If you’ve spent any time watching gritty dramas or southern-set thrillers lately, you’ve probably seen Tanyell Waivers and wondered where she came from. She’s one of those actresses who doesn't just show up; she anchors the scene. Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Waivers has that authentic, lived-in quality that casting directors for shows like Queen Sugar and The Oval absolutely crave.
Most people know her from the 2019 psychological horror hit Ma, where she shared the screen with Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer. But her filmography goes way deeper than just horror. She’s been working steadily for years, building a resume that spans from high-stakes TV procedurals to indie films that actually have something to say. Honestly, it’s about time people started talking about the range she brings to the table.
The Roles That Put Tanyell Waivers on the Map
A lot of actors struggle to find their "thing." Tanyell found hers by leaning into complex, often emotionally heavy characters. She started gaining real traction around 2017 and 2018. It wasn't an overnight success story, but a slow burn.
Queen Sugar (2016–2022)
You can't talk about Tanyell Waivers movies and tv shows without mentioning the Ava DuVernay-produced powerhouse Queen Sugar. Tanyell played Keke, a recurring character who brought a lot of heart to the series. Working on a show like that is basically a masterclass in acting. It deals with legacy, land, and family trauma in the deep South. Her performance was nuanced. It wasn't flashy for the sake of being flashy, which is exactly why it worked.
🔗 Read more: The Reality of Sex Movies From Africa: Censorship, Nollywood, and the Digital Underground
Ma (2019)
Then came Ma. If you haven't seen it, it's a wild ride. Tanyell played Mercedes, one of the teenagers who gets caught up in the twisted world of Sue Ann (played by Octavia Spencer). While the movie is a thriller/horror flick, it’s really about high school dynamics and the long-term effects of bullying. Tanyell stood her ground in scenes with some very heavy hitters. It proved she could handle the pressure of a major studio release.
Breaking Down Her Most Recent Work
The last couple of years have been particularly busy for her. It seems like she’s everywhere, from streaming platforms to cable TV.
- Dear Zoe (2022): This was a pivot. It’s a coming-of-age drama starring Sadie Sink (from Stranger Things). Tanyell played Vicky. It’s a much more grounded, emotional film than some of her earlier thriller work. It deals with grief and finding your footing after a tragedy.
- African Giants (2024): This is a more recent indie project where she played Cori. It’s a film about two brothers, but the supporting cast is what gives the story its texture.
- Lace (2021–Present): If you like legal dramas with a bit of an edge, you’ve probably seen her here. She plays Chelsea Moretti. The show airs on ALLBLK and it’s fast-paced, stylish, and messy in the best way possible.
- Abducted at an HBCU: A Black Girl Missing (2024): This was a significant TV movie for her. She played Shannon Thomlison. These types of projects are important because they highlight real-world issues through a fictional lens, and Tanyell has a knack for making those characters feel like real people you might actually know.
Why Tanyell Waivers is Different
There’s a specific kind of "industry" vibe some actors have where everything feels rehearsed. Tanyell doesn't have that. Maybe it’s her background—she actually served in the United States Army before diving headfirst into acting. That’s a fact a lot of people miss.
💡 You might also like: Alfonso Cuarón: Why the Harry Potter 3 Director Changed the Wizarding World Forever
When you spend time in the military, you develop a level of discipline and a perspective on life that most 20-something actors just don't have. You can see it in her posture and hear it in how she delivers her lines. There’s a weight to her presence. She isn't just playing "tough" or "emotional"; she’s drawing from a well of real-world experience.
A Quick Look at Her Genre Versatility
| Genre | Notable Project | Her Role |
|---|---|---|
| Horror | Gothic Harvest (2019) | Katie |
| Drama | Bayou Caviar (2018) | Shante |
| Thriller | The Demonologist (2019) | Abby |
| TV Procedural | Parish (2024) | Various/Guest |
She’s also popped up in Family Reunion on Netflix, showing she can handle lighter, more comedic timing just as well as the heavy drama of Blaze or Bayou Caviar.
What’s Next?
So, what should you keep an eye out for? Tanyell is reportedly involved in several projects currently in post-production or just hitting the festival circuit. She’s part of the cast for Nickel Boys, a film based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Colson Whitehead. This is huge. The book is devastating and vital, and the film adaptation is expected to be a major awards-season contender.
📖 Related: Why the Cast of Hold Your Breath 2024 Makes This Dust Bowl Horror Actually Work
She's also listed in credits for Lovebugs (2024) and has been doing more work with the BET+ and ALLBLK networks.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Industry Watchers
If you're looking to catch up on her career, here’s how to do it effectively:
- Start with Queen Sugar: Watch her early seasons to see her develop as Keke. It’s the best way to understand her roots as an actress.
- Don't skip the Indies: Films like African Giants show a side of her that big studio movies like Ma sometimes overshadow.
- Follow the Network: If you want to see her latest TV work, platforms like ALLBLK and BET+ are where she’s been most active lately with shows like Lace and The Oval.
- Watch for Nickel Boys: This will likely be her most critically acclaimed role to date. Keep an eye on release dates for late 2024 or early 2025.
Tanyell Waivers is a prime example of a "working actor" who is steadily crossing over into "household name" territory. She’s got the military-grade discipline, the New Orleans soul, and the range to switch from a horror victim to a high-powered legal professional without blinking.