The Unconventional Path: 7 Shocking Facts About Tatianna Zappardino—From Marine Corps Officer To Tulsa King Star

Tatianna Zappardino has rapidly become one of Hollywood's most intriguing rising stars, captivating audiences with her powerful performances, most notably as Tina Manfredi-Grieger, the daughter of Sylvester Stallone’s character in the hit Paramount+ series, *Tulsa King*. As of December 2025, her career trajectory continues its sharp ascent, with fans eagerly anticipating her future roles following the success of the show’s second season and the buzz surrounding the upcoming third installment. Her on-screen presence is only half the story; Zappardino’s real-life background is perhaps even more compelling, revealing a dedication to service and discipline that few of her peers can match. This deep dive into her life will explore the current status of her acting career, the unique discipline she brings from her military service, and the full scope of her work as a multi-hyphenate talent—a writer, director, and producer—that solidifies her status as far more than just a breakout actress.

Tatianna Zappardino: Complete Biography and Profile

Tatianna Lia Zappardino is a multi-talented American actress, writer, director, and producer whose unique background as a commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps has set her apart in the entertainment industry. Her rise to prominence is a testament to her dedication, transitioning seamlessly from military service to major Hollywood productions. Her portrayal of Tina Manfredi, the estranged daughter of Mafia capo Dwight "The General" Manfredi, has earned her widespread recognition and critical acclaim, particularly for her ability to hold her own opposite acting legend Sylvester Stallone.

• Full Name: Tatianna Lia Zappardino
• Date of Birth: October 2, 1989
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 36 years old
• Birthplace: San Diego, California, USA
• Nationality: American
• Primary Occupation: Actress, Writer, Director, Producer
• Military Service: United States Marine Corps (Commissioned Officer)
• Military Rank/Role: Public Affairs Officer (PAO), 2nd Lieutenant/Lieutenant
• Known For: *Tulsa King* (Tina Manfredi), *The Consultant*, *Superstition* (Tilly)
• Education: Attended the United States Naval Academy (implied by commissioned officer status) and has a strong background in theater.

The Marine Corps Factor: Discipline Behind the Drama

The most fascinating element of Tatianna Zappardino’s story is her dual career as a Hollywood actress and an active-duty or reserve officer in the United States Marine Corps. This is a background virtually unheard of among major television stars, and it provides a unique lens through which to view her professional discipline.

Zappardino has served as a commissioned officer in the US Marine Corps since 2011. Her rank is reported as a 2nd Lieutenant or Lieutenant, and she has specifically worked as a Public Affairs Officer (PAO). This role involves managing media relations and representing the Corps, a function that ironically prepared her for the media-facing aspects of her acting career.

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The discipline and commitment required of a Marine officer are evident in her approach to acting. She has spoken about how her military background instilled in her a strong work ethic, a sense of teamwork, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations—all invaluable traits in the fast-paced, demanding environment of a television set like *Tulsa King*.

This commitment to service, running parallel to her burgeoning Hollywood career, is a powerful narrative. It highlights a depth of character that she undoubtedly brings to her roles, adding layers of strength and resilience to characters like Tina Manfredi-Grieger.

From Tilly to Tina: Zappardino’s Rise in Television

While her role as Tina Manfredi on *Tulsa King* has brought her the most mainstream attention, Zappardino’s career has been a steady climb through various compelling projects, showcasing her versatility as a performer.

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The Breakthrough Role: Superstition

Zappardino first gained significant television exposure with a role as Tilly on the Netflix series *Superstition*. This initial break allowed her to work with experienced industry figures and served as a crucial stepping stone, proving her capability in a recurring television role.

The Corporate Thriller: The Consultant

Following *Superstition*, she took on a role in the Amazon Prime Video dark comedy-thriller series *The Consultant*, starring Christoph Waltz. This project demonstrated her ability to handle complex, high-concept material and work alongside Oscar-winning talent, further diversifying her filmography and topical authority.

The Career-Defining Role: Tulsa King

Her casting in *Tulsa King* alongside Sylvester Stallone was a major turning point. Her character, Tina Manfredi-Grieger, is central to the show's emotional core, serving as the link between Dwight Manfredi’s life of crime and his attempt at a normal family existence. Her performance in the first season was so strong that she was promoted to the main cast for the highly anticipated second season, which aired recently, cementing her importance to the Paramount+ series. The dramatic tension between father and daughter is a key storyline, and Zappardino has excelled at portraying the complicated emotions of a woman dealing with her father's criminal past.

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Beyond Acting: A Multi-Hyphenate Talent

Tatianna Zappardino is not content to simply be an actress. Her profile consistently lists her as a writer, director, and producer, indicating a deep commitment to all facets of filmmaking and storytelling.

Her work behind the camera, which includes short films and theatre productions, shows an ambition to shape narratives from the ground up. This comprehensive approach to her craft makes her a true artist and not just a performer for hire. This desire for creative control and storytelling depth is a common trait among successful Hollywood figures, from Angelina Jolie to Ben Affleck.

Her early experience in theater, including a performance as Lady Anne in *Richard III*, demonstrates a foundation in classic dramatic arts, which she now applies to modern television. Furthermore, her participation in various independent films like *Asking For It*, *Heart of Life*, *Momma Jenny & the Brooks Boys*, and *Dangerous Moms* showcases her willingness to take on diverse roles and support independent filmmaking.

As she continues to leverage the success of *Tulsa King*, fans and industry observers are keenly watching to see which new projects—both in front of and behind the camera—the disciplined and versatile Tatianna Zappardino will announce next. Her unique blend of military precision and artistic passion makes her a powerhouse talent to follow closely in the coming years. Her theatrical demo reel for 2025 hints at a dynamic range of roles, suggesting that her most significant work is still ahead.