Teyonah Parris is an American actress known for her work in both television and film. She was born on September 22, 1987, in Hopkins, South Carolina, and grew up in Columbia.
Parris began her acting career in theater, where she appeared in several productions before transitioning to television and film. One of her earliest roles was in the hit AMC drama series "Mad Men," where she played the role of Dawn Chambers, the first black secretary at Sterling Cooper & Partners. Her performance in "Mad Men" earned her critical acclaim and opened up many doors for her in Hollywood.
Parris's breakout role came when she was cast as Coco Conners in the 2014 satirical film "Dear White People." The film explores racial identity issues in a predominantly white Ivy League college and won numerous awards. Parris was praised for her performance, with critics citing her as one of the standout performers in the movie.
In addition to her film work, Parris has also appeared in several television shows, including "Survivor's Remorse," "Empire," and "Chi-Raq." In 2021, she was cast as the superhero Monica Rambeau in the Marvel Cinematic Universe series "WandaVision," which premiered on Disney+. Her portrayal of Rambeau was widely praised by fans and critics alike, with many praising her acting skills and her nuanced portrayal of the character.
Aside from her acting work, Parris has also appeared in several commercial campaigns, including one for the fast-food chain Wendy's. Through her commercials, she has demonstrated her ability to convey emotion and connect with viewers, which has made her a sought-after commercial actor.
Overall, Teyonah Parris is a talented actress known for her versatility and range. Her performance in films and television shows has established her as one of the rising stars in Hollywood. Her commercial work has also demonstrated her ability to connect with audiences and convey the right emotions, which has made her a favorite among advertisers.