Jessica Szohr: Inside The Life Of The Orville’s Talla Keyali Actress—New Marriage Update 2024

Jessica Szohr, the talented actress best known for her roles as the strong-willed Lieutenant Commander Talla Keyali in the sci-fi series The Orville and the iconic outsider Vanessa Abrams in Gossip Girl, continues to make headlines, both professionally and personally. As of late December 2025, the actress has cemented her status as a prominent figure in Hollywood, transitioning seamlessly between major television franchises and feature films. Her career has been marked by taking on complex, memorable characters that resonate deeply with audiences across different genres.

The curiosity surrounding the "Talla Orville actress" is intense, fueled by her commanding presence on the USS Orville and her recent personal milestones. In a major life update, Szohr celebrated a significant personal milestone in 2024, providing fresh, current news that excites her dedicated fanbase. This deep dive explores her complete biography, career trajectory, and the latest updates on her life after the conclusion of The Orville: New Horizons.

Jessica Szohr Complete Biography and Career Profile

Jessica Szohr, often misidentified by fans of The Orville as simply "Talla Orville," is a versatile American actress and former model with a career spanning over two decades. Her background and early life laid the foundation for a successful run in both television and film.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

• Full Name: Jessica Karen Szohr
• Date of Birth: March 31, 1985
• Age (as of 2025): 40
• Birthplace: Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, USA (near Milwaukee)
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: Mixed (Hungarian mother, half African-American father)
• Height: 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m)
• Spouse: Brad Richardson (Married August 2024)
• Children: Bowie Ella Richardson (Daughter, born 2021)
• Net Worth: Estimated at $4 Million
• Notable Roles: Lieutenant Commander Talla Keyali (The Orville), Vanessa Abrams (Gossip Girl), Laura (My Wife and Kids)

Szohr began her professional career as a model at the age of ten, appearing in print campaigns for major brands. Her transition to acting started in the early 2000s with guest roles in popular television shows like My Wife and Kids and CSI: Miami. However, it was her breakthrough role as the Brooklyn-based filmmaker and outsider, Vanessa Abrams, on The CW's hit teen drama Gossip Girl (2007–2012) that launched her into the mainstream spotlight, making her a household name among young adults.

The Xelayan Warrior: Talla Keyali in The Orville

Jessica Szohr’s most significant and recent role came in 2018 when she joined the main cast of Seth MacFarlane’s sci-fi series, The Orville, which later moved to Hulu for its third season, titled The Orville: New Horizons. She was introduced in Season 2 as Lieutenant Commander Talla Keyali, the new Chief of Security for the Planetary Union's USS Orville.

Talla Keyali is a Xelayan, a species known for their immense physical strength due to their home planet, Xelaya, having a bone-crushing level of gravity. This physical attribute makes her a formidable security officer, a stark contrast to her predecessor, Alara Kitan (played by Halston Sage), who was also Xelayan. Szohr’s portrayal brought a new, "badass-don't-mess-with-her" vibe to the bridge crew.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

Her character quickly became a fan favorite for her no-nonsense attitude, loyalty, and her unique position as the ship’s moral and physical protector. The role allowed Szohr to showcase a different side of her acting range, blending action, drama, and the signature comedic timing of a Seth MacFarlane production. The fan reception to her joining the crew was overwhelmingly positive, solidifying Talla as an integral part of the show's ensemble cast.

A Career Beyond Television: Film and Other Projects

While television provided her most recognizable roles, Jessica Szohr has also built a substantial filmography in cinema, demonstrating her versatility across multiple genres. Her film work often showcases a lighter, more comedic side, or dives into intense horror and thriller territory.

• Horror/Thriller: She starred in the controversial horror-comedy film Piranha 3D (2010), which became a cult classic. She also appeared in the 2011 thriller Love, Wedding, Marriage.
• Comedy: Szohr had a notable role in the Shawn Levy-directed comedy The Internship (2013), starring Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, and a brief appearance in the 2015 comedy sequel Ted 2, another project from The Orville creator, Seth MacFarlane.
• Independent Films: She has consistently supported independent cinema, appearing in films like Club Life (2015) and Clover (2020), which allowed her to explore more character-driven roles away from the constraints of major studio franchises.

Following the conclusion of The Orville Season 3 in 2022, fans have eagerly awaited news on her next major project. While concrete details on a new 2025 TV series are scarce, her continued presence at major fan conventions, such as her confirmed appearance at VIECC Vienna Comic Con in 2025, suggests she remains highly engaged with her fan base and the sci-fi community.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

Personal Life and Recent 2024 Marriage Update

Jessica Szohr’s personal life has seen beautiful developments in recent years, culminating in a major 2024 milestone. For fans looking for the freshest news, this is the most current and exciting information about the actress.

Szohr is married to professional NHL player Brad Richardson. Their relationship began several years ago, and they welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Bowie Ella Richardson, in early 2021. The couple announced their engagement in May 2022, to the delight of their followers.

The most significant update came in August 2024, when the couple officially tied the knot. Their marriage solidified their family unit, which is a central focus of Szohr's life outside of her demanding acting career. The actress frequently shares glimpses of her life as a mother and wife, often posting heartwarming family moments on her social media platforms, providing a genuine look at her life away from the starship bridge or the Upper East Side.

Addressing Sensitive Topics and Public Scrutiny

As a public figure who rose to fame during the social media age, Szohr has navigated her share of public scrutiny. While the search for "leaked" or sensitive personal content is a common query for many celebrities, Jessica Szohr maintains a private and professional public image, with no credible reports of unauthorized personal content, OnlyFans accounts, or "nude" leaks circulating online. Her focus remains squarely on her acting career and family life.

The only major public controversy she was involved in was her defense of former Gossip Girl co-star and ex-boyfriend Ed Westwick, who faced allegations of sexual assault. Szohr spoke out, expressing shock and defending Westwick, stating she was taken aback by the accusations. This public stance highlighted her loyalty and willingness to stand by those she knows, even under intense media scrutiny.

Ultimately, Jessica Szohr, the actress behind the formidable Talla Keyali, has built a career defined by strong, memorable roles and a carefully managed public persona. Her 2024 marriage to Brad Richardson marks a happy new chapter, ensuring that she remains a relevant and highly-searched celebrity for years to come.