Theresa Tilly

Theresa Tilly burst onto the horror scene with her unforgettable performance as Shelly in Sam Raimi's iconic film, The Evil Dead, which premiered in 1981. Originating from Detroit, Tilly honed her comedic talents as a stand-up comedian before joining the prestigious improvisational group, The Second City Chicago. Her time with the troupe led to her participation in the sketch comedy pilot YouTV, where she shared the screen with late-night television pioneer Steve Allen. Although YouTV was not picked up, it motivated Tilly to relocate to Los Angeles to further her acting ambitions.

Over the years, Tilly has built an impressive resume, featuring roles in more than 100 films, television shows, theater productions, and commercials. Notable works include Debutante (1998), where she starred alongside Selma Blair and Josh Hartnett, and Back in the Day (2014), a project penned and directed by Michael Rosenbaum. She also appeared in Appearances, a PBS special crafted by the acclaimed writer Elmore Leonard, and starred in Brutal Massacre: A Comedy (2007) alongside horror legend Gunnar Hansen. In 2013, she reunited with director Sam Raimi for Oz The Great and Powerful. Additionally, Tilly made history as the first woman to announce at the ESPY Awards, showcasing her diverse talents in the entertainment industry.