Jillian Rose Reed is an American actress born on December 20, 1991, in Hollywood, Florida.
Best known for her role as Tamara Kaplan in MTV’s hit teen comedy-drama series Awkward, Reed has carved out a notable career in television and film.
Raised in Coral Springs, Florida, and later moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting, she grew up with a passion for performance that began with musical theater at the age of three.
Beyond her on-screen success, Jillian is also known for her advocacy work, particularly with the American Diabetes Association.
Siblings
Jillian has two brothers, Matt Reed and Robbie Tucker.
Matt, her older brother, has been a significant influence in her life, particularly due to his diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes.
Her younger brother, Robbie Tucker, born on April 5, 2001, is also an actor, following in Jillian’s footsteps within the entertainment industry.
Robbie began his career at a young age, appearing in films such as Family Weekend (2013), Prom (2011), and Losing Control (2011).
Career
Jillian’s career began in earnest when she moved from Northville, Michigan, to Los Angeles at the age of thirteen.
Her early years were marked by voiceover work and commercials, but her breakthrough came in 2008 with a recurring role as Goth Girl Symonne in Showtime’s dark comedy-drama Weeds.
Also Read: Amanda Brooks Siblings: Getting to Know Nicolas Brooks
This role opened doors to her most iconic performance as Tamara Kaplan in Awkward, which aired from 2011 to 2016 across five seasons and 89 episodes.
Playing the quirky, fast-talking best friend of the show’s protagonist, Jillian won over audiences with her comedic timing and relatable portrayal, cementing her status as a fan favorite.
Beyond Awkward, Jillian has showcased her range in various projects.
She voiced Naomi Turner, the spirited best friend of Princess Elena, in Disney’s animated series Elena of Avalor from 2016 to 2020.
Her film credits include Age of Dinosaurs (2013) and Confessions of a Womanizer (2014), while guest appearances on shows like Community, The Middle, Jessie, and Lucifer highlight her versatility.
Starting with her television debut on Nickelodeon’s Zoey 101 in 2008, Jillian has maintained a steady presence in the industry, blending live-action and voice roles with a focus on comedy and youth-oriented content.
Accolades
Jillian’s standout role in Awkward earned her a nomination for a Young Artist Award in 2012 for Best Performance in a TV Series – Leading Young Actress, recognizing her ability to carry a significant portion of the show’s narrative with charm and skill.
Additionally, her advocacy for diabetes awareness, inspired by her brother Matt, has earned her praise beyond acting, positioning her as a role model who uses her influence for positive change.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel

