Tina Alexis Allen is a renowned actress, playwright, and GLAAD Award Nominee, who rose to fame with her breakout role on WGN's record-breaking series "Outsiders". The show, which was executive produced by Oscar-nominated actor Paul Giamatti, was the most viewed original series in WGN America's history. Allen played the role of 'Shurn', a fiery and integral member of the 'Farrell' family clan, alongside David Morse and Ryan Hurst.
Born as the youngest of 13 children in Chevy Chase, Maryland, Tina was a tomboy at heart. She received a basketball scholarship to the University of Maryland, where she caught the fashion bug and earned an MBA in marketing. After moving to NYC, she spent her weekends watching Broadway shows and ignited a love for the arts. However, she abruptly quit her successful corporate job in the fashion world to pursue acting full-time.
Tina has since been celebrated for her diverse range of roles in theatre, film, and television, including a powerhouse executive, a transsexual, a mom, a housewife, and even a man. Famed acting coach Susan Batson has described her as "a true chameleon - capable of playing anything". She has performed a 12-character one-woman show, Irresistible, which was lauded by critics and earned her a GLAAD Award nomination alongside Jane Lynch.
In addition to her acting career, Tina is also a playwright and has written and performed her critically praised solo show, SECRETS OF A HOLY FATHER. The show is based on her own life and explores the complicated and secretive double life of her father. Her memoir based on the solo show is set to be published in early 2017 on HarperCollins' Dey Street Publishing, and she is currently developing the story for television.
Tina also co-founded the NO MORE VIOLENCE jewelry collection with artist and designer Gina Raphaela. The brand uses deconstructed and transformed bullets as a foundation for daring necklaces, rings, and bracelets, with a philanthropic mission to provide a percentage of all proceeds to non-profit organizations and raise awareness for peace.
