Jillian Rose Reed
The actress who gave a generation the hilariously blunt and loyal best friend in Tamara on the hit teen series Awkward.
Born 1991 (age 35)·American actress·Birthday: December 20·Millennials
Biography
Jillian Rose Reed stepped into the cultural spotlight as Tamara Kaplan, the scene-stealing best friend on MTV's Awkward. With her sharp delivery and unwavering loyalty, Reed turned what could have been a sidekick role into a fan favorite, perfectly capturing the specific blend of sarcasm and heart that defines teenage friendships. Her career began with small roles in television and film, but it was the seven-season run on Awkward that established her presence. Beyond the show, she has consistently worked in television, appearing in series like The Ranch and The Crew, showcasing a versatility that moves beyond her breakout comedic role. Reed's impact lies in creating a character that felt authentically, sometimes painfully, real to viewers navigating high school's social minefields.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jillian was born in 1991, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jillian Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Jillian's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed the lead supporting role of Tamara Kaplan for all five seasons of MTV's hit series Awkward.
- Appeared in multiple episodes of the Netflix comedy series The Ranch as Heather.
- Starred in the Netflix family film The Main Event, expanding her reach to a younger audience.
Did You Know?
She is a trained dancer and studied at the prestigious Idyllwild Arts Academy.
She voiced a character in the popular video game Minecraft: Story Mode.
She has a close friendship with her Awkward co-star Ashley Rickards.
“Sarcasm is just my way of showing I care.”
