Movie. In 2021, her lead performance in Rebecca Hall's 'Passing' garnered her nominations for a BAFTA Award and a Gotham Independent Film Award. Thompson has been a vocal advocate for Black Lives Matter and social justice, consistently using her voice to raise awareness on important issues.
The years 2025 and 2026 have marked a significant surge in Thompson's career, showcasing her expanding influence as a producer and her continued demand as an actress. In 2025, she starred in and executive produced 'Hedda,' a film that earned her a Golden Globe nomination and a Critic's Choice award, and she also received the Gotham Film Award's Spirit Tribute Award. Entering 2026, Thompson premiered the Netflix mystery thriller limited series 'His & Hers' on January 8, which she both starred in and executive produced through her company, Viva Maude, achieving 19.9 million views within days.
Her busy schedule in 2026 continues with her Broadway debut in 'The Fear of 13' alongside Adrien Brody, with previews beginning March 19. She is also set to star in and executive produce 'Next Door,' a dark comedic thriller series for Netflix and A24, and is producing the film 'Is God Is,' slated for a May 15 release. Furthermore, Thompson is collaborating with filmmaker Jonas Carpignano on an adaptation of Katie Kitamura's bestseller 'A Separation.' Her consistent work ethic and commitment to diverse, impactful projects underscore her current status as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Tessa Thompson made different choices?