Jillian Rose Reed
Jillian Rose Reed — American actress born December 20, 1991. From early performing arts to stardom as Tamara Kaplan in Awkward, this in-depth biography explores her upbringing, breakthrough roles, advocacy, and legacy.
Introduction
Jillian Rose Reed is an American actress known for her engaging presence on television, most notably as Tamara Kaplan on MTV’s hit series Awkward. With a background in dance and theater from a young age, she has carved a niche in teen and young adult drama, genre TV, voice acting, and roles that reflect both humor and vulnerability. In this article, we’ll trace her life from childhood to her current work, spotlight key roles, influences, and what stands out about her career.
Early Life and Family
Jillian Rose Reed was born on December 20, 1991 in Hollywood, Florida, U.S. Coral Springs, Florida.
She comes from a family with two brothers: an older brother Matt Reed and a younger brother Robbie Tucker, who is also an actor.
From a very young age, Reed was immersed in performance. She began dancing competitively at around age 4, and by age 12 she was performing in styles such as jazz, tap, and ballet, especially during her time in Michigan. Charlotte’s Web—and by the time she was twelve had acted in more than 27 musicals/plays in Michigan.
Her family later moved (or she relocated) to pursue acting more fully: she turned toward screen work, commercials, and voiceover as she matured.
Education & Early Acting Steps
While specific formal education details are less documented, Reed’s early training in dance, theater, and performance shaped her skills for stage and screen.
She also began to do commercial and voiceover work in her local region (Midwest) before moving fully into film/TV.
As a teen/young adult, she made the leap to Los Angeles to focus on acting in television and film.
Career and Breakthroughs
Early Screen Appearances (2008–2010)
Jillian’s first television credit was in Zoey 101 (2008), appearing as “Girl #3.” Weeds as Simone, spanning about 7 episodes.
She also guest-starred in shows like Hung (episode “The Pickle Jar”) and later had single-episode appearances in series like Community ("The Art of Discourse") and The Middle.
Additionally, in short film work she appeared in L.A. Vampire (2010) as a “Jailbait Vampire.”
Rise with Awkward and Genre Roles (2011–2016)
Reed’s breakthrough came in 2011, when she was cast as Tamara Kaplan on the MTV series Awkward. Young Artist Award nomination for Best Performance in a TV Series – Leading Young Actress in 2012.
In 2012, she starred in the TV film My Super Psycho Sweet 16: Part 3 as Sienna Brooks.
Reed expanded into film and voice roles. In 2013, she played Jade Jacobs in Age of Dinosaurs. Confessions of a Womanizer as Megan. Jessie (episode “Acting with the Frenemy”) as Abbey, and did voice work in Finding Alice (short) as the voice of Alice.
She also made appearances in Ghost Ghirls (Jack Black’s web series), Pair of Kings, Supah Ninjas, and others.
Voice Acting & Later Work
One of Reed’s notable voice roles is Naomi Turner in the Disney Channel / Disney Jr. animated series Elena of Avalor. Elena and the Secret of Avalor in that voice role.
In 2016–2017, she made appearances in series like On Hiatus with Monty Geer. Lucifer (“Let Pinhead Sing!” as CeCe) and Raven’s Home.
In 2018, she appeared in Sharon 1.2.3. as Linda. Love Daily) and continued her work in television voice and guest roles.
Personality, Style & Advocacy
Reed’s background in dance and theater gives her performances a physical awareness and timing that stands out, especially in comedic or teen drama roles. Her portrayal of Tamara, a “no-filter best friend,” allowed her to combine comedic energy with emotional stakes, making that character memorable.
Beyond acting, Reed has been involved in diabetes awareness, motivated by her older brother Matt’s Type 1 diabetes. She has used her platform to advocate with the American Diabetes Association and raise awareness about the disease.
Her public image tends toward authenticity: she often talks openly about challenges, body image, and growing in her career.
Filmography (Selected)
Film / Short / TV Movies
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L.A. Vampire (2010) — Jailbait Vampire (short)
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Age of Dinosaurs (2013) — Jade Jacobs
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Confessions of a Womanizer (2014) — Megan
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Sharon 1.2.3. (2018) — Linda
Television / Voice
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Zoey 101 (2008) — Girl #3
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Weeds (2008–2009) — Simone (recurring)
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Hung (2009) — Tracie
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Community (2010) — Kelly Cortlandt
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The Middle (2010) — Shannon
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Pair of Kings (2011) — Tessa
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Awkward (2011–2016) — Tamara Kaplan (main cast)
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My Super Psycho Sweet 16: Part 3 (2012) — Sienna Brooks
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Jessie (2014) — Abbey (episode “Acting with the Frenemy”)
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Elena of Avalor (2016–2020) — Naomi Turner (voice)
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Lucifer (2018) — CeCe (guest)
Quotes & Remarks
While Jillian Reed is more known for her performances than for widely circulated quotes, here are a few sentiments gleaned from interviews and public remarks:
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In interviews about Awkward, she has discussed the balance between humor and emotional honesty in her character, Tamara, highlighting how comedic roles still carry depth in relationships and identity.
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Regarding her brother’s diabetes, she has said that having a voice via her acting success gives her a platform to raise awareness and help dispel misunderstandings around the disease.
Lessons from Jillian Rose Reed’s Journey
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Early performance foundations matter
Her background in dance and theater from childhood provided not just technical skill but confidence, stage presence, and discipline that helped when transitioning to screen work. -
Versatility and diversification help longevity
Reed’s career spans drama, comedy, voice work, guest roles, and web series. That flexibility helps navigate the shifting entertainment landscape. -
Use platform for causes close to you
Her advocacy for diabetes awareness shows how personal stories can inform public engagement and use celebrity for meaningful influence. -
Embrace supporting or ensemble roles with integrity
Her most recognized role (Tamara) was not the lead protagonist but a strong, scene-stealing supporting role—she turned it into a memorable part, showing that secondary characters can be powerful. -
Balance visibility with personal authenticity
Reed maintains a public presence but also shows vulnerability and sincerity in interviews about her challenges, growth, and perspective.
Conclusion
Jillian Rose Reed’s trajectory from a young dancer in Florida to a recognizable TV actress demonstrates the value of sustained passion, adaptability, and authenticity. Her role as Tamara in Awkward remains her signature, but beyond that she continues to evolve through voice work, guest appearances, and projects that reflect both her heart and her craft. As she continues her career, she stands as an example for aspiring actors of how to build a niche, engage your audience, and remain grounded in personal values.