Tammin Sursok

Tammin Sursok (born 19 August 1983<ref name="SheKnows Soaps" /><ref name="TeenHollywood" />) is an Australian and American actress. She is best known for her television roles as Dani Sutherland on Home and Away, Colleen Carlton on The Young and the Restless, and Jenna Marshall on Pretty Little Liars.

Early life

Sursok was born to musicians Daryl and Julie Sursok in Johannesburg, South Africa.<ref name="SheKnows Soaps" /><ref name="TeenHollywood" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> When she was six, her family immigrated to Australia. Early on, Sursok was involved with the Sydney Youth Musical Theatre where she pursued her interests in acting, music, and dance.<ref name="TeenHollywood" /> She also studied at the Trinity Speech and Drama College. Sursok was educated at Ravenswood School for Girls, in Gordon, Sydney, studying speech and drama in her final years of school.Template:Citation needed

Career

2000–2004: Home and Away

In 1999, after completing Year 10, Sursok acquired an agent and landed her first audition for a role in the long-running Australian drama series Home and Away.<ref name="TeenHollywood">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="SheKnows Soaps">Template:Cite web</ref> She was cast in the role of Dani Sutherland, the rebellious eldest daughter of the Sutherland family who took over the running of the Caravan Park.<ref name="SixFour">Mercado 2004, p. 264.</ref> The actress considered herself lucky to get the part, calling the experience "incredible".<ref name="TeenHollywood"/> In an interview with TeenHollywood she stated, "It was my first audition, so I thought it always worked like that, and you always get your first audition, but that is not the case."<ref name="TeenHollywood"/> Sursok's performance in the role earned her a win for the Logie Award for Most Popular New Female Talent beating out Caroline Craig, Madeleine West and Karina Brown.<ref name=LogieWin /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Sursok's performance earned her a nomination for the Logie Award for Most Popular Actress, losing out to McLeod's Daughters star Lisa Chappell.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

2004–2006: Whatever Will Be

Sursok left Home and Away in 2004 so that she could pursue a music career, and acting opportunities, in the United States.<ref name="TeenHollywood"/> "I'm 21 and it's time to be more creative. It is scary, but I had to leave before I became stale."<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Subscription required</ref> In 2004, Sursok acknowledged that she was signed to Sony BMG Music Entertainment, confirming reports that recording for her debut studio album had begun.

Sursok's solo album, Whatever Will Be, was released on 22 May 2005, under Sony Music Entertainment with songwriters Savan Kotecha, David Kreuger, Marion Raven, Steve Booker; and producers John Shanks, Per Mangusson and David Kreuger.<ref name=SuroskPast>Template:Cite web</ref> Whatever Will Be made its debut on the ARIA Albums Chart at number thirteen.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> During its second week on the charts, it remained at its peak position of #13;<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> however, during its third week, it had a significant drop by 23 spots, landing the album at No. 36.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> During its fourth week, it fell further landing at No. 43.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It ended its run on 20 June, falling completely off the charts and has not charted since.<ref name=SuroskPast/><ref name="single charts" /> The album's lead single, "Pointless Relationship", debuted on the ARIA Singles Chart at No. 7 before peaking at No. 5, spending 15 weeks on the charts.<ref name=FilmBugBio>Template:Cite web</ref> Upon the song's release, it quickly shot to No. 1 on the Australian Top 100 Radio Airplay Chart, becoming the highest charting debut single in years.<ref name=SuroskPast/> "Pointless Relationship" certified Platinum in Australia.<ref name=FilmBugBio/> The second single, "Whatever Will Be", debuted at No. 13 on the ARIA Singles Chart and spent a total of 18 weeks on the charts.<ref name="single charts">[1]. Acharts.us. Retrieved 31 December 2008.</ref> "Whatever Will Be" was the 98th best-selling single of 2005 in Australia.<ref name="single charts" /> The third and final single off Whatever Will Be, "It's a Beautiful Thing", quickly debuted on the ARIA Singles chart at No. 30. The song peaked at No. 6, spending 12 weeks on the charts.<ref name=SuroskPast/> "It's a Beautiful Thing" became the second most downloaded song in its debut week, after Rob Thomas's "This Is How a Heart Breaks".<ref name=SuroskPast/> It also peaked at No. 49 on the Australian Top 100 Radio Airplay Chart, becoming her lowest charting single.<ref name=SuroskPast/>

After the success of her album, Whatever Will Be, plans were made to launch Sursok in the UK, but these unexpectedly fell through due to changes at her record label. The title track, "Whatever Will Be", was covered by Vanessa Hudgens for her RIAA-certified debut album, V.

2006–present: Focus on films and television work

After her UK plans fell through, Sursok relocated from Australia to Los Angeles, California in 2006 in order to concentrate on her acting career.<ref name=SuroskPast /> That same year, she made her film debut in a bit role in the film Aquamarine.

In 2007, after a successful audition, Sursok became the third actress to portray Colleen Carlton on the American soap opera television series, The Young and the Restless. Her debut was quickly met with criticism from a number of The Young and the Restless viewers.<ref name="Herald Sun">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Despite the negativity, she received comparable positive viewer feedback. "The fans have been really great."<ref name="SoapsIndepth">Template:Cite magazine</ref> In preparation for the role, Sursok tried to catch up on Colleen's history. "I watched the last six months of episodes," she said. "My boyfriend used to date a girl who was obsessed with Y&R, so he knew everything about it and brought me up to speed, as well."<ref name="SoapOperaWeekly">Template:Cite magazine</ref> Sursok earned a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Colleen the following year.<ref name="Herald Sun"/> After two years in the role, Sursok departed causing the writers to kill off Colleen.<ref name="Soap Opera Digest Comings and Goings">Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref name="Soap Opera Digest Sursok on Her Exit">Template:Cite magazine</ref> In an interview with Soap Opera Digest in October 2009, Sursok said it was difficult to pursue outside projects and appear on The Young and the Restless as well. Her departure was a mutual decision between Sursok and the showrunners.<ref name="Soap Opera Digest Sursok on Her Exit"/>

In 2009, Sursok starred in the Nickelodeon made-for-television musical film Spectacular! portraying the role of Courtney, the lead singer in a high school choir which is fading in popularity.<ref name=SuroskPast /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Sursok recorded over three tracks for the film's soundtrack, which debuted at No. 44 on the US Billboard Hot 100.<ref name=SuroskPast /> The film premiered on 16 February 2009, to over 3.7 million viewers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The soundtrack, recorded in 2008, was released on 3 February 2009, with Sursok appearing on seven songs on the album, including two solos. The soundtrack peaked at number 44 on the Billboard 200.Template:Citation needed

From July 2010 to January 2011, Sursok had a recurring role on the Disney Channel Original Series Hannah Montana. She appeared in eight episodes. In 2010, Sursok was cast in ABC Family's adaptation of the Sara Shepard teen mystery book series, Pretty Little Liars. Sursok was cast as Jenna Marshall, a teenage girl who is left blind after a prank gone wrong. The series premiered in June that same year to over 2.47 million viewers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In June 2013, Sursok announced that she would continue her role as Jenna through her pregnancy.<ref>Template:Cite tweet</ref>

She played Sarah Corso in the indie film Driving By Braille, directed by Kristina Lloyd and written by Richard H. Moon, released on DVD in May 2013. The story tells of a young woman who relives childhood trauma when she senses her boyfriend is about to propose, and who must sort through the crippling fear and doubt that is holding her back before her past destroys the couple's future.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2014, after several reports of Sursok indicating she was returning to music, she released a collaboration with singer Joe Brooks, covering "Say Something" made famous by A Great Big World featuring Christina Aguilera.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In January 2022, Sursok joined the cast of Australian soap opera Neighbours as fashion designer and businesswoman Montana Marcel. Her first appearance was on 13 April 2022.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Koutsounia">Template:Cite web</ref>

Personal life

On 24 August 2011, Sursok married her boyfriend, actor, producer, and director Sean McEwen, in Florence, Italy.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Sursok signed an exclusive deal with the Australian magazine Woman's Day to publish the couple's wedding photos<ref>Tamminsursok.net Template:Webarchive. Tamminsursok.net (9 October 2016). Retrieved 28 October 2016.</ref> The couple have two daughters, born in October 2013<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and January 2019.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Sursok also has three dogs.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

On 16 March 2016, Sursok posted a photo of herself as an adolescent on Instagram and revealed that she had been bullied because of her weight. The post was part of her #ThisIsBeautiful hashtag campaign which aims to empower people and change the message around beauty standards. The accompanying post read:

For all of you being bullied out there. This is me. Growing up I was overweight and spent most of my adolescence being bullied because of it. I definitely wasn't the popular girl, but it didn't define me. You can be ANYTHING you want to be in your life. It's your choice which path you take. Don't let other people's words give you your self-worth. You are beautiful. I was beautiful. It just took me a long time to love myself. #thisisbeautiful<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2019, Sursok became an American citizen;<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> however, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she—along with McEwen and their daughters—returned to Australia after being offered a movie role based in Brisbane in 2021, quarantined, and stated in an interview in March 2022 on The Morning Show that she had "accidentally" moved back to Australia.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Filmography

Film

Year	Title	Role	Notes
2006	Aquamarine	Marjorie
2009	Crossing Over	Rosalyn
2009	Albino Farm	Stacey
2010	Flicka 2	Carrie McLaughlin	Direct-to-video film
2011	Husk	Natalie
2011	Driving by Braille	Sarah Corso	Direct-to-video film
2013	10 Rules for Sleeping Around	Kate Oliver
2014	Cam2Cam	Allie Westbrook	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2019	Braking for Whales	Star Walker	Also writer and producer<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2023	Blood, Sweat and Cheer	Renee	Streaming film

Television

Year	Title	Role	Notes
2000–2004	Home and Away	Dani Sutherland	Regular role (seasons 13–17); 297 episodes
2007	Rules of Engagement	Woman	Episode: "Game On"
2007–2009	The Young and the Restless	Colleen Carlton	Regular role, 165 episodes
2008	In Plain Sight	Nicole	Episode: Pilot
2009	Spectacular!	Courtney	Nickelodeon Original Movie
2010–2011	Hannah Montana	Siena	Recurring role (season 4); 8 episodes
2010–2017	Pretty Little Liars	Jenna Marshall	Recurring role (seasons 1–5, 7)
2012	Airship Dracula	Amelia	Television miniseries
2015	Bound & Babysitting	Maggie	Television film
2016	You May Now Kill the Bride	Audrey	Television film
2016	Girlfriends of Christmas Past	Livvy Beal	Television film
2019	My Killer Client	Christa Bright	Television film
2022	Neighbours	Montana Marcel	Guest role<ref name="Koutsounia" />
2022	Love and Penguins	Tilly	Television film
2024	Trivia at St. Nick's	Celeste	Television film

Discography

Albums

Title	Album details	Peak chart positions
		AUS <ref name="single charts"/>
Whatever Will Be	Released: 22 May 2005 Label: Sony BMG Format: CD, digital download	13

Soundtrack albums

Title	Album details	Peak chart positions
		US <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Spectacular!	Released: 3 February 2009 Label: Nick Records Format: CD, digital download	44

Singles

List of singles, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name

Title	Year	Peak chart positions	Certification	Album
		AUS <ref name="single charts"/>
"Pointless Relationship"	2004	5	ARIA: Gold<ref name="ARIA">Template:Cite Ryan</ref>	Whatever Will Be
"Whatever Will Be"	2005	13
"It's a Beautiful Thing"		30
"Say Something" Template:Small	2014	—		Template:N/A
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory.

Other appearances

List of non-single guest appearances, showing year released, other artist(s) featured, and album name

Title	Year	Other artist(s)	Album
"Eye of the Tiger"	2010	Spectacular! Cast	Music from Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore

Music videos

List of music videos, showing year released, other artists featured and directors

Title	Year	Other artist(s)	Director(s)	Template:Abbr
As artist
"Pointless Relationship"	2004	rowspan="3" Template:N/a	rowspan="3" Template:Unknown	<ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref>
"Whatever Will Be"	2005	<ref>Template:Cite AV mediaTemplate:Cbignore</ref>
"It's a Beautiful Thing"		<ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref>
Guest appearances
"Till My Heart Stops Beating"	2013	Joe Brooks		<ref>Template:Cite AV mediaTemplate:Cbignore</ref>

Awards

Year	Group	Award	Work	Result	Refs
2001	Logie Award	Most Popular New Female Talent	Home and Away	Template:Won	<ref name=LogieWin>According to the source, "Sursok played lovable Dani Sutherland on Home And Away for four years, winning the most popular new talent Logie in 2001." See Jonathon Moran, "Sursok's US break on Restless," The Daily Telegraph (12 August 2007).</ref>
2004	Logie Award	Most Popular Actress	Home and Away	Template:Nom
2008	Daytime Emmy Award	Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series	The Young and the Restless	Template:Nom
2013	New York Film Festival	Best Actress in a Leading Role	10 Rules for Sleeping Around	Template:Nom	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

External links

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