Tommy Dorfman

Tommy Dorfman is an American actress, filmmaker, and screenwriter who gained international attention for her role as Ryan Shaver in the second season of the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. Born in Atlanta and raised in New York City, she graduated from Fordham University with a degree in acting before launching her professional career. Her public profile shifted significantly in September 2017 when she announced she was a trans woman, becoming one of the first openly transgender actors to play a lead role in a major streaming series.

Today, Dorfman works primarily as a director and producer through her company, Good Girl Productions, while continuing to act in independent films. She remains a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has been featured in prominent publications like Time and Vanity Fair for her activism and artistic contributions. As of 2026, she balances her creative work with high-profile advocacy efforts, including fundraising for the Ali Forney Center. [edit]

Thomas Dorfman grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, before his family moved to New York City. He attended Fordham University in the Bronx, where he studied acting and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2015. During his college years, he explored various artistic disciplines, including photography and writing, which would later inform his approach to filmmaking. Before landing his breakout role, he worked in theater productions and appeared in small independent film projects to hone his craft.

The period leading up to his rise involved navigating the complexities of his identity within the entertainment industry. While working on early projects, he began privately identifying as a woman, a decision that required significant personal courage given the limited representation for transgender individuals at the time. His transition into the public eye coincided with the production of 13 Reasons Why, marking a pivotal moment where his personal journey intersected with his professional life. This era was defined by the quiet preparation for a career that would eventually challenge industry norms regarding gender and casting. [edit]

Dorfman's breakthrough arrived in 2018 when she was cast as Ryan Shaver in Season 2 of the Netflix drama 13 Reasons Why. The character was initially written as cisgender, but the showrunners adapted the role after Dorfman came out as a trans woman during production. This move sparked widespread discussion about authenticity in casting and representation within mainstream media. Following the release of the season, she published a landmark interview with Time magazine in September 2017, clarifying her identity and sharing her experience of living as a trans woman for a year prior to the announcement.

In the years since, she has pivoted toward behind-the-camera work to amplify marginalized voices. She founded Good Girl Productions, a company dedicated to creating content that centers queer narratives. Her directorial portfolio includes short films and documentary-style projects that explore themes of identity and community. In 2020, she appeared in the anthology film Love in the Time of Corona, and in 2023, she starred in the indie feature Sharp Stick. By 2026, she continues to direct, write, and produce while maintaining an active presence in the LGBTQ+ activist community. [edit]

Dorfman is portrayed as a courageous, articulate, and unapologetic advocate for transgender rights. Her public persona combines artistic sensitivity with fierce political engagement, often speaking at events and using her platform to address systemic inequalities. She is known for her distinctive style, which frequently blends high-fashion elements with casual streetwear, reflecting her background in photography and the arts. Media coverage consistently highlights her willingness to confront difficult topics head-on, whether discussing representation in Hollywood or addressing online harassment.

Her image extends beyond acting; she is viewed as a thoughtful creator who prioritizes meaningful storytelling over commercial success. Interviews often reveal a calm, measured demeanor that contrasts with the intensity of her advocacy work. Fans and critics alike respect her commitment to authenticity, noting how she navigates the intersection of celebrity, activism, and personal identity without compromising her values. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. While she does not hold a current ranking in the global fame indexes, her cultural impact remains significant within specific communities. The lack of formal ranking data reflects her shift away from traditional celebrity metrics toward focused advocacy and independent filmmaking.

There is no officially named fandom for Tommy Dorfman. However, she commands a dedicated following among LGBTQ+ communities and supporters of trans representation. Fans often refer to her as a "role model" and organize charity drives in her name, particularly supporting organizations like the Ali Forney Center. Fan interactions are largely focused on her activism and creative work rather than celebrity gossip. Her audience appreciates her transparency regarding her transition and her consistent efforts to amplify queer voices in the arts. [edit]

Dorfman is an accomplished photographer who often documents her own life and the lives of others through her lens. Her Instagram bio humorously notes "manshe/her," reflecting her unique journey and fluid approach to identity. In May 2026, she gained renewed media attention for confronting a fellow passenger on a flight who sent anti-trans texts about her. She described the individual as an "Alt-Right Vampire" and shared screenshots of the messages, reinforcing her reputation as a fearless activist willing to stand up against discrimination in real-time.

She uses she/her pronouns primarily but has expressed fluidity in the past, occasionally using they/them pronouns depending on the context. Her ability to blend avant-garde fashion with casual streetwear reflects her background in art and photography. The incident on the plane became a viral moment, with fans praising her immediate and articulate response to the harassment she faced in public spaces. [edit]

Tommy Dorfman was born to parents in Atlanta, Georgia, though specific details about their names or professions remain private. She maintains a close bond with her family, often crediting them for her support during her transition. There is no public information regarding siblings or extended family members in the media spotlight. Her household currently includes her partner, Milo Cassidy, and they reside together in Los Angeles. Dorfman has not publicly discussed having children, focusing her energy on her career and activism instead. [edit]

Liev Schreiber, Zohran Mamdani, Ali Forney Center, Good Girl Productions[edit]

Tommy Dorfman has maintained a relatively private personal life regarding romantic history, focusing primarily on her career and activism until recently. Public records do not document any previous marriages, engagements, or long-term relationships prior to her current partnership. She kept her dating life out of the spotlight while navigating her transition and establishing her career in the entertainment industry.

As of August 15, 2026, sources confirm that Tommy Dorfman and Milo Cassidy were seen holding hands during a date night in Los Angeles, solidifying their status as a couple. While specific details regarding how they met or the exact start date of their relationship are not fully detailed in public records, their public appearances together indicate a committed partnership. There is no public information suggesting children from this relationship or any previous marriages or engagements. The couple appears to share a strong bond, often supporting each other at public events and charitable functions. [edit]

As of 2026, iFANN currently estimates Tommy Dorfman's net worth at approximately $1 million. This figure reflects her earnings from acting roles in major streaming series, fees from independent film projects, and revenue generated through her production company, Good Girl Productions. Unlike many A-list celebrities, her wealth is not derived from massive endorsement deals or real estate holdings, but rather from her work as a director, screenwriter, and activist.

Her income streams include salaries from Netflix productions, payments for short films and documentaries, and compensation for speaking engagements related to LGBTQ+ advocacy. The financial trajectory of her career shows steady growth as she transitions from acting to more control-oriented roles in production. While exact figures for her business ventures are private, the valuation accounts for her sustained activity in the entertainment industry and her influence in the nonprofit sector. [edit]