Tina Lifford
Personal details
  • Born:
    • Born Place: Evanston, Illinois

Tina Lifford

Tina Lifford is a veteran American actress and playwright with a career spanning over four decades in film, television, and theater. Born on November 1, 1956, in Evanston, Illinois, she relocated to California with her family in her early teens, where she began her acting journey. She has an extensive and diverse filmography, appearing in over 100 films and television shows.Lifford is widely recognized for her role as Violet Bordelon, affectionately known as "Aunt Vi," in the critically acclaimed OWN drama series Queen Sugar (2016–2022), produced by Ava DuVernay and Oprah Winfrey. Her performance as the strong-willed matriarch earned her multiple NAACP Image Award nominations.Throughout her career, she has held significant roles in television series such as the sitcom South Central (1994) and the drama Parenthood (2010–2015). She has also appeared in films like Blood Work (2002) and Hostage (2005) and has made numerous guest appearances on shows including Scandal, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and ER. In 2025, she appeared in the film We Strangers.Beyond her acting, Lifford is also an author, a personal development speaker, and the CEO of "The Inner Fitness Project," a wellness initiative focused on emotional and spiritual well-being. She has written books, including The Little Book of Big Lies, and uses her platform to inspire others to live more fulfilling lives.

Person History