Theresa Tilly - Actor Profile

Theresa Tilly

Acting
Updated: Apr 14, 2026
16Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Nov 6, 1953
Birth Place: Detroit, Michigan, USA

About Theresa Tilly

Theresa Tilly made a monstrous feature film debut as Shelly in Sam Raimi's influential classic, The Evil Dead (1981). After working as a stand-up comedian in her hometown of Detroit, she set her sights on acclaimed improv comedy troupe The Second City Chicago. Her work there earned her a role on a sketch comedy pilot called YouTV, co-starring alongside late-night TV legend Steve Allen. Although the show was not picked up, it served as an impetus for the budding performer to move to Los Angeles in order to pursue her acting career. Tilly has since appeared in over 100 films, TV shows, plays, and commercials, including: Debutante (1998), opposite Selma Blair and Josh Hartnett; Back in the Day (2014), written and directed by actor Michael Rosenbaum; Appearances, a PBS special written by celebrated author Elmore Leonard; Brutal Massacre: A Comedy (2007), alongside the late horror icon Gunnar Hansen; and Oz The Great and Powerful (2013), which reunited her with The Evil Dead director Sam Raimi. She was also the first female to announce ESPN's ESPY Awards.

Theresa Tilly Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Theresa Tilly reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 16 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Theresa Tilly's work falls within the Documentary genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 31% of Theresa Tilly's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Debutante, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Theresa Tilly Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Theresa Tilly's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Theresa Tilly has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

Theresa Tilly - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Theresa Tilly?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Theresa Tilly is "Debutante" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Theresa Tilly acted in?

Theresa Tilly has been featured in at least 16 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Theresa Tilly?

Other notable films include "Invaluable: The True Story of an Epic Artist", "One by One We Will Take You: The Untold Saga of The Evil Dead", and "The Evil Dead".

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