Quei Tann
Quei Tann is a force in the film and television industry. Her ability to seamlessly transform into a limitless range of different characters is the driving force behind her journey to stardom. She is currently filming a new Blumhouse horror film, directed by Tony winner John Logan, set to premiere on Peacock in 2022. Her most recent work includes reprising her recurring guest-star role as 'Genifer' for a second season in Volume 4 of Netflix's "Dear White People" and her major recurring guest-star role as 'Officer Darla Grills' on Tyler Perry's "Bruh" airing on BET+. Quei is also awaiting the release of the Bella Thorne executive produced short film "Jelly," where she stars as 'Edith,' opposite Harley Quinn Smith.
From her first role in 2018's award-winning Blumhouse film "Cam," where Quei was cast for the first time in a non-queer role, to the present day, Tann has shown her versatility with the many different characters she has played. After "Cam," Quei went on to book a recurring guest star role on Netflix's hit series "Dear White People." Tann plays 'Genifer,' a bold trans woman on the Winchester campus in the satirical comedy, a representation that was powerful personally to Quei, as a Black, queer woman herself. This role truly allowed Quei to explore her art in a new way. Tann then went on to star as 'Ty' in the short film produced by Lena Waithe and AT&T "Postmarked," alongside Loretta Devine, before she was cast as a recurring guest star in ABC's "How to Get Away with Murder." Quei played law student 'Peyton Osburn' on the hit crime drama and held her own opposite Oscar winner Viola Davis.
Born in Los Angeles, Quei had a difficult upbringing, including enduring abuse by her father, which forced her and her mother to relocate often. Performing became an outlet for Quei; and at the age of 10, she started acting in various community theater projects in Las Vegas. Knowing she was destined for something bigger, Quei moved back to the Los Angeles area as a teenager to see where her talent would take her. With little money and a lot of hope, Tann slept in her car for a brief time before living at a queer transitional youth center in Los Angeles. It was at the youth center that she met her mentor, "Queer Eye's" Karamo Brown, who has greatly impacted her life, including helping her to get a scholarship for youth in media from NBC Universal. Tann was then able to pursue her dreams and began training with former acting faculty member at the Yale School of Drama, Gregory Berger-Sobeck, and the Groundlings.
In 2016, Quei got a break in the industry as she was cast in Cycle 23 of "America's Next Top Model." Tann signed on to the show to gain exposure, which led to her being signed to Slay Model Management. She went on to work as a caregiver for the elderly, a job that would allow her to have flexibility to audition as she was studying nursing in college. After auditioning and coming close to booking roles in top shows such as "Star" and "Pose," Tann felt defeated and almost quit the business. After an audition at Prospect Studios for a role on "General Hospital," Emmy-winning casting director Mark Teschner told Tann she needed to be auditioning more for series regular and lead roles. These compliments reinvigorated her spirit, led to her meeting her agent, Adam Park of Park Noack Agency, and subsequently more auditions and multiple guest star roles were booked.
When not acting, Quei enjoys playing video games and learning Japanese. She also looks for ways to support her community and has volunteered her time at the queer youth housing center where she once lived. Not allowing her own experiences with abuse and homelessness to define her, Tann wants to give back and help other survivors of abuse as well as the homeless.