Tetona Saba Jackson, 37, a Half-Persian actress, first appeared on television as a dancer in Nickelodeon’s ‘Victorious,’ where she played Megan across three episodes from 2011 to 2013. Since her debut, she has made a name for herself in Hollywood through various roles, including appearances in ‘Poppa’s House’ (2024), ‘Boomerang’ (2019-2020), ‘Maximum Ride’ (2016), and ‘All Night’ (2018).
Before focusing on acting, Tetona, a graduate of Alexander Hamilton High School, pursued a diverse career. She worked as a professional figure skater with Feld Entertainment’s Disney On Ice and spent time as a singer with McDonald Selznick Associates.
Given her varied background and talents, it’s natural that fans are interested in her life beyond the screen. Here are some intriguing facts about her that you might not be aware of!
How She Draws Inspiration From Her Single Mother
Tetona’s drive and determination can be traced back to her upbringing with her single mother, Sue Jackson. Sue, whom the actress considers her biggest role model, worked two jobs to support their family and foster her daughter’s dreams.
In a June 2019 interview with QP Fashion Magazine, she shared her mom’s influence:
My biggest role model is my mom! Growing up in a single parent’s household and watching her work two jobs to allow me to do what I wanted to do in life was always inspiring!
This experience motivated her to aim high in her own career.
Their tight relationship didn’t end with her childhood. Sue continues to be a pillar of support in Tetona’s adult life and career. She actively promotes her daughter’s work, using social media. In 2015, for instance, she encouraged her Facebook followers to watch Tetona’s film ‘Stolen from the Suburb’ on YouTube.
Her Grammy-Nominated Father Was Not Exactly Absent
You might say the actress’ dad, Freddie Jackson, jazzed up her path to stardom. He’s not just any musician; the man’s a Grammy-nominated jazz artist who’s jammed with the likes of Josh Berman and Joshua Abrams. Growing up, she was pretty much a staple backstage at his gigs, soaking in every note and the bustling life behind the curtains.
As she shared in an interview with Nicki Swift,
My father, I want to say, is a huge part of why I chose to be in the entertainment industry. I would sit backstage and kind of watch everything happen. It was so fascinating for me.
She was that kid whose world revolved around the glitz of the entertainment industry, even before she knew what role she wanted to play in it.
And it wasn’t just a phase. This exposure did more than just spark an interest; it kindled a lifelong passion for performing. From a young age, she was drawn to the excitement and the adrenaline rush of live performances.
The influence of her dad meant her life was always set to a rhythm of rehearsals and performances. With a dad in the biz, she had not just a mentor but a cheerleader who knew the ropes and was always there, ensuring she hit the right notes, whether on stage or on screen.
She And Her Baby Daddy, Tequan, Have Parted Ways
Tetona and Tequan Richmond set hearts racing on BET’s Boomerang back in 2019. Their on-screen chemistry? Undeniable. Fast forward to 2021, and they were hitting us with even bigger news—they were expecting a baby!
Their daughter, Harlie Giselle Richmond, who’s now 5 years old, definitely started a new chapter for them. While they never made their relationship official in the public eye, their connection was obvious to all.
But not long after sharing their joy on Instagram, both posts disappeared and they stopped following each other, sparking rumors that they might have called things off. Considering their connection since their Boomerang days, this was quite a surprising turn.
Before Tequan, Jackson’s past photos posted on Facebook suggest she was in a relationship back in 2012, though his name was never disclosed.
Currently, Tetona is single, dedicating her life to raising her daughter.
An Avid Animal Lover, She Dreams Of Opening A No-Kill Shelter
Tetona is totally obsessed with her furry friends. If you’ve ever taken a peek at her social media, you’d know her dog, Chanelie, is more than just a pet; she’s family.
She often shares snapshots of their close connection on Instagram, where Chanelie stars as her “first baby” and best buddy. Chanelie even celebrated her 7th birthday in December 2022, complete with a heartfelt shout-out from her mom Tetona for all the love and patience she shows, especially around her little human sis, Harlie.
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It’s not just about cute posts though. This artist’s got bigger plans—she’s all about making a difference for animals everywhere. She’s talked about her dream of opening a no-kill shelter, a safe haven where animals can find love and a second chance at life. Here’s hoping she makes that dream a reality soon!
