Tiffani Thiessen: Difference between revisions
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When Tiffani was 8, her uncle suggested that she try acting and modeling. Soon afterward, she appeared in her first TV commercial, for Peaches and Cream Barbie. Thiessen then began professionally posing at age seven, appearing in both print and TV ads as well as catalogues. From there she started competing in several beauty pageants in the mid 80's. After a childhood of beauty pageants, Thiessen was crowned Miss Junior America in 1987 and won ''[[Teen (magazine)|Teen]]'' magazine's "Great Model Search" in 1988, gracing the cover of that issue. After winning the title Miss Junior America in 1987, she moved on to acting. |
When Tiffani was 8, her uncle suggested that she try acting and modeling. Soon afterward, she appeared in her first TV commercial, for Peaches and Cream Barbie. Thiessen then began professionally posing at age seven, appearing in both print and TV ads as well as catalogues. From there she started competing in several beauty pageants in the mid 80's. After a childhood of beauty pageants, Thiessen was crowned Miss Junior America in 1987 and won ''[[Teen (magazine)|Teen]]'' magazine's "Great Model Search" in 1988, gracing the cover of that issue. After winning the title Miss Junior America in 1987, she moved on to acting. |
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In 1989, she did not compete in any beauty pageants and moved on to pursue acting. At the age of fifteen, she auditioned for the role of Kelly Kapowski in ''[[Saved by the Bell]]'', but the producers of the show did not know who to cast for the role of Kelly Kapowski, [[Elizabeth Berkley]] also being up for the part. In the end, Thiessen got the role as the producers created the character of Jessie for Berkley. Her character popular on the show and within the industry and in 1989 she was nominated for the [[Young Artist Award]] for Outstanding Young Ensemble Cast, also being nominated in 1991 and 1992, but did not win. The show was so successful that the six main cast members were immortalized in [[toy]] form when a 12 inch [[doll]] was made of each character. Nowadays, the dolls are very [[collectable]] and sell for much more than they did at the time of their original production and release. She portrayed [[Kelly Kapowski]], in the short-lived ''[[Saved by the Bell: The College Years]]''. Thiessen began to appear in guest roles on several television film, including ''[[Saved by the Bell: Hawaiian Style|Hawaiian Style]]'', ''A Killer Among Friends'', and ''[[Saved by the Bell: Wedding in Las Vegas|Wedding in Las Vegas]]''. |
In 1989, she did not compete in any beauty pageants and moved on to pursue acting. At the age of fifteen, she auditioned for the role of Kelly Kapowski in ''[[Saved by the Bell]]'', but the producers of the show did not know who to cast for the role of Kelly Kapowski, [[Elizabeth Berkley]] also being up for the part. In the end, Thiessen got the role as the producers created the character of Jessie for Berkley. Her character popular on the show and within the industry and in 1989 she was nominated for the [[Young Artist Award]] for Outstanding Young Ensemble Cast, also being nominated in 1991 and 1992, but did not win. The show was so successful that the six main cast members were immortalized in [[toy]] form when a 12 inch [[doll]] was made of each character. Nowadays, the dolls are very [[collectable]] and sell for much more than they did at the time of their original production and release. She portrayed [[Kelly Kapowski]], in the short-lived ''[[Saved by the Bell: The College Years]]''. Thiessen began to appear in guest roles on several television film, including ''[[Saved by the Bell: Hawaiian Style|Hawaiian Style]]'', ''A Killer Among Friends'', and ''[[Saved by the Bell: Wedding in Las Vegas|Wedding in Las Vegas]]''. During the years of ''Saved by the Bell'', Tiffani was seen in guest roles on shows like ''[[Charles in Charge]]'' (1990), ''[[Married... with Children]]'' (1990), ''[[The Hogan Family]]'' (1990), ''[[Step by Step (TV series)|Step by Step]]'' (1992), and ''[[The Powers That Be (TV series)|The Powers That Be]]'' (1992). |
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During the years of ''Saved by the Bell'', Tiffani was seen in guest roles on shows like ''[[Charles in Charge]]'' (1990), ''[[Married... with Children]]'' (1990), ''[[The Hogan Family]]'' (1990), ''[[Step by Step (TV series)|Step by Step]]'' (1992), and ''[[The Powers That Be (TV series)|The Powers That Be]]'' (1992). |
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After ''Saved by the Bell'' Tiffani was looking for a different kind of character. In 1994 a new Tiffani arrived on the scene. She had a whole new look with her shorter hairstyle. Tiffani then appeared in many films including ''[[The Stranger Beside Me]]'' (1995), ''[[She Fought Alone]]'' (1995), ''[[Sweet Dreams]]'' (1996), and ''[[Buried Secrets]]'' (1996). This time instead of the preppy, cheerful, cheerleader Tiffani played a blackmailing, corrupt vixed that knew what she wanted and would stop at nothing to get it. During this time, she went through a many television movies, and also a small role alongside [[Pauly Shore]] in the comedy ''[[Son in Law]]'' in 1993. Still trying to surpass her former role as wholesome Kelly on Saved by the Bell, Tiffani posed nude several times in both Veronica and New Look magazines.<ref>[http://www.tv.com/tiffani-thiessen/person/1525/biography.html After Saved by the Bell.]</ref> |
After ''Saved by the Bell'' Tiffani was looking for a different kind of character. In 1994 a new Tiffani arrived on the scene. She had a whole new look with her shorter hairstyle. Tiffani then appeared in many films including ''[[The Stranger Beside Me]]'' (1995), ''[[She Fought Alone]]'' (1995), ''[[Sweet Dreams]]'' (1996), and ''[[Buried Secrets]]'' (1996). This time instead of the preppy, cheerful, cheerleader Tiffani played a blackmailing, corrupt vixed that knew what she wanted and would stop at nothing to get it. During this time, she went through a many television movies, and also a small role alongside [[Pauly Shore]] in the comedy ''[[Son in Law]]'' in 1993. Still trying to surpass her former role as wholesome Kelly on Saved by the Bell, Tiffani posed nude several times in both Veronica and New Look magazines.<ref>[http://www.tv.com/tiffani-thiessen/person/1525/biography.html After Saved by the Bell.]</ref> |
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Revision as of 05:57, 30 November 2008
Tiffani Thiessen | |
|---|---|
| Born | Tiffani-Amber Thiessen |
| Occupation(s) | Actress, producer |
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Spouse | Brady Smith (2005-Present) |
Tiffani Thiessen (born Tiffani-Amber Thiessen on January 23, 1974) is an American actress known for her roles as Kelly Kapowski in Saved by the Bell and as Valerie Malone in Beverly Hills, 90210. After many years of going by her full name, Tiffani-Amber Thiessen, she is now credited as simply Tiffani Thiessen.[1]
Early life
Thiessen was born in Long Beach, California. Her father, Frank, was a park designer; her mother, Robyn, was a homemaker. She is of Turkish, German, Greek and Welsh descent. She 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."[2] She credits her brother, Todd, as one of her most important sources of inspiration, and her mother and grandmother as role models.[3] Her uncle, Roger Ernest, attended college with Steven Spielberg and co-wrote one of his student films called Slipstream. He also appeared in Close Encounters of the Third Kind and The Sugarland Express, playing a police officer in both films. Ernest was the first person to suggest that Thiessen enter show business.
Career
When Tiffani was 8, her uncle suggested that she try acting and modeling. Soon afterward, she appeared in her first TV commercial, for Peaches and Cream Barbie. Thiessen then began professionally posing at age seven, appearing in both print and TV ads as well as catalogues. From there she started competing in several beauty pageants in the mid 80's. After a childhood of beauty pageants, Thiessen was crowned Miss Junior America in 1987 and won Teen magazine's "Great Model Search" in 1988, gracing the cover of that issue. After winning the title Miss Junior America in 1987, she moved on to acting.
In 1989, she did not compete in any beauty pageants and moved on to pursue acting. At the age of fifteen, she auditioned for the role of Kelly Kapowski in Saved by the Bell, but the producers of the show did not know who to cast for the role of Kelly Kapowski, Elizabeth Berkley also being up for the part. In the end, Thiessen got the role as the producers created the character of Jessie for Berkley. Her character popular on the show and within the industry and in 1989 she was nominated for the Young Artist Award for Outstanding Young Ensemble Cast, also being nominated in 1991 and 1992, but did not win. The show was so successful that the six main cast members were immortalized in toy form when a 12 inch doll was made of each character. Nowadays, the dolls are very collectable and sell for much more than they did at the time of their original production and release. She portrayed Kelly Kapowski, in the short-lived Saved by the Bell: The College Years. Thiessen began to appear in guest roles on several television film, including Hawaiian Style, A Killer Among Friends, and Wedding in Las Vegas. During the years of Saved by the Bell, Tiffani was seen in guest roles on shows like Charles in Charge (1990), Married... with Children (1990), The Hogan Family (1990), Step by Step (1992), and The Powers That Be (1992).
After Saved by the Bell Tiffani was looking for a different kind of character. In 1994 a new Tiffani arrived on the scene. She had a whole new look with her shorter hairstyle. Tiffani then appeared in many films including The Stranger Beside Me (1995), She Fought Alone (1995), Sweet Dreams (1996), and Buried Secrets (1996). This time instead of the preppy, cheerful, cheerleader Tiffani played a blackmailing, corrupt vixed that knew what she wanted and would stop at nothing to get it. During this time, she went through a many television movies, and also a small role alongside Pauly Shore in the comedy Son in Law in 1993. Still trying to surpass her former role as wholesome Kelly on Saved by the Bell, Tiffani posed nude several times in both Veronica and New Look magazines.[4]
In 1994, Thiessen was casted in the hit teen-drama Beverly Hills, 90210 playing Valerie Malone as a sexy vixen. This was very different from her previous roles, playing a naive, and a fun young woman but also a trouble maker at times. She portrayed her role as Valerie Malone for five season. This role was dangerous and deceitful. With her new short hair and prominent, Thiessen became the center of affection for just about everyone on the show. She created lots of love triangles and most of the time, was in the middle of them.
As far as one knows, she enjoyed it on and off-set, especially spending time with boyfriend, Brian Austin Green, who had played David Silver on the show. However, she felt as if she was being used as a sex object and was getting quite annoyed with it. "I was literally in underwear for the first three years of '90210'. I finally had to go to the producers and say, 'Look, I'm here to do a job, not to be naked the entire time. And in 1998, she left the show to venture into the film industry.
Thiessen later guest-starred in the sitcom Two Guys and a Girl and the short-lived action show Fastlane, as well as guest-starring on Just Shoot Me! playing Amy Watson. Her transition to film has not gone well so far, as most of her movies have been critically panned. In 2002, she appeared in the film Hollywood Ending, directed by Woody Allen.
In 2005, Thiessen directed a 21-minute film called Just Pray. It placed at several film festivals and was the first major effort from her new production company, Tit 4 Tat Productions.
In January 2007, Thiessen joined the cast of ABC's drama What About Brian, playing the boss of Brian, and potential love interest for Adam. However, in May 2007, ABC officially canceled the series.
Personal life
She has had past relationships with co-stars Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Brian Austin Green and Mario Lopez. In March of 1999, Thiessen's then-boyfriend, actor David Strickland, committed suicide. From October 2001 to April 2003, she was engaged to actor Richard Ruccolo, whom she had met during the Two Guys and a Girl run. On July 9, 2005, she married actor Brady Smith in Montecito, California.
Thiessen is a part of the Make-a-Wish Foundation. In February 2006, she accepted an invitation to serve on the National Advisory Council for the organization.
Filmography
| Year | Titel | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Saved by the Bell | Kelly Kapowski | TV series (1989-1993) |
| 1992 | Saved by the Bell: Hawaiian Style | Kelly Kapowski | TV movie |
| A Killer Among Friends | Jenny Monroe | TV movie | |
| 1993 | Son in Law | Tracy | |
| 1993 | Saved by the Bell: The College Years | Kelly Kapowski | TV series (1993-1994) |
| 1994 | Saved by the Bell: Wedding in Las Vegas | Kelly Kapowski | TV movie |
| Beverly Hills, 90210 | Valerie Malone | TV series (1994-1999) | |
| 1995 | The Stranger Beside Me | Jennifer Gallagher | TV movie |
| She Fought Alone | Caitlin Rose | TV movie | |
| 1996 | Sweet Dreams | Alison Sullivan | TV movie |
| Buried Secrets | Annalisse Vellum | TV movie (also co-producer) | |
| 1999 | Speedway Junky | Wilma Price | |
| From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money | Pam | ||
| Love Stinks | Rebecca Melini/Juliette | ||
| 2000 | Ivans XTC | Marie Stein | |
| The Ladies Man | Honey DeLune | ||
| Shriek If You Know What I Did Last Friday the Thirteenth | Hagitha Utslay | ||
| 2001 | Everything But the Girl | Denise | TV movie |
| A Christmas Adventure from a Book Called Wisely's Tales | Vixen (voice) | ||
| Just Shoot Me! | Amy Watson | 3 episodes | |
| 2002 | Hollywood Ending | Sharon Bates | |
| 2002 | Fastlane | Wilhelmina 'Billie' Chambers | TV series (2002-2003) |
| 2005 | Just Pray | Short film (co-producer only) | |
| 2006 | Stroller Wars | Lainey | TV series |
| 2007 | Pandemic | Kayla Martin | TV movie |
| What About Brian | Natasha Drew | TV series | |
| 2008 | Cyborg Soldier | Lindsey Reardon |
Award nominations
- 2003 - Choice TV Actress: Drama, "Fastlane"
- 1989 - Outstanding Young Ensemble Cast, "Saved by the Bell"
- 1991 - Best Young Actress Starring in an Off-Prime Time or Cable Series, "Saved by the Bell"
- 1992 - Best Young Actress in an Off-Prime Time Series, "Saved by the Bell"
Radio
- Recorded a public service announcement for Deejay Ra's 'Hip-Hop Literacy' campaign
- She was featured in the following music videos:
- "You're a God" by Vertical Horizon
- "American Television" by Australian artist Ben Lee.
References
- ^ "TV STUFF: Tiffani Drops Amber". Hollywood.com. 2000-03-29. Retrieved 2007-11-12.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Tiffani-Amber Thiessen--Star of Beverly Hills 90210". Tiffani Thiessen fansite. November 1998. Retrieved 2007-11-14.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Tiffani Thiessen's interview". Tiffani Thiessen fansite. Retrieved 2007-11-14.
- ^ After Saved by the Bell.
External links
- Official website
- Tiffani Thiessen at IMDb
- tit 4 tat Productions - Thiessen's production company. Includes her profile.
- Biography at TV.com
- Fansite