You’ve probably seen her face a dozen times and thought, "Wait, I know her from somewhere." Honestly, that’s the Iantha Richardson effect. She has this uncanny ability to blend into a role so completely that you forget she’s the same person who made you cry in This Is Us or kept you on the edge of your seat in Will Trent.
She isn't just another actress in the Hollywood machine. She’s a Fordham BFA grad who trained with Alvin Ailey, which basically means she has a level of physical discipline most actors only dream of. That background in dance isn't just a fun fact; it’s the secret sauce in how she carries herself on screen. Whether she's playing a high-stakes detective or a social worker in a dystopian future, there’s a poise there that you just can't fake.
The Breaking Point: Will Trent and the Rise of Faith Mitchell
If we're talking about iantha richardson movies and tv shows, we have to start with the big one. Faith Mitchell. In ABC’s Will Trent, Richardson doesn't just play a sidekick. She plays the grounded, often exasperated soul of the show.
Early on, Faith was sort of the "rookie" or the skeptical partner who didn't quite trust Will’s eccentric (and often annoying) genius. But by Season 3 and heading into 2026’s Season 4, she’s evolved into a powerhouse.
It's actually pretty cool to see how she’s handled the character’s growth. Faith isn't a "side piece" to the plot. She’s a mother, a daughter of a complicated legacy, and a detective who can read a room better than almost anyone. Richardson has mentioned in interviews—specifically with Urban Magazine late last year—that playing Faith taught her how "family can be your hardest and least safe space." That’s deep for a police procedural, right?
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Why Faith Mitchell Matters
- The Partnership: Her chemistry with Ramón Rodríguez is electric because it isn't romantic. It’s a "ride or die" platonic bond that feels incredibly real.
- The Directorial Debut: Here’s the kicker—Richardson actually directed Episode 409 of Will Trent. She manifested this back in 2020. That’s a huge jump from being in front of the lens to calling the shots.
- The Stunt Work: She does a lot of her own physical stuff. That "MacGyver" episode in Season 2? She described it as a dance, which brings us back to those Alvin Ailey roots.
The Roles You Forgot (But Shouldn't Have)
Before she was chasing criminals in Atlanta, Richardson was breaking hearts in some of the most popular dramas on television.
Remember the future timelines in This Is Us? Most people don’t realize she was the one playing Adult Tess Pearson. It was a pivotal role because she had to embody the legacy of Randall and Beth. She only appeared in a handful of episodes across seasons two, three, and four, but the weight of that character stayed with fans. She even had a "full circle" moment recently when her TV mom, Susan Kelechi Watson, showed up on the set of Will Trent.
Then there’s American Soul. If you haven't seen it, go find it on BET or Amazon. She played Tessa Lorraine, a choreographer for Soul Train. This was basically the perfect role for her. She got to mix her acting chops with her professional dance training, portraying the grit and glamour of the 70s music scene. She was a series regular here, and it’s arguably where she proved she could carry a show.
From Indie Shorts to The Big Remake
While she’s definitely a TV darling, iantha richardson movies and tv shows also include some interesting pivots into film.
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In 2024, she popped up in the remake of Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead. She played Caroline, and while the movie had mixed reviews (let’s be real, remakes are tough), her performance was a bright spot. It showed she could handle comedy just as well as the heavy "cry-your-eyes-out" drama of NBC.
She’s also been a staple in the indie circuit.
- Truth or Dare (2017): A gritty TV movie where she played Michelle.
- Benny Got Shot (2016): A powerful short film that won awards at festivals.
- J’ouvert: Not just an acting credit, but a project where she really started exploring her voice as a creator.
What's Next? 2026 and Beyond
Right now, as we move through early 2026, Richardson is at a turning point. Will Trent is pulling massive numbers—we’re talking nearly 5 million viewers per episode on multiplatform. But she’s clearly not satisfied with just acting.
She has a new short film in the works that she’s planning to direct once Will Trent wraps production this March. There’s also talk of her moving into features. Honestly, given her track record, a feature film directed by Iantha Richardson is probably going to be something visually stunning.
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What You Should Do Now
If you’re a fan or just getting into her work, don't just stick to the hits.
- Watch American Soul: It’s her most "authentic" role in terms of her dance background.
- Revisit the This Is Us Finale: Look for the nuances in how she plays Adult Tess; it’s a masterclass in subtle aging and character consistency.
- Follow her Directorial Path: Keep an eye out for Episode 409 of Will Trent. Watching how an actor directs their own castmates is always fascinating.
Iantha Richardson is one of those rare talents who stayed under the radar just long enough to build a rock-solid foundation. She’s a director, a dancer, and a lead actress who actually knows how to tell a story from both sides of the camera. Whether she's on a magazine cover or a gritty crime set, she's definitely the one to watch this year.
To get the full experience, check out her earlier work like Good Trouble (she was Tolu!) to see just how much range she’s truly developed over the last decade. It’s been a long road from Washington D.C. to the top of the Nielsen ratings, but she’s clearly just getting started.