Tiffani Thiessen
Thiessen in 2018
Born
Tiffani Amber Thiessen

(1974-01-23) January 23, 1974
Long Beach, California, U.S.
OccupationActress
Years active1989–present
Known for
Spouse
​
(m. 2005)​
Children2
Websitewww.tiffanithiessen.com
Signature

Tiffani Amber Thiessen (born January 23, 1974[1]) is an American actress. Her roles as Kelly Kapowski on NBC's Saved by the Bell (1989–1993) and its spin-off media, and as Valerie Malone on Fox's Beverly Hills, 90210 (1994–98) established her as a teen idol of the 1990s. As an adult, she has played Wilhemina 'Billie' Chambers in Fox's Fastlane (2002–2003), Natasha Drew in ABC's What About Brian (2007), Elizabeth Burke in USA Network's White Collar (2009–2014), and Lori Mendoza in Netflix's Alexa & Katie (2018–2020). For the latter, she earned a Daytime Emmy Award nomination.

Thiessen has appeared in several films, such as Son in Law (1993), Speedway Junky (1999), From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money (1999), Love Stinks (1999), Ivans Xtc (2000), Shriek If You Know What I Did Last Friday the 13th (2000), The Ladies Man (2000), Hollywood Ending (2002) and Cyborg Soldier (2008). She directed the short film Just Pray (2005), for which she earned a nomination from the Tribeca Festival for Best Narrative Short. She hosted the Cooking Channel series Dinner at Tiffani's (2015–2017) and the MTV comedy clip show Deliciousness (2020–present).

Early life

Thiessen was born in Long Beach, California, the daughter of Robyn (née Ernest), a homemaker, and Frank Thiessen, a park designer and landscape architect.[2][3] She has credited her brother, Todd, as one of her most important sources of inspiration, and her mother and grandmother as role models.[4] Thiessen told InStyle magazine: "I'm a mutt. I have so much of everything in me, and half of it I don't even know. German on one side, Greek, Turkish and Welsh on the other. My mom is very olive-skinned; I get my blue eyes from my dad."[5][6]

Career

Thiessen participated in beauty pageants during her childhood and was crowned Miss Junior America in 1987. The following year, she appeared on the cover of Teen magazine, having won the magazine's "Great Model Search". In 1989, she was named Cover Girl's "Model of the Year", and landed her first role of Kelly Kapowski on NBC's television sitcom Saved by the Bell, starring until its end in 1993. The success of the show gave her career a boost and Thiessen received Young Artist Award nominations for Outstanding Young Ensemble Cast in 1990 and Best Young Actress Starring in an Off-Primetime Series in 1991 and 1993.[7][8][9] Simultaneously, Thiessen guest-starred on series such as Married... with Children, Charles in Charge and Step by Step. In 1992, she starred in her first television movies Saved by the Bell: Hawaiian Style and A Killer Among Friends, making her film debut in Son in Law in 1993. She then continued with starring in spin-off Saved by the Bell: The College Years in its single season (1993–94) and in television movie Saved by the Bell: Wedding in Las Vegas (1994), which marked the end of the original Saved by the Bell series.

In 1994, after her tenure on Saved by the Bell had ended, Thiessen landed the role of Valerie Malone in Fox's Aaron Spelling-produced hit teen-drama Beverly Hills, 90210, to fill the void after Shannen Doherty's departure. She was the first actress to join directly the main cast of the show and portrayed Valerie until 1998, when she left in the early episodes of the ninth season of the show. While starring in 90210, Thiessen began to take on continuous dramatic leading roles in television films: The Stranger Beside Me (1995) and She Fought Alone (1995), Sweet Dreams and Buried Secrets in 1996. After her departure from the show, she appeared in a number of films, including Speedway Junky (1999), From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money (1999), Love Stinks (1999) and The Ladies Man (2000); she also guest-starred on NewsRadio (1999), Two Guys and a Girl (2000), Just Shoot Me! (2001) and Good Morning, Miami (2003–04). In 2000, she was featured in the music video for "You're a God" by Vertical Horizon, portraying a beauty pageant contestant, in her first music video appearance. That year she also dropped her middle name which she had been including professionally for many years and is now credited as simply Tiffani Thiessen.[10] Thiessen was Spelling's first choice to replace Doherty in the series Charmed in 2001, but she refused his offer because she was hoping the NBC pilot for Everything But the Girl would be picked up.[11] The role eventually went to Rose McGowan.

Meanwhile, Thiessen starred in direct-to-video parody film Shriek If You Know What I Did Last Friday the Thirteenth (2000) and in television movie Everything But the Girl (2001), before appearing in the Woody Allen-directed film Hollywood Ending (2002) and starring in action-drama series Fastlane (2002–03) as Wilhelmina 'Billie' Chambers, for which she received a Teen Choice Award nomination for Choice TV Actress – Drama/Action Adventure.[12] In 2003, she launched her production company Tit 4 Tat Productions, producing and directing the short film Just Pray in 2005,[13] which earned distinctions at several film festivals,[14] including winning Best Score at the Rhode Island International Film Festival, an Academy Award qualifying festival. The original motion picture soundtrack album, co-produced by Thiessen and Al Gomes of Big Noise, was placed on the Official Ballot for the 49th Annual Grammy Awards by The Recording Academy in several categories including Best Compilation Soundtrack Album For Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media.[15]

Later on, she starred in television movies Stroller Wars (2006) and Pandemic (2007), she joined the cast of ABC's drama What About Brian (2007) for its last five episodes and starred in the science fiction film Cyborg Soldier (2008). In 2008, she made her second music video appearance, this time for Ben Lee's "American Television". Thiessen appeared with her husband Brady Smith on the September 6, 2009 episode of season four of the reality show HGTV Design Star. Interior designer Lonni Paul, one of the final three contestants of the season, was given the task of redesigning Thiessen's guest bedroom with an eco-friendly theme; Thiessen and Paul now have a nursery furniture line called PetitNest.[16] From 2009 through 2014 Thiessen appeared in the USA Network crime series White Collar as Elizabeth Burke.

Thiessen at the San Diego Comic-Con in 2010

On February 4, 2015, Thiessen reunited with Saved By the Bell costars Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Elizabeth Berkley, Dennis Haskins and Mario Lopez on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, in which they appeared in a Saved by the Bell sketch with host Jimmy Fallon.[17][18][19] In the same year, Thiessen started hosting her own show on Cooking Channel called Dinner at Tiffani's, which ran until 2017.

On June 7, 2017, Thiessen was cast as Lori Mendoza, mother of the Mendoza family on the multi camera Netflix sitcom Alexa & Katie, which premiered its first two seasons on March 23 and December 26, 2018.[20] In 2021, at the 48th Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Awards, she was nominated in the category of Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Daytime Fiction Program.[21]

In March 2020, it was announced that Thiessen would join the cast of the Saved by the Bell sequel series, reprising her role as Kelly Kapowski. She guest-starred in three episodes.[22] The show premiered on NBCUniversal's streaming network Peacock beginning November 2020.[23] In November, it was announced that Thiessen would host the MTV comedy clip show Deliciousness, a spinoff of that network's previous program, Ridiculousness.[24]

Charity work

In April 2013, she participated in the One Bag party as part of Earth Month, in which the Glad company promoted "clean, green living".[25]

Public image

Thiessen was a teen idol during the 1990s, starting from her role as cheerleader Kelly Kapowski on Saved by the Bell and then playing bad girl Valerie Malone on Beverly Hills, 90210. In a much-discussed moment, Justin Bieber appeared wearing a T-shirt with a photo of Thiessen in her Saved by the Bell days at the 2011 MuchMusic Video Awards,[26] admitting his admiration for her. Basketball player Chris Paul also revealed publicly that he was a fan of Thiessen back then, when she sent him an autographed Saved by the Bell-era photograph of herself for his 29th birthday in 2014.[27]

Personal life

Thiessen dated her Saved By the Bell co-star Mark-Paul Gosselaar (who played Zack in the show). She also dated Mario Lopez, who played A.C. Slater, from 1991 to November 1993.[28][29][30][31]

In early 1992, Thiessen started dating her future 90210 co-star Brian Austin Green, introduced by mutual friend David Faustino;[32] they moved in together in July 1994, then broke up the next year.[33] In 1999, she went through a difficult period in her personal life, when David Strickland, also an actor, whom she had begun dating, died by suicide.[34] From 2001 to the spring of 2003, she was engaged to actor Richard Ruccolo, whom she had met during the Two Guys and a Girl run.[35] She married actor Brady Smith on July 9, 2005,[35] and they have two children: a daughter born in 2010,[36] and a son born in 2015.[37]

Thiessen served as maid of honor at 90210 co-star and best friend Jennie Garth's 2001 wedding to actor Peter Facinelli, with whom she co-starred on Fastlane. Garth and Thiessen's friendship has since come to an end.[38] Her friendship with fellow 90210 star Tori Spelling also ended after Spelling's marriage to her first husband ended.[39]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1993 Son in Law Tracy
1999 Speedway Junky Wilma Price
1999 From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money Pam Direct-to-video film
1999 Love Stinks Rebecca Melini / Juliette
2000 Ivans XTC Marie Stein
2000 The Ladies Man Honey DeLune
2000 Shriek If You Know What I Did Last Friday the Thirteenth Hagitha Utslay Direct-to-video film
2001 A Christmas Adventure ...from a Book Called Wisely's Tales Vixen (voice) Direct-to-video film
2002 Hollywood Ending Sharon Bates
2005 Just Pray Short film; director
2008 Cyborg Soldier Lindsey Reardon

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1989 Live-In Girl Episode: "Mommy and Me and Au Pair Make Three"
1989–93 Saved by the Bell Kelly Kapowski Main role
1990 Charles in Charge Jennifer Episode: "There's a Girl in My Ficus"
1990 Married... with Children Heather McCoy Episode: "What Goes Around Came Around"
1990 The Hogan Family Brooke Episode: "California Dreamin': Parts 1 & 2"
1992 Step by Step Tina Gordon Episode: "Daddy's Girl"
1992 Blossom Ricki Episode: "Driver's Education"
1992 Saved by the Bell: Hawaiian Style Kelly Kapowski Television movie
1992 The Powers That Be Barbara Episode: "The Intern"
1992 A Killer Among Friends Jenny Monroe Television movie
1993–94 Saved by the Bell: The College Years Kelly Kapowski Main role
1994 Saved by the Bell: Wedding in Las Vegas Kelly Kapowski Television movie
1994–98, 2000 Beverly Hills, 90210 Valerie Malone Main role
1995 The Stranger Beside Me Jennifer Gallagher Television movie
1995 She Fought Alone Caitlin Rose Television movie
1996 Sweet Dreams Alison Sullivan Television
1996 Buried Secrets Annalisse Vellum Television movie; also co-producer
1999 Cupid Stephanie MacGregor Episode: "Children's Hour"
1999 NewsRadio Foxy Jackson Episode: "Assistant"
2000 Two Guys and a Girl Marti Recurring role; 8 episodes
2001 Everything But the Girl Denise Pilot movie
2001 Just Shoot Me! Amy Watson Recurring role; 3 episodes
2002–03 Fastlane Wilhelmina 'Billie' Chambers Main role
2003–04 Good Morning, Miami Victoria Hill Recurring role; 11 episodes
2006 Stroller Wars Lainey Television movie
2007 Pandemic Kayla Martin Miniseries; main role[40]
2007 What About Brian Natasha Drew Recurring role; 5 episodes[41]
2009–14 White Collar Elizabeth Burke Main role[42]
2012–16 Jake and the Never Land Pirates Misty the Wonderful Witch / Mermaid Recurring voice role
2014 Northpole Chelsea Hastings Television movie
2015 Hell's Kitchen Herself Episode: "Winner Chosen"
2015 The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Kelly Kapowski Saved by the Bell sketch
2015–17 Dinner at Tiffani's Herself / Hostess Cooking Channel series; also executive producer
2017 American Housewife Celeste Episode: "Dude, Where's My Napkin"
2017 Food Network Star Herself Episode: "Summer Party Playoffs"
2018–2020 Alexa & Katie Lori Mendoza Main role
2019 Sugar Rush Christmas Herself Episode: "Here Comes Santa Claus"
2020–2021 Saved by the Bell Kelly Kapowski Morris Recurring role
2020–present Deliciousness Herself Clip show; host

Music videos

Year Song Artist Role Notes
2000 "You're a God" Vertical Horizon Herself
2008 "American Television" Ben Lee Herself
2020 "Pick Her Up" Hot Country Knights Dierks Bentley's alter ego

Accolades

Year Association Category Work Result Ref.
1990 Young Artist Awards Outstanding Young Ensemble Cast Saved by the Bell Nominated [7]
1991 Best Young Actress Starring in an Off-Primetime Series Nominated [8]
1993 Best Young Actress Starring in an Off-Primetime Series Nominated [9]
2003 Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actress – Drama/Action Adventure Fastlane Nominated [12]
2005 Tribeca Festival Awards Best Narrative Short Just Pray Nominated [14]
2021 Daytime Emmy Awards Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Daytime Fiction Program Alexa & Katie Nominated [21]

References

  1. ↑ "Today's famous birthdays list for January 23, 2021 includes celebrities Mariska Hargitay, Tiffani Thiessen". Cleveland.com. January 23, 2021. Retrieved February 3, 2022.
  2. ↑ Randee Dawn (April 25, 2019). "Tiffani Thiessen shares throwback pic of look-alike mom". www.today.com. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  3. ↑ "Tiffani Thiessen Credits Family for Her Motherhood Success". Peoplemag. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  4. ↑ "Tiffani Thiessen's interview". Tiffani Thiessen fansite. Archived from the original on November 4, 2007. Retrieved November 14, 2007.
  5. ↑ "InStyle Interview". tiffanithiessen.org. November 1998. p. 261.
  6. ↑ Team, Greek Gateway. "Celebrities you didn't know were of Greek descent". Greek Gateway - The Top Greek Entertainment Website. Retrieved April 8, 2017.
  7. 1 2 "11th Annual Awards". April 9, 2014. Archived from the original on April 9, 2014. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  8. 1 2 "13th Annual Awards". April 3, 2011. Archived from the original on April 3, 2011. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  9. 1 2 "14th Annual Awards". February 17, 2011. Archived from the original on February 17, 2011. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  10. ↑ "TV STUFF: Tiffani Drops Amber". Hollywood.com. March 29, 2000. Archived from the original on March 18, 2016. Retrieved November 12, 2007.
  11. ↑ "Charm's Way". Entertainment Weekly. June 12, 2001. Retrieved December 25, 2012.
  12. 1 2 Billboard Staff (June 18, 2003). "2003 Teen Choice Awards Nominees". Billboard. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  13. ↑ "News". imdb.com. February 25, 2005. Retrieved December 23, 2012.
  14. 1 2 "Tribeca Film Festival (2005)". IMDb. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  15. ↑ "Tiffani Thiessen 'Just Pray' Soundtrack Official Site". Retrieved October 10, 2006.
  16. ↑ "About us". Petitnest.com. Archived from the original on April 27, 2012. Retrieved December 23, 2012.
  17. ↑ "Watch a Glorious Saved by the Bell Reunion Courtesy of Jimmy Fallon". Time. Retrieved February 20, 2015.
  18. ↑ "Jimmy Fallon assembled the cast of 'Saved by The Bell' for an epic reunion". Business Insider. Retrieved February 20, 2015.
  19. ↑ "Jimmy Fallon reunites most of the 'Saved by the Bell' cast". Los Angeles Times. February 5, 2015. Retrieved February 20, 2015.
  20. ↑ Nellie Andreeva (June 7, 2017). "Tiffani Thiessen To Co-Star In Netflix Multi-Camera Comedy 'Alexa & Katie'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
  21. 1 2 Hipes, Patrick (June 8, 2021). "Daytime Emmy Awards Sets Host; Nominees Include Alex Trebek, Larry King – Update". Deadline. Retrieved April 13, 2023.
  22. ↑ "The 'Saved By The Bell' Reboot Will Feature Zack & Kelly Together Again". Bustle. March 1, 2020. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  23. ↑ "Saved by the Bell revival drops first official trailer: 'The old gang back together'". Entertainment Weekly. October 27, 2020. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  24. ↑ Borge, Jonathan (November 23, 2020). "MTV's Ridiculousness Spinoff Is Guaranteed To Make You Hungry—And Make You Laugh". E! Online.
  25. ↑ Elavsky, Cindy (May 19, 2013). "Celebrity Extra". Downriver Sunday Times. Times-Herald Newspapers. Retrieved August 2, 2013.
  26. ↑ "Justin Bieber wears Tiffani Thiessen". Daily News. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
  27. ↑ Finn, Natalie (June 3, 2014). "Chris Paul Gets "Best" Birthday Gift—A Saved by the Bell-Era Autographed Photo of Tiffani Thiessen!". E! Online. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
  28. ↑ Barbuti, Angela (December 29, 2021). "What You Never Knew About Tiffani Thiessen". TheList.com. Retrieved February 10, 2022.
  29. ↑ "Login • Instagram". www.instagram.com. {{cite web}}: Cite uses generic title (help)
  30. ↑ "Mario Lopez shares fond memories of dating Tiffani Thiessen in real life". TODAY.com. October 22, 2019.
  31. ↑ "Mario Lopez And Tiffani Thiessen Share 'Saved By The Bell' Memories | TODAY All Day". YouTube.
  32. ↑ "Brian Austin Green & Tiffani-Amber Thiessen". People.com. February 13, 1995. Retrieved June 28, 2012.
  33. ↑ "Robin Williams Secures an 'Aladdin' Sequel". Entertainment Weekly. October 9, 1995. Retrieved December 23, 2012.
  34. ↑ "Sudden Tragedy". Entertainment Weekly. April 2, 1999. Retrieved December 23, 2012.
  35. 1 2 "Tiffani Thiessen Weds Actor Brady Smith". People.com. July 12, 2005. Retrieved June 28, 2012.
  36. ↑ Oh, Eunice (June 15, 2010). "Tiffani Thiessen Welcomes Daughter Harper Renn". People. Retrieved February 1, 2019.
  37. ↑ Stroup, Kate; Leon, Anya (July 2, 2015). "Tiffani Thiessen Welcomes Son Holt Fisher". People.com. Retrieved October 9, 2016.
  38. ↑ "Jennie Garth, Tiffani Thiessen Still Not Speaking". Us Weekly. May 15, 2012. Retrieved June 28, 2012.
  39. ↑ "Tiffani Amber Thiessen Discusses Co-Star Feuds". The inquisitr. July 31, 2012. Retrieved December 23, 2012.
  40. ↑ "2007 TV Mini-Series 'Pandemic'…Eerily Looks Familiar". Mercer County Outlook. April 16, 2020. Retrieved February 10, 2022.
  41. ↑ "Tiffani Thiessen joins 'What About Brian'". UPI. Retrieved February 10, 2022.
  42. ↑ "Tiffani Thiessen: 'White Collar' is a Dream Job | Entertainment Tonight". www.etonline.com. January 31, 2012. Retrieved February 10, 2022.
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