Inside Tessa Thompson'S Artistic Family Legacy

The Creative Clan of Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson isn't just a Hollywood star; she's part of a family deeply embedded in the arts. Her father, Marc Anthony Thompson, is a seasoned musician, while her mother, Maciallah "Maria," is an artist dabbling in pottery and painting. This artistic flair doesn't stop there – Tessa's sister, Zsela, is a singer, and her brother, Jody, is a production assistant, actor, singer, and model.

Marc, originally from Panama, has been strumming the guitar and composing music for decades. In the 90s, he founded Chocolate Genius, Inc., and his music has graced projects like "Invisible Beauty" and "Everyday People." In 2023, he unveiled his play, "The N* Lovers." Meanwhile, Maria expresses her creativity through pottery, painting, and thoughtful handmade gifts.

“I really love the moon, so I think a gift like that feels so intertwined, an expression of someone saying 'I know you, I see you,' those are the gifts that really matter to me.”

Family Dynamics and Artistic Influence

After Tessa's parents parted ways when she was three, she grew up with her mother in Los Angeles. Summers were spent on the east coast with her father, who had remarried and welcomed two more children. It was Marc who first introduced Tessa to acting by directing short films for her.

Her father's influence extended to casting her in a music video, where she experienced her first on-screen kiss. The family bond deepened as Tessa transitioned into adulthood, especially with her mother. They've moved beyond the traditional parent-child dynamic to form a friendship, sharing experiences and learning from each other.

“Obviously we're mother and daughter, but we're also women with lives outside of each other and experiences the other person doesn't know about. We're choosing to be friends and to share those experiences.”

Inspired by a Mother's Wisdom

Tessa admires her mother's courage to embrace new interests without the pressure to excel immediately. This patience and willingness to learn inspire Tessa in her own life. "I'm working on being more like her in that respect. I have a ways to go," she admits.

In a world where fame often overshadows personal growth, Tessa Thompson's family stands as a testament to the power of creativity and the importance of nurturing artistic talents across generations.