You know those actors who just seem to pop up everywhere, and every time they do, the show gets about 20% better? That’s Tristin Mays. Honestly, if you grew up watching Nickelodeon or Disney Channel in the late 2000s, or if you’ve ever fallen down a Vampire Diaries rabbit hole, you’ve definitely seen her. But she isn't just a "face you recognize."
From her early days on Broadway to her years spent hacking mainframes on CBS, Mays has built a career that’s surprisingly deep. She’s one of those rare performers who survived the "child star" transition without losing her mind or her talent.
The Breakout: Riley Davis and the MacGyver Era
Most people searching for tristin mays movies and tv shows are usually looking for one thing: MacGyver.
For five seasons, she played Riley Davis, the sarcastic, genius-level hacker who could basically take down a government with a Nokia brick and some chewing gum. What made her Riley so good wasn't just the technical jargon—it was the heart. She wasn't just a "hacker trope." She was a woman dealing with a messy past, a complicated relationship with her father (played by the legendary William Baldwin), and a "will-they-won’t-they" tension with Mac that kept fans screaming at their TVs until the series finale in 2021.
Riley became the emotional glue of the Phoenix Foundation. While Lucas Till was busy making bombs out of paperclips, Mays was the one providing the grounded, human perspective that made the high-stakes action actually feel like it mattered.
Why MacGyver Still Dominates Her Filmography
- Chemistry: Her dynamic with the "Bozer" character (Justin Hires) provided some of the best comedic relief on network TV.
- Longevity: Five seasons and 94 episodes is a massive run in today's "canceled after one season" streaming world.
- Stunts: Mays frequently talked about doing her own stunt work, adding a layer of authenticity to the action sequences.
From Mystic Falls to National Treasure: The Vampire Diaries Connection
Before she was a series regular on CBS, Mays did a stint in the CW’s supernatural juggernaut, The Vampire Diaries.
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If you remember Sarah Salvatore (well, Sarah Nelson, technically), that was her. Playing a Salvatore is a big deal in that fandom. It’s like being royalty. She appeared in seasons 6 and 8, and even though her arc was relatively short-lived—Sarah didn't exactly have the best luck with the vampires around her—she left a massive impression.
It’s actually kinda funny looking back at her TVD days. She played a photography student who was just trying to live a normal life while being surrounded by literal monsters. That "normalcy" is exactly what Mays is great at projecting; she feels like someone you actually know, which makes the stakes feel way higher when things go south.
The Child Star You Didn't Realize Was a Child Star
Here is the thing most people get wrong: they think Tristin Mays started with The Vampire Diaries. Nope. Not even close.
She was a heavy hitter on Nickelodeon way before she was ever dealing with vampires. If you were a kid in the 90s, you might remember her as Shaina on Gullah Gullah Island. Yeah, the girl with the big smile on the yellow house island. She replaced the original Shaina and held it down for years.
Then came the "Disney/Nick Gauntlet." Check out this list of guest spots—it’s basically a time capsule of 2010s teen TV:
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- Victorious: She played Sherry.
- Big Time Rush: She was Stephanie King.
- Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide: Remember Bernice? The "bully" with multiple personalities? That was her. Talk about range.
- Zeke and Luther: Monica Lopez.
She even played Young Nala in the Broadway production of The Lion King. Think about that for a second. Most actors would kill for one of those credits, and she had all of them before she was 25.
What’s Happening Now? (2025 and 2026 Updates)
If you’ve been wondering where she went after MacGyver ended, you’re not alone. The industry changed a lot post-2021, but Mays hasn't slowed down. She’s moved into more "grit" and independent projects.
One of her big recent moves is the movie Bang (2025). This isn't the shiny, polished world of CBS. It’s a suspenseful action flick where she plays a character named April. She filmed it in Thailand, and from what we’ve seen in early 2026 reports, she’s doing even more of her own stunts than she did in MacGyver.
There’s also been buzz about a short film called Bernie the Dinosaur and various appearances at major industry events, like the 2025 screening of Sacramento. She’s also a total nerd in real life—she’s big into video games and has her own fashion line called Trizzio.
The Full Filmography Breakdown
Let’s be real, sometimes you just want the list. Here are the essential tristin mays movies and tv shows that define her career so far:
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Major TV Roles
- MacGyver (2016–2021): Riley Davis (Main Cast).
- The Vampire Diaries (2015–2017): Sarah Salvatore.
- T@gged (2016–2018): Brie. A darker, gritty web series that showed she could do horror/thriller stuff.
- Gullah Gullah Island (1997): Shaina.
- Alias (2001–2004): Robin Dixon. She played the daughter of Marcus Dixon.
Essential Movies
- Thunderstruck (2012): She played Isabel Sanchez opposite NBA star Kevin Durant. It’s a fun, family-friendly movie that’s still a staple on streaming services.
- The Christmas Sitters (2020): A holiday rom-com where she actually gets to show off her leading-lady comedic timing.
- House Party: Tonight's the Night (2013): Playing Autumn Rose. It’s a classic teen comedy vibe.
- The Wedding Ringer (2015): A small but memorable role as a "cute bridesmaid."
Why She Matters in the 2026 Landscape
Hollywood is currently obsessed with "authenticity." Tristin Mays has it in spades. She doesn't feel like a manufactured PR product. She interacts with fans, posts about her dogs, and talks openly about the struggles of the industry.
For anyone tracking her career, the shift from "Nickelodeon guest star" to "Action Hero" is the blueprint for a sustainable career. She’s not just waiting for the phone to ring; she’s producing, designing, and choosing roles that challenge her physically.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Creators:
- Where to watch: Most of her work, especially MacGyver and The Vampire Diaries, is currently cycling through Paramount+ and Max.
- What to watch first: If you want her best work, start with MacGyver Season 1. The growth of her character from a cynical loner to a core family member is great writing.
- Supporting her brand: Check out Trizzio if you’re into handcrafted jewelry and apparel—it’s her personal passion project that she’s been running for years.
- Keep an eye on "Bang": As it rolls out to more territories in early 2026, it’s likely going to be the role that transitions her into more "John Wick" style action cinema.
Basically, Tristin Mays is a reminder that you don't need to be the lead in a Marvel movie to be a powerhouse. You just need to be the best person on the screen every time the camera is on. Keep her on your radar—the "April" era of her career is just getting started.