Tiffani Thiessen facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tiffani Thiessen
Thiessen in 2018
Born	Tiffani Amber Thiessen (1974-01-23) January 23, 1974 (age 51) Long Beach, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actress model
Years active	1989–present
Spouse(s)	Brady Smith ​ (m. 2005)​
Children	2

Tiffani Amber Thiessen (born January 23, 1974) is an American actress. She became a popular "teen idol" in the 1990s. This was thanks to her roles as Kelly Kapowski on Saved by the Bell (1989–1993) and Valerie Malone on Beverly Hills, 90210 (1994–98).

As an adult, she has continued acting in many TV shows. These include Fastlane (2002–2003), White Collar (2009–2014), and Alexa & Katie (2018–2020). For her role in Alexa & Katie, she was even nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award. Thiessen has also appeared in several movies and hosted TV shows like Dinner at Tiffani's and Deliciousness.

Early Life and Beginnings

Tiffani Thiessen was born in Long Beach, California. Her mother, Robyn, was a homemaker. Her father, Frank, designed parks and landscapes. She has said her brother, Todd, and her mother and grandmother were big inspirations for her. Thiessen has a mixed background, including German, Greek, Turkish, and Welsh heritage.

Starting in Show Business

Thiessen began her career early. She took part in beauty pageants as a child. In 1987, she won the title of Miss Junior America. The next year, she won Teen magazine's "Great Model Search." This led to her appearing on the magazine's cover. In 1989, she was named Cover Girl's "Model of the Year."

Becoming a Star

In 1989, Tiffani Thiessen got her first big acting role. She played Kelly Kapowski on the NBC sitcom Saved by the Bell. This show was very popular and helped launch her career. She starred in the show until it ended in 1993.

Success with Saved by the Bell

Her role as Kelly Kapowski earned her several nominations. She was recognized by the Young Artist Awards for her acting. While on Saved by the Bell, she also made guest appearances on other shows. These included Married... with Children and Step by Step.

In 1992, she starred in TV movies like Saved by the Bell: Hawaiian Style. Her first movie role was in Son in Law in 1993. She continued playing Kelly Kapowski in the spin-off Saved by the Bell: The College Years and the TV movie Saved by the Bell: Wedding in Las Vegas.

Joining Beverly Hills, 90210

After Saved by the Bell finished, Thiessen joined another hit show. In 1994, she took on the role of Valerie Malone in Fox's teen drama Beverly Hills, 90210. She was a main character on the show until 1998.

While on 90210, Thiessen also starred in several TV films. These included The Stranger Beside Me (1995) and Sweet Dreams (1996).

Later Career and Hosting

After leaving Beverly Hills, 90210, Thiessen appeared in more movies. These included Speedway Junky (1999) and The Ladies Man (2000). She also made guest appearances on shows like Two Guys and a Girl. In 2000, she appeared in the music video for "You're a God" by Vertical Horizon. Around this time, she also started using just "Tiffani Thiessen" professionally.

Directing and New Roles

In 2002, she appeared in the film Hollywood Ending. She then starred in the action-drama series Fastlane from 2002 to 2003. For this role, she received a Teen Choice Award nomination.

In 2003, Thiessen started her own production company. She directed a short film called Just Pray in 2005. This film won awards at several film festivals. Later, she starred in TV movies like Pandemic (2007) and the science fiction film Cyborg Soldier (2008).

From 2009 to 2014, Thiessen played Elizabeth Burke in the USA Network crime series White Collar.

Thiessen at San Diego Comic-Con in 2010

Return to Saved by the Bell and Hosting Shows

In 2015, Thiessen reunited with her Saved by the Bell co-stars. They appeared together on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in a special sketch. That same year, Thiessen began hosting her own cooking show on the Cooking Channel. It was called Dinner at Tiffani's and ran until 2017.

From 2018 to 2020, she starred as Lori Mendoza in the Netflix sitcom Alexa & Katie. In 2021, she was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for her work on the show.

In 2020, Thiessen returned to her famous role as Kelly Kapowski. She appeared in the Saved by the Bell sequel series on Peacock. She also started hosting the MTV comedy show Deliciousness.

Personal Life

Tiffani Thiessen married actor Brady Smith on July 9, 2005. They have two children together. Their daughter was born in 2010, and their son was born in 2015.

Filmography

Film Roles

Television Roles

Music Videos

Awards and Nominations

See also

In Spanish: Tiffani Thiessen para niños