From Marine Officer To Mob Daughter: 7 Shocking Facts About Tatiana Lia Zappardino's Unconventional Rise To 'Tulsa King' Star

Tatiana Lia Zappardino is one of Hollywood's most compelling rising stars, currently capturing global attention with her powerful performance in the hit Paramount+ series, *Tulsa King*. As of December 13, 2025, the buzz around her portrayal of Tina Manfredi, the estranged daughter of Sylvester Stallone's character, Dwight "The General" Manfredi, has solidified her status as a formidable talent to watch. Her career trajectory is anything but typical, blending serious military service with a multi-hyphenate creative drive that spans acting, writing, and directing.

The actress is not just a captivating presence on screen; she brings a unique depth and discipline to her roles, qualities forged long before she stepped onto a major television set. Her background as a United States Marine Corps veteran is a fact that continues to surprise and intrigue fans, offering a rare glimpse into the resilience and dedication that underpin her success in the competitive world of entertainment. This deep dive explores her full biography, her incredible military past, her current projects, and the entities that make up her impressive portfolio.

Tatiana Lia Zappardino: Full Biography and Profile

Tatiana Lia Zappardino is a multi-talented American artist known for her versatility across various creative disciplines. Her profile is a testament to her dedication, moving seamlessly between high-stakes military service and the demanding world of Hollywood.

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• Full Name: Tatiana Lia Zappardino
• Nationality: American
• Primary Professions: Actress, Writer, Director, Producer
• Notable Military Service: U.S. Marine Corps Veteran (Commissioned Officer, Public Affairs Officer)
• Breakout Role: Tina Manfredi in *Tulsa King* (2022-Present)
• Other Key TV Roles: *Superstition* (2017), *This Is Us* (2022), *NCIS: New Orleans* (2020), *The Consultant* (2023)
• Known For: Her ability to embody strong, complex, and often emotionally charged characters.
• Current Status (2025): Starring in Season Two of *Tulsa King* on Paramount+.

The Unconventional Path: From Commissioned Officer to Hollywood

What truly sets Tatiana Zappardino apart in the crowded landscape of Hollywood is her remarkable service history. Before she was reading scripts, she was a commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps. This period of her life was instrumental in shaping the disciplined and resilient professional she is today.

Zappardino’s decision to join the military was influenced by her stepfather, a Marine, and she utilized an Officer scholarship to pursue her education and growth. She served as a Public Affairs Officer (PAO), a role that required her to interact with the media and represent the Corps. This experience, which involved communication, strategy, and public presentation, provided an unexpected yet invaluable foundation for her eventual career in acting and production.

Her time in the Marine Corps instilled in her a high degree of discipline and a unique perspective on life and storytelling. She has often spoken about how the tolerance for stress and the ability to operate under pressure, honed during her service, directly translate to the demanding environment of a television or film set. This military background has become a core entity of her personal brand, making her an inspiring figure for veterans and aspiring actors alike.

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Tina Manfredi: The Role That Defined Her Career

While Tatiana Zappardino had accumulated numerous television and film credits, her role as Tina Manfredi in Taylor Sheridan’s *Tulsa King* catapulted her into the mainstream spotlight. Starring opposite Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone (Dwight Manfredi), Zappardino plays the mob boss’s estranged daughter, a character grappling with the emotional fallout of her father’s 25-year prison sentence.

The character of Tina is complex and emotionally layered. She is a woman torn between her loyalty to her family and her desire for a normal, non-criminal life. Zappardino's performance brings a necessary sass and strength to the role, showcasing the deep-seated resentment and complicated love Tina holds for her father. The dynamic between Tina and Dwight is a central emotional anchor of the show, exploring themes of family, redemption, and the impossibility of escaping one's past.

The success of the first season led to the highly anticipated second season of *Tulsa King*, which premiered recently, with Zappardino returning to explore Tina's continuing journey. Her work on the show has earned her critical praise and a massive new fanbase, establishing her as a serious dramatic actress capable of holding her own against industry heavyweights.

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Beyond Acting: Zappardino's Multi-Hyphenate Creative Portfolio

Tatiana Lia Zappardino is not content simply being an actress; she is a true multi-hyphenate artist with a deep involvement in the production side of filmmaking. Her credits extend far beyond her on-screen appearances, demonstrating her commitment to storytelling in its entirety.

Her impressive portfolio includes roles as a writer, director, producer, casting director, and editor. This comprehensive skill set allows her to approach roles with a unique understanding of the entire creative process, from the initial script to the final cut. This holistic approach is a clear sign of her dedication to the craft and her desire to have a meaningful impact on the stories she helps bring to life.

One of her earlier notable projects is the film *Orthus*, which highlights her capabilities as both a performer and a creative force behind the camera. Her work as a producer and director is a continuous thread throughout her career, showcasing a drive that echoes the leadership and organizational skills she honed as a Public Affairs Officer in the Marines.

The list of relevant entities in her career is extensive, providing a rich topical authority for her profile:

• Key TV Series: *Tulsa King* (Paramount+), *Superstition*, *The Consultant* (Amazon Prime), *This Is Us* (NBC), *NCIS: New Orleans* (CBS).
• Creative Roles: Actress, Writer, Director, Producer, Casting Director, Editor.
• Military Entities: U.S. Marine Corps, Commissioned Officer, Public Affairs Officer (PAO).
• Co-Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Dana Delany.

Zappardino's commitment to portraying strong characters is also evident in her supporting roles. For instance, her appearance in *This Is Us* was part of a storyline that honored fallen heroes, a role that undoubtedly resonated with her personal experience as a veteran.

The Future: What’s Next for the Veteran Star?

With the success of *Tulsa King* Season Two, Tatiana Zappardino’s future in Hollywood looks exceptionally bright. Her unique background and versatile talents position her perfectly for a long and varied career. Fans are eagerly anticipating her next moves, whether they involve major television roles or her own independent projects as a writer and director.

The industry is increasingly valuing authenticity and unique personal stories, and Zappardino’s journey from a U.S. Marine Corps Public Affairs Officer to a leading actress in a major streaming series makes her one of the most intriguing figures working today. Her ability to transition from the structure of the military to the fluidity of the arts speaks volumes about her adaptability and dedication to excellence in every field she enters.

As she continues to build her filmography, Zappardino remains a powerful advocate for veterans, often using her platform to highlight the talent and potential of those who have served. Her story is a compelling example of how discipline, courage, and a relentless pursuit of passion can pave the way for extraordinary success in the most unexpected of places.