Actress • Author • Producer • Motivational Speaker
From the stages of Chicago's churches to the soundstages of Hollywood, Trisha Mann-Grant has carved out a career defined by range, resilience, and an unshakable commitment to her craft.
Born and raised on Chicago's South Side, Trisha discovered her passion for performance at an early age. As a child, she performed in church plays and skits alongside her sister, developing an instinct for storytelling that would shape her entire career. It was her high school English teacher, Sister Dorothy, who first recognized and nurtured that spark. "Sister Dorothy allowed me to put on skits, and she always gave me an A," Trisha recalls. "This not only birthed my acting but my writing as well."
Her talents earned her a voice performance scholarship to Roosevelt University, where she studied Music Education and graduated in 1992. During her college years, she became a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and was crowned Miss Black Chicago—a title that launched her into the world of print and runway modeling.
In 1997, Trisha made the bold decision to leave Chicago and pursue her acting dreams in Los Angeles. The transition from the Midwest to Hollywood was anything but easy, but her discipline, training, and natural magnetism quickly opened doors. She began landing television roles on popular series including The Parkers, Eve, All About the Andersons, Cold Case, and Method & Red—steadily building a reputation as a versatile performer who could command any scene she walked into.
While her television career flourished, Trisha never abandoned her roots in live theater. She joined David E. Talbert's acclaimed national tour of His Woman His Wife, sharing the stage with legendary vocalist Stephanie Mills and the beloved late actor Tommy Ford. Her performance as the big sister to Tatyana Ali in the musical If You Don't Believe: A Love Story earned her an NAACP Theatre Award nomination—a recognition of the emotional depth and authenticity she brings to every role.
On the film side, Trisha has appeared in a diverse slate of projects including The Man in 3B, Chocolate City 3: Live Tour, Section 8, A Royal Christmas Surprise, and Santa Games. In 2022, she co-executive produced and starred in Because We're Done, a film directed by Reggie Gaskins, marking her expansion into production.
In 2025, Trisha landed what many consider the role of a lifetime: Dana "Leslie" Thomas on CBS's Beyond the Gates. The show itself is historic—the first new daytime soap opera on a major broadcast network in over 25 years and the first to feature a predominantly African-American cast since Generations ended in 1991.
As Leslie, Trisha has created one of daytime television's most compelling antagonists. Dubbed "The Nemesis" by CBS, Leslie is a woman of dazzling surface charm and deeply unsettling depths—a character who keeps audiences on the edge of their seats with every appearance. Trisha has appeared in over 118 episodes and has been named Soap Opera News "Performer of the Week" for her electrifying work. Industry observers have her on their shortlist for Outstanding Supporting Actress at the Daytime Emmy Awards.
Prior to her breakout on Beyond the Gates, Trisha made a strong impression as Dominique Leroux on BET+'s The Family Business, based on Carl Weber's bestselling crime drama novels. Appearing across Seasons 4, 5, and 6 alongside Ernie Hudson, Valarie Pettiford, and Tami Roman, Trisha brought sophistication and menace to the role—proving her ability to command the screen in ensemble dramas.
Trisha's creative ambitions extend well beyond acting. She is the author of Amazing Testimonies, a book that weaves together true stories of trials, triumphs, near-death experiences, angel sightings, supernatural healings, and miracles. Drawing from her own life and the lives of people she personally interviewed, the book is a testament to her belief that every hardship carries a story worth sharing.
She is also the creator and executive producer of MANN TALK, a groundbreaking talk show that launched in 2009 as a platform for men to openly discuss relationships and gender dynamics. For nearly a decade, she also co-hosted and co-produced GOSPEL Rhythms "Heaven's Party Here On Earth" on radio.
Off screen, Trisha is married to Tony Grant, the current lead vocalist of The Temptations. Together they form one of entertainment's most dynamic couples, balancing the demands of their careers with a deep commitment to family and community. She is the proud mother of two children, Dena and Daniel.
Trisha is a passionate advocate for autism awareness, homelessness relief, and educational mentoring. Her personal experiences as a mother have fueled her dedication to supporting families navigating similar challenges, and she regularly uses her platform to amplify these causes. She operates TMGrant Publishing and continues to mentor aspiring performers and writers.
Whether she's inhabiting a villain on daytime television, penning stories of faith and resilience, or standing at a podium inspiring the next generation, Trisha Mann-Grant brings the same fierce authenticity to everything she does. Her journey is far from over—and the best may be yet to come.