TV Shows

You know her as MTV AWKWARD's Tamara, but this Michigan native is known to her family and friends as Jilly. Jillian Rose Reed first began acting in her hometown at the age of 6. She booked numerous commercials in Detroit, but by the time she was 12, Reed decided it was time to make the move to Los Angeles to pursue TV and film roles.

Her current credits include ZOEY 101, WEEDS, COMMUNITY, and most recently, MTV's AWKWARD. "I learned a lot from working on WEEDS on Showtime,” Reed says. “I got to work with Mary Louise Parker, who I just think is an amazing actress and watching her do her thing was so inspirational to me.”

On COMMUNITY, Reed played Kelly, a intelligent high-schooler taking college courses. While her part was small, she found the experience to be one of her favorites to date. "I love, love, loved playing my part in COMMUNITY. I got to do a lot of physical comedy and that was so much fun for me because comedy is my thing," beams Reed. "It's my favorite thing to do. So exploring that character was really fun."

AWKWARD follows 15-year-old Jenna Hamilton — invisible to most of her class — as she comes into her own. "I play [Jenna's] best friend, Tamara,” says Reed. “I'm very different from Jenna. I'm not introverted at all. I'm loud and outgoing, funny and sassy. I love to describe her as sassy! It's a fun mix to see the interactions between our two characters because we're so different. Reed is thrilled to be associated with the show, which she describes, "sends the message that you can't change what happens to you in life, but you can change what you feel about it.”

The chemistry between the AWKWARD cast is evident. "We shot the pilot a year ago, so we've known each other for a while,” Reed explains. “I think we are blessed because we are like a family and we love each other so much. I think it's really great because viewers who are watching the show are going to be able to tell that we all love each other. It makes the series better.”

Next up for Reed is Disney XD's PAIR OF KINGS. "I play a character named Tessa and she's this very smart, Indiana Jones-type of girl and she comes in and saves the day, so look out for that!"

One day, Reed hopes to share the screen with her idol, Sandra Bullock. She is also a fan of GLEE and GOSSIP GIRL. When it comes to music, Reed isn't picky. "I'm one of those people where you look at my iPod and there's a mix of everything. My favorite is that whole John Mayer-type feel. That's the kind of music that I really relate to. And for movies, I'm a sucker for chick flicks. I love romantic comedies! My all-time favorite is The Holiday."

The lovely and down-to-earth Reed is ready for anything that might come her way. While she's enjoying her busy schedule — and teaching herself to play the guitar — she still finds time to keep her fans updated on all the latest happenings. Be sure to check out her Twitter and YouTube channel. She also recently started her own Website, which will keep you up-to-date on everything she is working on.

She's making her way up the mountain and we're pretty confident that the view from the top will be anything but dull for this breakout newcomer.