Teyonah Parris
A Juilliard-trained actress who brings commanding grace and emotional depth to stories of Black womanhood across film and television.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American actress·Birthday: September 22·Millennials
Biography
Teyonah Parris didn't just arrive in Hollywood; she marched in with the precision of a classical actor. A graduate of the prestigious Juilliard School, she first turned heads as the ambitious secretary Dawn Chambers on 'Mad Men,' subtly navigating the show's racial tensions. She then announced her range with a sharp, funny performance in the indie hit 'Dear White People.' Parris truly commands the screen when collaborating with visionary directors, delivering a fierce, musical turn in Spike Lee's 'Chi-Raq' and a heartbreakingly restrained performance in Barry Jenkins's 'If Beale Street Could Talk.' Her role as Monica Rambeau in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, evolving from a pilot to a photon-powered superhero, cemented her ability to anchor blockbuster spectacle with grounded humanity.
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.
Teyonah was born in 1987, 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 Teyonah Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Teyonah's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed Monica Rambeau in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films 'WandaVision' and 'The Marvels.'
- Received critical acclaim for her performance as Ernestine in Barry Jenkins's Oscar-winning film 'If Beale Street Could Talk.'
- Starred as Lysistrata in Spike Lee's modern adaptation 'Chi-Raq,' a role requiring extensive verse delivery and presence.
- Broke ground as one of the first Juilliard-trained Black actresses to land a significant recurring role on 'Mad Men.'
Did You Know?
She was a member of the first graduating class of the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts & Humanities.
She initially auditioned for the role of Peggy Olson on 'Mad Men' before being cast as Dawn.
She performed in a stage production of 'The Bacchae' while at Juilliard.
“I trained at Juilliard to be ready for any role, from period drama to a Marvel film.”
