Theresa Tilly, a talented individual, made a memorable feature film debut as Shelly in Sam Raimi's iconic classic, The Evil Dead, released in 1981. Prior to her cinematic breakthrough, she began her career as a stand-up comedian in her hometown of Detroit, honing her skills before transitioning to the renowned improv comedy troupe, The Second City Chicago.
Her impressive work with the troupe led to a role in the sketch comedy pilot, YouTV, alongside the legendary Steve Allen. Although the show was not picked up, it served as a catalyst for Tilly to relocate to Los Angeles and pursue her acting ambitions.
Throughout her illustrious career, Tilly has appeared in over 100 films, television shows, plays, and commercials, showcasing her remarkable versatility. Some of her notable roles include Debutante, opposite Selma Blair and Josh Hartnett, released in 1998; Back in the Day, written and directed by actor Michael Rosenbaum, in 2014; Appearances, a PBS special penned by celebrated author Elmore Leonard; Brutal Massacre: A Comedy, alongside the late horror icon Gunnar Hansen, in 2007; and Oz The Great and Powerful, which reunited her with The Evil Dead director Sam Raimi, released in 2013.
In addition to her impressive filmography, Tilly made history by becoming the first female to announce ESPN's ESPY Awards, further solidifying her status as a talented and accomplished performer.
