Tiffani Amber Thiessen, born January 23, 1974, in Long Beach, California, is an American actress, producer, director, and television host renowned for her roles as Kelly Kapowski in Saved by the Bell and Valerie Malone in Beverly Hills, 90210. A teen idol of the 1990s, Thiessen transitioned from a child model to a versatile entertainer, starring in series like White Collar and Alexa & Katie, and hosting Dinner at Tiffani’s on the Cooking Channel. Her career spans over three decades, encompassing acting, producing, directing, and culinary ventures, complemented by a strong social media presence and philanthropy. Married to actor Brady Smith, she balances her Hollywood career with family life and charitable work.
Early Life and Family
Tiffani Thiessen was born to Robyn Ernest, a homemaker, and Frank Thiessen, a park designer and landscape architect. Raised in Long Beach with her brothers, Todd (a professional cyclist) and Schyler, she was encouraged by her uncle, actor Roger Ernest, to pursue acting and modeling. At age eight, she appeared in a Peaches and Cream Barbie commercial, sparking her career. She competed in beauty pageants, winning Miss Junior America in 1987 and Cover Girl magazine’s Model of the Year in 1989. Thiessen attended Cubberley Elementary and Marshall Junior High School in Long Beach, graduating as valedictorian from Valley Professional High School in Studio City, Los Angeles, in 1992. She briefly enrolled at UCLA but focused on acting full-time. Of German, Greek, Turkish, and Welsh descent, Thiessen credits her family’s support for her early success.
Career
Acting
Thiessen’s breakout role came at 15 as Kelly Kapowski in NBC’s Saved by the Bell (1989–1993), appearing in 75 episodes and reprising the role in Saved by the Bell: The College Years (1993–1994), Hawaiian Style (1992), Wedding in Las Vegas (1994), and Peacock’s sequel series (2020–2021) as Kelly Kapowski Morris, First Lady of California. Her role as the wholesome cheerleader made her a teen idol. In 1994, she joined Beverly Hills, 90210 as Valerie Malone, a complex character, staying until 1998 across 136 episodes. She later starred as Wilhemina ‘Billie’ Chambers in Fastlane (2002–2003), Elizabeth Burke in White Collar (2009–2014, 76 episodes), and Lori Mendoza in Alexa & Katie (2018–2020), earning a Daytime Emmy nomination for the latter.
Her film credits include Son in Law (1993), From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money (1999), Love Stinks (1999), The Ladies Man (2000), Shriek If You Know What I Did Last Friday the Thirteenth (2000), Hollywood Ending (2002) with Woody Allen, and Cyborg Soldier (2008). Thiessen guest-starred on Charles in Charge (1990), Married… with Children (1990), Step by Step (1992), Blossom (1992), NewsRadio (1999), Two Guys and a Girl (2000), Just Shoot Me! (2001), and Good Morning, Miami (2003–2004). She voiced characters in Jake and the Never Land Pirates (2012–2016) and appeared in music videos, including Vertical Horizon’s “You’re a God” (2000).
Other Ventures
Thiessen directed the 2005 short film Just Pray, earning a Tribeca Festival nomination for Best Narrative Short. She hosted Dinner at Tiffani’s (2015–2017) on the Cooking Channel, showcasing her culinary passion, and Deliciousness (2020–2022) on MTV, a Ridiculousness spinoff. In 2009, she co-founded PetitNest, a nursery furniture line, with designer Lonni Paul. Thiessen authored cookbooks, sharing recipes on social media, and partnered with Chili’s in 2024 for a ‘90s-inspired Radical ‘Rita margarita. Her 2.5 million Instagram followers (@tiffanithiessen) generate estimated annual earnings of $184,800–$253,000 from sponsored posts.
Net Worth
Tiffani Thiessen’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $10–$15 million, per sources like Celebrity Net Worth and Hollywoodsmagazine. Her wealth derives from acting ($100,000+ per White Collar episode, $20,000–$50,000 per Saved by the Bell episode in the 1990s), producing, directing, hosting, and endorsements. She and husband Brady Smith own a $5 million Los Angeles home, purchased in 2009 for $2.6 million, and a car collection including a Porsche. Her culinary ventures and social media sponsorships, including partnerships with Chili’s and other brands, add to her income. Claims of a $15 million net worth are less consistent but reflect her diverse revenue streams.
Personal Life and Relationships
Thiessen married actor Brady Smith on July 9, 2005, after meeting on the set of Fastlane in 2003. They have two children: daughter Harper Renn Smith (born June 2010) and son Holt Fisher Smith (born July 2015). The couple prioritizes family, maintaining a low-key lifestyle in Los Angeles with no electronics at dinner to foster connection. Thiessen’s past relationships include Saved by the Bell co-star Mark-Paul Gosselaar (1989), Pauly Shore (1990), Mario Lopez (1991–1993), Brian Austin Green (1992–1995), David Strickland (1998–1999, ended with his suicide), and Richard Ruccolo (2000–2003, engaged but separated). She and Beverly Hills, 90210 co-star Jennie Garth are best friends. Thiessen owns four dogs (Buck, Pearl, Bo, Penny), a cat (Savannah), and four chickens (Anna, Elsa, Mable, Sugar).
Thiessen supports charities like the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Starlight Children’s Foundation, UNICEF, and the National Park Trust, focusing on children’s health, education, and environmental causes. She participated in Glad’s One Bag party for Earth Month in 2013 to promote sustainable living.
Tiffani Thiessen Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tiffani Amber Thiessen |
| Date of Birth | January 23, 1974 |
| Age | 51 (as of July 5, 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Long Beach, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Robyn Ernest (mother), Frank Thiessen (father) |
| Siblings | Todd Thiessen (brother), Schyler Thiessen (brother) |
| Education | Valedictorian, Valley Professional High School (1992); briefly attended UCLA |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 134–141 lbs (61–64 kg) |
| Relationship Status | Married to Brady Smith (since July 9, 2005) |
| Children | Harper Renn Smith (daughter, born 2010), Holt Fisher Smith (son, born 2015) |
| Net Worth | $10–$15 million (2025 estimate) |
| Career Highlights | Saved by the Bell, Beverly Hills, 90210, White Collar, Alexa & Katie, Dinner at Tiffani’s |
| Social Media | Instagram: @tiffanithiessen (2.5M followers), X: @TiffThiessen (371k followers) |
| Philanthropy | Make-A-Wish Foundation, Starlight Children’s Foundation, UNICEF, National Park Trust |