Okay family, how many of you remember the lil’ girl who was sangin’ (yes we said sangin’…not singing, there’s a difference…LOL) in The Five Heartbeats? Her name is Tressa Thomas and she was 12 years old when she starred in the film and killed it with her version of “We Haven’t Finished Yet?” She stole the show as Robert Townsend’s character “Duck’s” baby sister.

Well, in case you were wondering where she’s been and what she’s doing now, we’ve found her and she is now 39 years old, still doing her thing.  Check her out now…

Alright before we go any further, can we talk about how good Tressa is looking now? Her all grown up now…yes she is!

She still performs live and releases new music periodically. Below is a performance by Tressa and the group, Soul People. They have a wonderful, soulful sound!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-N3UnC6D_4

Since Tressa made her debut in The Five Heartbeats, she’s been continuing her musical and acting career. Her other film credits include Flatliners and Message In A Bottle. She has shared stages with Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder, Howard Hewett, Dionne Warwick, Earth, Wind, & Fire and Run DMC, and many more throughout her career. In 2001, Tressa did an international tour performing for Royal Caribbean Entertainment (Cruise Lines) as the lead female vocalist. In 2007, she produced The Yesterday Pool, a short film starring Academy Award winner, Mickey Rooney. Tressa starred in “Back To Bacharach And David” at Fonda Theater in Hollywood, CA.

In addition to her music and acting careers, Tressa is also getting her modeling on as a full-figured model who has been featured in various magazines such as Plus Model Mag, Ebony, Jet, Venus Divas Mag, Variety Mag, for E’Lon Cosmetics as their spokes model. She is currently the executive director of 501(c)3 nonprofit organization called ThYck Troupe Organization, NFP, which is a performing arts organization that trains, mentors, inspires & showcases plus size women of all races and ages pursuing careers in the performing arts, as stated in their bio. You can also visit Tressa’s website at tressathomas.com.

Now, we previously missed this one, but did you realize that was Tressa performing in the made-for-TV movie, The Little Richard Story? Yeah, we didn’t either, but it was her, she played singer, Ruth Brown.

It looks like Tressa has capitalized off of her childhood stardom well. She is a beautiful woman, with a beautiful voice and a dedication to her craft. All too often entertainers who were in her position back in the day, don’t get the spotlight they deserve in today’s entertainment climate. So we wanted to shine a light on the Tressa Thomas- the singer, actress, producer, model, and business woman- and we wish her much continued success in all of her future endeavors.