Tyra Ferrell - Actor Profile

Tyra Ferrell

Acting
Updated: Apr 13, 2026
21Total Films
7.6 Highest Rated
Born: Mar 29, 1962
Birth Place: Houston, Texas, USA

About Tyra Ferrell

​From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Tyra Ferrell (born March 29, 1962) is an American actress. Ferrell was born in Houston, Texas. She moved from Houston to New York after high school and began her career on stage including roles on Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music (1981) and Ain't Misbehavin on Broadway. She made her screen debut in a small role in the 1981 comedy film So Fine, and later appeared in Lady Beware, School Daze, The Mighty Quinn, and The Exorcist III. On television, she guest-starred in Hill Street Blues, The Twilight Zone, and Quantum Leap, and had recurring roles on Square One Television, The Bronx Zoo, and Thirtysomething. In 1990, Ferrell was regular cast member on the short-lived CBS sitcom City starring Valerie Harper. In 1991, Ferrell played supporting roles in the films Boyz n the Hood and Jungle Fever. In the same year, she was listed as one of twelve "Promising New Actors of 1991" in John A. Willis' Screen World. The following year, she starred alongside Wesley Snipes in the comedy film White Men Can't Jump, and later had supporting roles in Equinox, Poetic Justice and The Perfect Score. Ferrell also played the leading role alongside Mare Winningham in the 1993 Lifetime Television movie Better Off Dead. In 1994, she had the recurring role as Dr. Sarah Langworthy during the first season of the NBC medical drama ER, and from 1996 to 1997 she co-starred alongside Corbin Bernsen on the syndicated science fiction series The Cape. In 2000, Ferrell co-starred alongside Khandi Alexander in the HBO miniseries The Corner. She later guest-starred on Soul Food, The Shield and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. In 2004, she was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special for her role in the ABC television film NTSB: The Crash of Flight 323. She returned to acting ten years later with the leading role in Tasha Smith's directorial debut, Boxed In. In 2015, Ferrell was cast in a recurring role on the second season of Fox's prime-time soap opera Empire.

Tyra Ferrell Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Tyra Ferrell reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 21 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

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

Success Ratio

Approximately 19% of Tyra Ferrell'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 Boyz n the Hood, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Tyra Ferrell Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Tyra Ferrell's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Tyra Ferrell has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2020 A New York Christmas Wedding Alison Wilks Average Similar →
2019 The Bobby Debarge Story Etterlene DeBarge Average Similar →
2015 Boxed in Gayle Flop Similar →
2004 The Perfect Score Desmond's Mother Average Similar →
1993 Poetic Justice Jessie Hit Similar →
1993 Better Off Dead. Cutter Dubuque Flop Similar →
1993 Ulterior Motives Receptionist Flop Similar →
1992 Equinox Sonya Kirk Average Similar →
1992 White Men Can't Jump Rhonda Deane Hit Similar →
1992 You Must Remember This Ricki Sewell Hit Similar →
1991 Boyz n the Hood Mrs. Baker Super Hit Similar →
1991 Jungle Fever Orin Goode Average Similar →
1990 The Exorcist III Nurse Blaine Average Similar →
1989 The Neon Empire Samantha Average Similar →
1989 The Mighty Quinn Isola Average Similar →
1988 School Daze Tasha Average Similar →
1987 Nuts Cell Woman #2 Average Similar →
1987 Lady Beware Nan Flop Similar →
1986 Are You My Mother? Tracy Flop Similar →
1984 Gimme an 'F' Rocket Rafferty Flop Similar →
1981 So Fine Receptionist Flop Similar →

Tyra Ferrell - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Tyra Ferrell?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Tyra Ferrell is "Boyz n the Hood" with a rating of 7.6/10.

How many movies has Tyra Ferrell acted in?

Tyra Ferrell has been featured in at least 21 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Tyra Ferrell?

Other notable films include "You Must Remember This", "Poetic Justice", and "White Men Can't Jump".

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