Tessa Thompson: Ethnicity, Parents, and Partner of the 'Creed' Actress Explored

Published 01/10/2026, 1:25 PM CST

Tessa Thompson is one of Hollywood’s most versatile actresses, known for her roles in Creed, Thor: Ragnarok, and a range of indie films. From small-scale productions to blockbuster franchises, she captivates audiences with a presence that is both powerful and relatable. Beyond her on-screen achievements, though, the masses are often curious about the personal life of this talented star—the roots that shaped her, the family influences that guided her, and the relationship that anchors her.

Exploring Tessa Thompson’s ethnicity, family background, and love life reveals the dimensions of a star whose presence is as compelling off-screen as it is on.

Tessa Thompson’s ethnicity

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Tessa Thompson is biracial. Her mother, Maria Thompson, is half Mexican and half White, and her father, Marc Anthony Thompson, is Afro-Panamanian. Growing up, Tessa faced bullying and racism because of her mixed background.

Her mother played a major role in helping her understand her identity. Maria Thompson gave the actress the space to explore who she was and made sure she felt proud of being who she was. Tessa Thompson has said her mother always encouraged her to be herself and embrace her roots. 

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With Tessa Thompson’s ethnicity now known, questions may arise about the detailed background of her parents, and thankfully, they are well-known enough to have easily accessible information about them.

Tessa Thompson’s parents — Their careers and more

Tessa Thompson comes from a very creative family. Her father, Marc, is a musician. He started the musical group Chocolate Genius in the '90s, worked on soundtracks for titles like Everyday People and Invisible Beauty, and debuted a theater play titled The N* Lovers in 2023. Her mother, Maria, is an artist and administrative assistant who enjoys painting and making pottery.

Marc and Maria Thompson separated when Tessa was three, but she remained close to both parents. She grew up mostly in Los Angeles with her mother and older sister, spending summers with her father in New York. Her father also encouraged her acting career early on, helping her with small projects and a music video that gave her first on-screen experience.

Tessa Thompson’s partner

Tessa Thompson has been linked to British businessman Brandon Green since March 2024. Before Green, Thompson had been open about being attracted to both men and women. In the past, she shared a very close bond with singer Janelle Monáe that fueled speculation about a romantic relationship.

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Tessa Thompson has never tried to fit into a box when it comes to her background, her relationships, or her career choices. Proud of where she comes from and open about who she loves, she carries those values into every chapter of her life.

With Brandon Green by her side and past relationships shaping her path, she remains grounded while moving forward. Now drawing viewers in His & Hers, Thompson continues to stand out as someone audiences feel truly connected to.

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What do you think about Tessa Thompson’s origins and other aspects of her personal life? Let us know in the comments.

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Seema Sinha

804 articles

Seema Sinha is a journalist at Netflix Junkie, covering the celebrity culture and global cinema beats. With three years of experience at major Hollywood media verticals, she filters real news from the gossip and buzz. Her core focus is on pop culture narratives surrounding musicians—primarily Taylor Swift—with her reporting striking a fine balance between human insight and editorial clarity.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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