Tanis Parenteau

On screen, Tanis is best known for playing the groundbreaking guest star role of Lacy Cousins, the Ocheole Tribal Chairwoman opposite Kiefer Sutherland on ABC's 'Designated Survivor'. Tanis is also known for her guest star role of Tammy the Native American waitress from the Adohi Tribe opposite Michael Kelly in Netflix's 'House of Cards'. Tanis was born and raised in Peace River, AB. She is a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta and is of Cree and Sioux descent. As a life-long athlete, Tanis was never a stranger to performance. She was a competitive figure skater for 15 years and was also cast in a local production of The Sound of Music at a young age. Tanis attained her Bachelor of Physical Education degree with a focus in Physical Activity and Sport Performance at the University of Alberta. It was during this time Tanis took Drama 101 and fell head over heels in love with acting. She quickly got an agent and began booking roles in commercials and independent film. In Vancouver, with a principal role on 'The Twilight Zone', playing Corb Lund's girlfriend in 'Hank William's First Nation' and a string of roles in independent film under her belt, Tanis' career was continuing to develop. In 2008 Tanis decided to tackle New York City and immerse herself in conservatory training. After completed her Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting in 2011, Tanis quickly became a highly sought-after Native actress in New York City. Stage career highlights include starring in 'Manahatta' at the Public Theater, originating the lead role Jane/Le-Le-Wa'You opposite Kimberly Guerrero and Brandon Oakes; originating the lead role of Bonnie Red Bird in 'Pow Wow Highway', the first play adaptation of the novel; working with Sheila Tousey (Thunderheart) at the William Inge Center for the Arts playing the lead role Journey in 'What Would Crazy Horse Do?', and starring in countless other Off Broadway shows. She has most recently reprised her starring role of Jane/Le-Le-Wa'You in the world premiere of 'Manahatta' at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. She has also began producing and writing and her inaugural film A Big Black Space won Best Canadian Short at Dreamspeakers International Indigenous Film Festival, won the Royal Reel Award at the Canada International Film Festival, was nominated for Best Live Action Short at the 12th Red Nation Film Festival, has garnered a broadcasting deal on ARTÉ in Germany, France and Belgium and is screening at events in colleges and universities all over North America. Tanis' other love is strength training and fitness and has discovered she was born to deadlift She also plans on becoming certified as a personal trainer in the future. Tanis is proud to say she has graduated with both Wayne Gretzky and Tony Kushner who each received honorary degrees the same years she completed hers. Tanis's other love is strength training, nutrition and health and has discovered she was born to deadlift-her personal record is 300lbs. She also plans on becoming certified as a personal trainer in the future. Tanis is proud to say she has graduated with both Wayne Gretzky and Tony Kushner who each received honorary degrees the same years she completed hers. - IMDb Mini Biography By: Tanis Parenteau