Teyonah Parrishas been winning audiences' hearts with her captivating performances in numerous film and TV projects. At a very young age, Parris competed in pageants and even had a fun experience doing so, but she realized the field simply wasn’t for her: she couldn’t talk or engage with her audience. As a result, she opted for an acting career. Parris joined the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts & Humanities and later Juilliard to hone her craft. What inspired her to enroll in Juilliard was her father’s admiration of Robin Williams, a notable alumnus, and his belief that every “good” actor goes there (per her interview withHarper’s Bazaar).
In 2010, Parris first made an appearance in CBS' political drama series,TheGood Wife, which marked her official on-screen acting debut. Thereafter, her movie career commenced with short films, and, eventually, she starred in a Reese Witherspoon and Owen Wilson-led rom-com calledHow Do You Know. Most notably, Parris made her MCU debut inWandaVision, where she played Monica Rambeau, and will be reprising her role in theupcomingThe Marvels, director Nia DaCosta’s sequel toCaptain Marvel.
Here are Teyonah Parris' best movies and TV shows, ranked.
10Point Blank (2019)
Point Blank
Joe Lynch brings to youPoint Blank, a 2019 remake of a French movie of the same name. It follows Abe Guevare (played Frank Grillo), a career criminal who gets badly injured after a car runs over him during a police chase. In order to escape the hospital, Abe’s brother Mateo kidnaps an ER nurse’s (Anthony Mackie) pregnant wife (Parris) as blackmail. When Abe reveals he has evidence of police corruption, he collaborates with Paul to expose them.
What Makes It Great
Parris' Taryn Booker is of utmost significance to Paul’s character arc because her abduction and his concern for her safety are what drive him to get involved in the dangerous mission. What Parris brings to her character is emotional depth and strength as a soon-to-be-mother who is put into a risky situation. Although the movie received unfavorable reviews, director Joe Lynch’s script changes and cast performances were well-received by critics.
Stream on Netflix
9The Photograph (2020)
Directed by Stella Meghie,The Photographis about Mae (Issa Rae), who embarks on a quest to learn more about her deceased mother Christine’s past after she discovers a photograph and letter. In the process, she crosses paths with Michael (played by LaKeith Standfield), a journalist with whom she soon goes on a date with and falls in love. However, a problem arises when Michael gets a job in London and becomes worried about their new relationship getting ruined.
Parris plays the supporting role of Asia inThe Photograph, who is a close friend to Michael. Overall, the movie was praised for the breathtaking chemistry between Rae and Stanfield. It’s a kind of romantic drama that beautifully connects and balances two love stories in a simple yet heartwarming storyline. One of the main highlights is the soothing and soulful soundtrack, which complements the overall narrative.
Stream on Peacock
8If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
Based on James Baldwin’s 1974 novel,If Beale Street Could Talktakes place in 1970s Harlem. Tish and Fonny have been best friends since childhood, but as they grew older, their friendship transformed into love, and together they planned a future where they end up happily ever after. Their happiness doesn’t last long, however, when Fonny gets falsely accused of a crime that he didn’t commit. Tish is now tasked with proving his innocence and saving their future.
Whether lead or supporting, Parris knows how to stand out and deliver the best performance. As Tish’s elder sister, Ernestine, Parris elevates the plot by turning in a strong and firecracker-like persona. Ernestine is a supportive figure who stands with her sister during adversity.
As a whole, even ina non-linear narrative,If Beale Street Could Talkremains true to its source material and is compellingly told. The 2018 movie also received three Academy Award nominations, out of which Regina King took home the Oscar in the Best Supporting Actress Category.
Stream on Max
7Survivor’s Remorse (2014-2017)
Survivor’s Remorse
Wealth and fame can change everything in one’s life. While such change can potentially be good, there are also challenges and difficulties that come with it — and that’s what happens with Cam Colloway inSurvivor’s Remorse. He suddenly rises to fame when he decides to join a renowned basketball team in Atlanta, which he couldn’t have imagined in his wildest dreams. Having found a way out of their poor neighborhood, Cam and his family are required to adapt to this new life and deal with challenges that come their way.
Parris plays Missy Vaughn, Reggie’s wife and Cam Colloway’s cousin and best friend, who always has his back. She is a beautiful, intelligent, and open-minded individual who is aware of her roots even after moving to a richer neighborhood. Indeed, because of this, she, at times, also feels guilty.
Although a comedy series,Survivor’s Remorseopens discussions about important and serious topics, to which even Parris' character incredibly contributes. Being a socially aware individual, Missy knows what it’s like to be a woman of color in society and raises her voice against racial discrimination when required. The episode named “The Photo Shoot” in Season 3 is particularly noteworthy for how well Missy sparks a thought-provoking conversation around colorism.
Stream on Prime Video
6Dear White People (2014)
Dear White People
Dear White Peoplefocuses on racial tensions that arise within an educational institution. It’s follows Samantha White, whose witty radio show sparks debate when she calls out white people for their racist acts on campus. Things get even worse when the son of the school’s president, Kurt, throws a blackface party.
Dear White Peopleserved as a breakthrough for Parris, who played Collandrea “Coco” Conners. Just like other Black students on campus, it isn’t easy for her to survive in a university that is predominantly white, yet she tries her best to fit in, make friends, and not give up on her ambitions.
In a very comedic and witty way, the movie opens an honest discussion about race and identity. More specifically, it’s the outstanding cast and their multifaceted characters leave a lasting impact on the audience.
5Candyman (2021)
Candymanrevolves around Anthony, a visual artist who lives in Chicago with his girlfriend, Brianna Cartwright. One day, he meets a man named William Burke, who a few years ago witnessed another man’s death at the hands of Candyman (a vengeful spirit who brutally murders his targets). After being fascinated by the Candyman’s history, Anthony explores the Cabrini Green neighborhood for inspiration and develops an art exhibit without knowing the horrors it might bring him.
Parris plays Brianna, who, in addition to being Anthony’s girlfriend, is an art gallery director. Initially, she might appear as a secondary character trying to play along in the narrative beside the main lead. However, by the third act ofCandyman, Brianna emerges as a significant character whose intelligence and resilience speak volumes, making her a triumphant character that’s easy to root for. Compared to the 1992 original,Candymanwas a hit at the box office and received an 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, becoming one of the top10 horror movies of 2021.
4Chi-Raq (2015)
Based onLysistrata, a play written by Aristophanes, Spike Lee’sChi-Raqrevolves around a war that has been waged between two groups: Spartans and Trojans. With growing concerns about violence and the death of a child, a group of women led by Lysistrata decides to start a peace movement amidst the outbursts of violence in Chicago.
What Parris brings to her character, Lysistrata, is power, resilience, and supreme confidence, which reflects throughout a situation where people around her are blood-hungry. She also won a Black Reel Award for Best Actress. Overall, the film showcasesLee’s creative direction, impactful themes, and appealing visual styles.
Created by Matthew Weiner,Mad Menis regarded as the best television series to have been made in the Golden Age of TV. Set in 1960s New York, the series is about Donald Draper, an enigmatic individual and creative genius at Sterling Cooper, who wants to be at the top of the game in the cutthroat world of advertising. As the series progresses, we get to see how he tackles intense competition, his troubled past, and the changing sociopolitical times.
Parris depicts Dawn Chambers, who appears in the fifth season of the series. She realistically portrayed the challenges faced by women of color in the workplace, also giving us an overview of what the social climate was like during the civil rights movement. What’s more, her character represented positive change in society, signifying the importance of diversity, breaking long-standing stereotypes, and witnessing the evolution of societal norms.Mad Menhas collectively focused on numerous important themes concerning American society; it’s also well-written and directed, which has made it a beloved watch to date.
Stream on AMC+
2They Cloned Tyrone (2023)
They Cloned Tyrone
Read our Review
They Cloned Tyronefollows the story of a trio, Fontaine (a drug dealer), Slick Charles (his customer), and Yo-yo (a sex worker), who learn about a dangerous conspiracy taking place in the shadows. One day, Fontaine is brutally shot dead, but somehow, the next day, wakes up again and doesn’t remember being dead. The trio then investigates the matter when they find out the government is carrying out disturbing experiments on Black folks.
From exhibiting her flamboyant persona to using Nancy Drew books as a guide, Parris' Yo-Yo is quite unforgettable. The audience gets to witness the badass demeanor and mystery-solving skills of her character, who also equally contributes to exposing the government’s sinister moves. As per critics, the movie was lauded for its humorous take, the infectious chemistry between characters, satirical social commentary, and the ensemble’s power-packed performances.
1WandaVision (2021)
WandaVision
Avengers: Endgameconcluded several MCU characters' stories; while some got a happy ending, others couldn’t get over the death of their beloveds. One of them is Wanda, who initially lost her brother and then the love of her life, Vision.WandaVisiontakes place afterAvengers: Endgame, and follows as Wanda inadvertently uses Chaos Magic to rereate Vision and an idealized life with him in Westview. However, her happy life is interrupted by S.W.O.R.D., who becomes aware of her fake reality.
Prior toWandaVision, Monica Rambeau had already been introduced inCaptain Marvel; however, for Parris, it was her first time bringing her superhero abilities to the screen. Parris perfectly exhibited the fierceness and empathetic qualities of Monica, delivering a groundbreaking performance for which she was also nominated for Best Hero at the MTV Movie & TV Awards and for Outstanding Supporting Actress at Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards.WandaVisionitself gained multiple Emmy nominations, and as the first-ever MCU TV series on Disney+, it set the stage for a new wave of Marvel storytelling.
