With a southern charm, unparalleled drive and a trademark smile, Teyonah Parris is making strong waves in the acting world from her stunning portrayal of “Don Draper’s” (Jon Hamm) assistant “Dawn Chambers” in AMC’s Golden Globe® award winning series “Mad Men,” to her current starring role as the sophisticated “Missy Vaughn” in “Survivors Remorse,” which just completed its third record breaking season on STARZ. Additionally, Parris is known for her captivating turn as “Lysistrata” in the critically acclaimed feature CHI-RAQ.

 

Making her debut on the ‘Silver Screen’ and the ‘Great White Way’ in 2011,’ Parris shared the stage at Lincoln Center alongside Jeffrey Wright and Mos Def in Broadway's, A Free Man of Color, while also celebrating the release of her first feature film, Columbia Pictures' romantic comedy, HOW DO YOU KNOW directed by James L. Brooks playing opposite Reese Witherspoon.

 

As a graduate of the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City, Parris has already worked with such notable names as Debbie Allen, Spike Lee, and George C. Wolfe amongst others. She has trained under distinguished professors, Richard Feldman and Wendy Waterman. During her time in undergrad, Parris performed in numerous productions crediting “Celimene” in Moliere's 'The Misanthrope,' as her favorite role to date.

 

Growing up in South Carolina as a middle child and the only girl in her family, Parris was a self-proclaimed tomboy and beauty queen, always thriving on being unique and never adhering to stereotypes. She started her journey in front of audiences by participating in pageants and modeling. 

An early notable memory is of her winning the title of ‘Ms. Lower Richland High School,’ where she was the first freshman and African-American on record to win the title. In addition to modeling and playing softball, Parris was also active on her high school's cheerleading squad, step and dance 

teams.

 

In her rare free time, Parris supports causes close to her heart, such as empowering the youth to embrace their natural beauty. Parris has also been a part of the 'Designers Against Aids,' photo shoot for World Aids Day to raise HIV/AIDS awareness.

 

Teyonah enjoys interacting with her fans; you can follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @TeyonahParris.