TESSA>>Biography
Name: Tessa Elizabeth Allen
Birthdate: August 7, 1996
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Brown
Parents: Mr. & Mrs. Allen
Siblings: Madison, Jeanne & Adeline
Hobbies: dance, running, soccer, basketball, volleyball
If the stars shone a little brighter on August 7, 1996, it was because Tessa Elizabeth Allen was born. In Manhattan Beach California, a little baby named Tessa entered the world, destined to follow in the footsteps of her sisters and pursue an acting career. Her older sisters Madison, Jeanne and Adeline are all in 'the business' and Tessa followed suite with her first commercial for Maytag when she was just four months old. Many more commercials and print work followed. Tessa landed her big break when she was cast in the role of Gracie Hiller in "Enough," starring opposite Jennifer Lopez.
Tessa was only four years old when she began filming Enough. She kept everyone on their toes and was quickly nick named One-Take-Tessa. Despite her young age, Tessa displayed incredible emotion in her role as Gracie and earned the praise of many film critics world wide. She was often said to be the best part about the film. Due to the violent nature of the film, Jennifer Lopez, the films Director, Michael Apted, and much of the cast and crew were very protective of Tessa and the effect the films scenes and content had on her. Tessa gave them no reason for concern as she continued to be her happy playful self. Her role in Enough catapulted her to a world wide audience, although many viewers were first introduced to Tessa as Hannah Hansen in Providence. Although Enough was filmed before Providence, Tessa's recurring role as Hannah Hansen in the fourth season of Providence began airing in September 2001. Enough didn't hit theatres until May 2002, just a few weeks after the end of Providence's fourth season.
On Providence Tessa played the role of Hannah Hansen for its fourth and fifth season from September 2001 until December 2002 when it faced early cancellation. The sad truth is that Tessa might have continued her role as Hannah for several more years had the network not decided to end the season early despite fan outrage and high ratings. It was a mistake NBC admitted to, but was too late to correct. Tessa's early morning pajama scenes, in which she wore the same pajamas as her "mom" (Paula Cale) were a fan favorite and were a staple in nearly every episode she appeared in. Another favorite of both the fans and cast and crew was Tessa's scenes with her "Grandpa" (Mike Farrell). Tessa and Mike Farrell were a great match, with a fabulous ability to play off each other's lead.
After Providence ended, Tessa continued to film commercials and her next role was as Emma Kaye in an episode of CSI: Miami that can only be described as utterly chilling. Tessa was only six years old when she filmed the episode in which her character was kidnapped by a child sexual pedophile. Following the airing of this episode she was called by many fans the best child to have interacted with Horatio (David Caruso) on the show.
The following year, in February of 2003 Tessa appeared in three episodes of General Hospital as Molly, a young girl who, along with her younger brother was caught in a hotel fire. Tessa impressed the cast, crew and producers of General Hospital so much that they brought her back to General Hospital only a month later taking over the recurring role of Lesley Lu Spencer. To do this, they actually de-aged Lulu by several years so that Tessa, who was younger than the previous actress could play the role. To de-age a character is not a common practice on daytime television and so it is clear that Tessa in her role as Molly, left a lasting impression. Although she wasn't seen on General Hospital very much, Tessa was superb in her scenes. Her co-stars had nothing but praise for the young actress and she became good friends with them.
In 2005, at the age of nine Tessa joined a small cast to film a 168 Hour Film Project entitled The Walls of Jericho. She rejoined her "mother" from her Jiff Peanut Butter commercial for this short film about a woman whose daughter Emily drowned while in the care of her sister and is finding forgiveness difficult. Tessa did such a wonderful job on this short film that she earned a 168 Hour Film Project supporting actress nomination.
Tessa enjoys swimming, soccer, and basket. She is a great soccer player and loves the game; she also plays competitively on a club team. She dances various styles and also runs in city marathons. Tessa continues to do commercial work and is actively auditioning. She is a bright young star whose story has only just begun.
Tessa is Managed by David Matis and represented by Abrams Artist Agency.
© Tessa-Allen.com
updated January 2007