Jen Tullock : Jennifer Leigh “Jen” Tullock has emerged as one of the most compelling and versatile voices in modern television and independent film. Best known to global audiences as the grounded, sharp-witted Devon Scout-Hale in Apple TV+’s hit series Severance, Tullock’s career is a testament to the power of persistence, creative collaboration, and authentic storytelling.
Jen Tullock Early Life and “Fervidly Christian” Roots
Born on July 4, 1983, in Louisville, Kentucky, Jen Tullock grew up in the neighborhoods of Jeffersontown and Crescent Hill. Her upbringing was deeply rooted in a conservative, “fervidly Christian” environment. Her parents were active in the music industry, leading her and her younger brother, Ryan (who later became the bassist for the indie band Tennis), to grow up singing in megachurch congregations.
Tullock often credits her early exposure to live performance—observing her mother’s charisma on the “Jumbotron”—as her first real entryway into the world of entertainment. Despite the rigid religious structure of her youth, which she has described as a “biblical perspective” that often felt at odds with her personal identity, she developed an early love for classic Hollywood musicals and theater.
Education and the Move to Brooklyn
Tullock attended the Christian Academy of Louisville before transitioning to Eastern High School for her final year. Following graduation, she pursued a formal education in the arts at Millikin University, graduating in 2006 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting.
In 2007, Tullock moved to Brooklyn, New York, to dive into the theater scene. Her early years were defined by the “hustle”—performing in one-person shows, practicing improv, doing voice-over work, and appearing in commercials. She eventually made her mark on the stage, notably in the world premiere of Frank Winters’ On the Head of a Pin at 59E59 Theatres.
The Breakthrough: Sundance and Writing
Before becoming a household name in streaming, Tullock established herself as a formidable writer and indie actor alongside her creative partner, Hannah Pearl Utt. The duo gained significant recognition through:
- Partners (2016): A short film that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
- Before You Know It (2019): A feature film co-written by and starring Tullock (alongside Utt and Mandy Patinkin), which premiered in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at Sundance.
Tullock’s ability to blend high-concept drama with grounded, human comedy became her signature style during this period.
Severance and Global Recognition
In 2022, Tullock’s career reached a new trajectory when she was cast as Devon Scout-Hale in the psychological thriller Severance. As the sister of the protagonist Mark Scout (Adam Scott), Devon serves as the “Outie” world’s emotional anchor. Her performance earned her a nomination for a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.
Following the success of Severance, she joined the cast of HBO’s Perry Mason as Anita St. Pierre, a screenwriter in 1930s Los Angeles. This role allowed Tullock to explore complex queer narratives within a period setting, earning her an Astra TV Award nomination.
Personal Life and Creative Resilience
Jen Tullock is openly queer and has been a vocal advocate for authentic LGBTQ+ representation in media. On May 11, 2023, she married Marie Ronn, a Swedish creative director, in a private ceremony in New York City.
Tullock has also demonstrated immense personal resilience. In 2024, she premiered a solo show titled You Shall Inherit the Earth!, which was inspired by her personal experience of suffering a stroke. Rather than stepping away from the spotlight, she used the trauma as fuel for her art, creating a piece that explored the fragility of the human condition with her trademark wit and vulnerability.
Notable Filmography & Projects
| Year | Title | Role | Format |
| 2016 | Partners | Leigh | Short Film (Writer/Star) |
| 2019 | Before You Know It | Jackie Gurner | Feature Film (Writer/Star) |
| 2022–Present | Severance | Devon Scout-Hale | TV Series (Apple TV+) |
| 2023 | Perry Mason | Anita St. Pierre | TV Series (HBO) |
| 2023 | Cora Bora | Multiple Roles | Feature Film |
| 2024 | You Shall Inherit the Earth! | Self | Solo Stage Show |
Why Jen Tullock is One to Watch
Whether she is satirizing suburban life in her mockumentary project Eggshell or navigating the high-stakes mysteries of Lumon Industries, Jen Tullock remains one of the most authentic performers in the industry. Her journey from a megachurch in Kentucky to the red carpets of Hollywood is a story of staying true to one’s voice, even when it challenges the status quo.
Jen Tullock Images
