Full Name: Tamera Darvette Mowry-Housley
Birthday: July 6, 1978 (Age 44)
Birthplace: Gelnhausen, West Germany
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Occupation: Actress, TV Personality
Years Active: 1992 – Present
Spouse: Adam Housley (m. 2011)
Children: 2 (Son Aden, Daughter Ariah)
Known For: Sister, Sister, The Game, The Real
Net Worth: Est. $4 million
Social Media: Facebook Twitter Instagram
As an avid Sister, Sister fan growing up, I was thrilled when Tamera Mowry first appeared on my TV screen. Her infectious smile, quick wit, and undeniable talent won me over immediately. Though decades have passed since her ‘90s sitcom days, Mowry remains one of the most beloved and iconic stars of my childhood.
Early Life as an Army Brat Abroad
Born in West Germany to her American military parents, Mowry frequently moved around Europe throughout her early childhood. Being uprooted every couple years was difficult, but she had her twin sister Tia by her side. The two formed an unbreakable bond. At age eight, her family finally settled in California. Though shy at first, Tamera began participating in beauty pageants and talent shows alongside her sister.
In 1991, Tamera and Tia caught their big break when they beat out over 300 other twins to land the lead roles on Sister, Sister. The unknown twins were now starring in their own sitcom on national TV – an incredible achievement at just 13 years old!
Winning Over Audiences on Sister, Sister
On Sister, Sister, Tamera shone as Tamera Campbell, playing off her real life twin sister Tia brilliantly. The sitcom followed two twins separated at birth who unexpectedly reunite in their teenage years.
Fans loved watching the two very different personalities – Tamera‘s boy-crazy, girly-girl fashionista vs. Tia‘s smart, athletic tomboy – interact and grow closer despite their polar opposite interests. The show was a hit, skyrocketing both Mowry twins to fame during their adolescence.
Some of my favorite Tamera moments included her superstitious rituals before first dates and her over-the-top lip sync performances. Mowry had fantastic comedic timing and always delivered her punchlines with perfect expression and enthusiasm.
Awards Success and Crossover Appeal
Tamera earned numerous awards for her Sister, Sister role, including multiple NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Youth Actor as well as Kids‘ Choice Awards for Favorite Television Actress. The series itself won Outstanding Youth or Children‘s Series.
While primarily known for the sitcom, Mowry proved she had serious dramatic chops too, earning an NAACP Image Award nomination for her performance in the TV movie Seventeen Again opposite her sister. Throughout her career, Mowry has proven her versatility across genres from comedy to drama.
Memorable Film and TV Roles
Even during her Sister, Sister days, Mowry impressively juggled other acting roles. She voiced a recurring character on the cartoon series Detention and starred in Disney‘s Twitches and its sequel Twitches Too.
After Sister, Sister ended, Mowry went on to star as med student Melanie Barnett on the sitcom The Game from 2006 to 2015. She also led the Nick at Nite sitcom Instant Mom. Some of her most memorable TV movies include The Hot Chick and Double Wedding.
On the film side, Mowry appeared in Something New, Redemption of a Dog, Christmas Angel, and A Christmas Miracle. Showing her vocal talents, she portrayed housewife Margot in the animated movie Boo! A Madea Halloween.
No matter the project, Mowry brings warmth, humor, and sincerity to every role.
The Unbreakable Mowry Twin Bond
Throughout their careers, Tamera and her twin Tia have supported each other every step of the way while still cultivating their own identities. The two best friends have continued collaborating into adulthood, whether guest starring on each other‘s shows, launching joint business ventures, or raising their kids together.
Some of my favorite sister moments have been watching them compete on celebrity game shows where their twin telepathy and inside jokes are on full display. Even in their 40s, their sisterly bond is as strong as ever.
Down-to-Earth Realness on The Real
Since 2013, Mowry has charmed viewers as a co-host on the hit daytime talk show The Real alongside a panel of bold, diverse women. Her honesty, wit, and approachability have made Mowry the perfect fit.
As a working mom of two, Mowry often shares relatable parenting stories – the good, bad, and ugly! She also opens up about her 20+ year marriage, keeping things spicy in the bedroom after kids. Mowry is the definition of real, talking about all aspects of her life with such humor and candor.
Fun Facts About Tamera
- She speaks fluent Italian after living there for years as a kid
- Her favorite snack is oatmeal cream pies
- She is left-handed
- She was featured in her brother Tahj‘s "He Don‘t Love You" music video
- Mowry loves to cook and bake, releasing cookbooks like The Quick Fix Kitchen
No matter what the future holds, Tamera Mowry will always hold a special place in my heart. She created an iconic character who made me laugh and smile throughout my childhood. With her enduring talent and bright personality, Mowry continues leaving her mark in Hollywood.