Dana Powell Explained

Dana Powell
Birth Place:Springfield, Missouri, U.S.
Years Active:2003–present
Spouse:Dan Tipton
Children:1
Alma Mater:Missouri State University (BFA)

Dana Powell is an American comic actress best known for playing Pam Tucker, Cam's sister, on Modern Family (2013–2019).

Early life and education

Powell grew up in Springfield, Missouri, where she went to Hillcrest High School.[1] She developed an interest in theater after an unsuccessful audition for Fiddler on the Roof as a high school freshman. Her first acting role was the housekeeper in a high school production of The Sound of Music. After briefly attending Ozarks Technical Community College, she earned a bachelor's degree in theater from Missouri State University in 1999.[1] [2] She worked in the newsroom of Springfield 33 (a radio station later known as KSPR) before moving to Los Angeles to study improvisational comedy at the iO West and the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre.[3] [4] [5]

Career

An early television role for Powell was on Reno 911! in 2005.[4] She played a flight attendant in the 2011 film Bridesmaids and had a recurring role on the ABC sitcom Suburgatory (2011–2013).[4] [6] Other guest appearances include on television comedies such as Two Broke Girls, The Office, and Veep.[1]

Powell's best-known role is Pameron "Pam" Tucker, the sister of the main character Cameron "Cam" Tucker (Eric Stonestreet), on the ABC sitcom Modern Family.[1] [4] First appearing in the fifth season episode "Farm Strong" in 2013,[7] she returned for 14 episodes in total. Powell knew Stonestreet from their improvisational comedy days and considered him her "unofficial big brother in real life".[1] [3]

Powell has worked in digital advertising as a writer.[1] She and actress Alison Royer hosted the Absolute Worst Podcast from May 2017 to December 2018.[8] Since 2019, she has hosted The Rants and Raves Podcast with actress Jessica Young.[9]

Personal life

Powell is married to Dan Tipton, who worked as a production supervisor for Modern Family.[4] They met at Missouri State, and not long after graduation he invited her to move to Los Angeles.[3] [4] They have one son.[4]

Filmography

Film

Year(s)TitleRoleNotes
2008scope=rowPoint View TerraceHelenTelevision film
2011scope=rowBridesmaidsFlight Attendant Claire
2011scope=rowPepperJaneShort film
2013scope=rowThis Is EllenRoseShort film
2014scope=rowDonationBethShort film
2015scope=rowSalem RogersGwynnTelevision film
2016scope=rowPiece of CakeJanetShort film
2016scope=rowRide SharedShort film
2017scope=rowUnit ZeroMidgeTelevision film
2017scope=rowHandsomeSky
2017scope=rowAlex & the ListHolly
2017scope=rowBattlecreekMelinda
2018scope=rowTo the GraveMargot BleekerShort film
2019scope=rowPennyShort film
2019scope=rowValentino and the ProdigyBonzieShort film
2020scope=rowRemotely WorkingKateTelevision short film
2020scope=rowFilm FestToni
2020scope=rowBite the HandLorrie CaldwellShort film
2021scope=rowJenShort film
2023scope=rowHelp Me UnderstandShort film

Television

Year(s)TitleRoleNotes
2005scope=rowReno 911!American Idol Hopeful2 episodes
2008scope=rowEmily's Reasons Why NotMindy Saline3 episodes
2009scope=rowKath & KimHollyEpisode: "Idols"
2009scope=rowBrainstormAlisonWeb series
2010scope=rowSvetlanaEpisode: "Gumption"
2011scope=rowGood Luck CharlieNancyEpisode: "Driving Mrs. Dabney"
2011–2013scope=rowSuburgatoryRhonda6 episodes
2012scope=rowMeganEpisode: "Welcome Party"
2012scope=rowBob's BurgersKarenVoice role; episode: "Food Truckin'"
2012scope=row2 Broke GirlsShana2 episodes
2013scope=rowArrested DevelopmentCrab Shack WorkerEpisode: "Queen B."
2013scope=rowHello LadiesEmployeeEpisode: "Long Beach"
2013–2019scope=rowModern FamilyPameron Tucker14 episodes
2014scope=rowVeepKelly2 episodes
2014scope=rowI Didn't Do ItBrendaEpisode: "Logan's Run"
2014scope=rowMomJessicaEpisode: "Soapy Eyes and a Clean Slate"
2015scope=rowHot Girl Walks ByLisaEpisode: "Girls in a Park"
2015scope=rowClippedRobin DoyleMiniseries; 8 episodes
2015scope=rowIn-BetweenAgnes McGuire3 episodes
2016scope=rowFood CourtGirl Scout Cookie Defendant
2017scope=rowTemporaryNot The Real Elizabeth BanksEpisode: "The Real Elizabeth Banks"
2017scope=rowFlip the ScriptEpisode: "Diva Director"
2017scope=rowCurb Your EnthusiasmClaudiaEpisode: "The Pickle Gambit"
2018scope=rowI'm Still a PersonEpisode: "The Mom Bob Episode"
2018scope=rowBlack-ishMarlaEpisode: "Dog Eat Dog World"
2018scope=rowDonna PowerEpisode: "Ed Balls, Cry Closet, & Poop Trains!"
2018scope=rowRide SeshSusanEpisode: "Dave & Susan"
2019scope=rowBaby LoveNurse BellEpisode: "Pilot"
2019–2020scope=rowPaula3 episodes
2020scope=rowSite UnseenHerselfEpisode: "Episode #1.2"
2020scope=rowSaved by the BellJoyce WhiteladyEpisode: "Clubs and Cliques"
2021scope=rowWaitressEpisode: "Como La Flor"
2022scope=rowCars on the RoadMatoVoice role; episode: "Gettin' Hitched"
2023scope=row9-1-1Carol SykesEpisode: "Mixed Feelings"

Notes and References

  1. News: Modern Family actress to speak at OTC graduation. Riley. Claudette. March 27, 2017. Springfield News-Leader. April 30, 2023.
  2. Web site: Congratulations to Dana Powell!. Missouri State University. August 28, 2014. April 30, 2023.
  3. Web site: One-On-One with Actress Dana Powell. The Place. KY3. Gibson. Michael. October 23, 2020. April 30, 2023.
  4. News: Dana Powell Went From Hillcrest to Modern Family. Houghton. Jeff. November 2017. 417 Magazine. Springfield, Missouri. April 30, 2023.
  5. Web site: Actress Dana Powell to speak at OTC commencement. French. Laura. March 27, 2017. Ozarks Technical Community College. April 30, 2023.
  6. News: Modern Family Exclusive: Meet Cam's Sister!. Masters. Megan. September 17, 2013. TVLine. April 30, 2023.
  7. News: Former Springfieldian lands spot on 'Modern Family'. https://web.archive.org/web/20131011044436/http://www.news-leader.com/article/20131009/LIFE/310090033/Former-Springfieldian-lands-spot-on-Modern-Family-. October 11, 2013. dead. October 9, 2013. Temple. Christine. Springfield News-Leader.
  8. Web site: Absolute Worst Podcast. January 12, 2019 . Apple Podcasts. April 30, 2023.
  9. Web site: The Rants And Raves Podcast. Apple Podcasts. April 30, 2023.