Actress
Film
Odessa Adlon is an American actress who really started making waves in early 2019, thanks to her role on the CBS comedy series "Fam." Now, Odessa Adlon wasn’t just starting from scratch—she actually grew up immersed in the entertainment world. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she came from a true showbiz family, which definitely gave her a unique perspective on the industry. Her mom? None other than Pamela Adlon, the acclaimed actress known for her standout performances on shows like "Californication" and "Louie." So, for Odessa Adlon, acting didn’t seem like some far-off dream—it felt more like a natural path.
She actually got her first taste of the spotlight at just 12 years old, landing a small but meaningful role in the 2011 comedy "Conception," which also starred her mother, Pamela. Even though it was a minor part, that experience was enough to spark something in Odessa Adlon—a real passion for performing. But as often happens in this business, there was a bit of a gap before her next big opportunity. It took about five years before she stepped into another major role.
That next step came when she joined the cast of the FX dramedy "Better Things," a show co-created by her mother and comedian Louis C.K. Being part of that project was a significant moment for Odessa Adlon, not just professionally but personally too. Then, in 2017, things really started heating up. That’s when Odessa Adlon landed a recurring role as Liv on the dramatic music series "Nashville," which aired on ABC and later CMT. She appeared in five episodes, bringing depth and charm to the character, and marking what many saw as her breakout moment.
After "Nashville" wrapped up, Odessa Adlon kept busy—she didn’t slow down one bit. She appeared in films like "What About Barb?" in 2017 and the intense indie thriller "Ladyworld" in 2018, showing off her range and commitment to her craft. But then came 2019—the year that truly put Odessa Adlon on the map. Not only did she appear in two episodes of the edgy YouTube Premium series "Wayne," but she also joined the main cast of the CBS sitcom "Fam."
The show, which premiered in January 2019, followed the story of a young woman—played by Nina Dobrev—who moves in with her half-sister and her fiancé, leading to plenty of comedic clashes and heartfelt moments. For Odessa Adlon, this role was a major milestone, showcasing her comedic timing and screen presence to a much wider audience. And honestly, it felt like everything she’d worked toward was finally clicking into place. With her talent, background, and growing list of credits, Odessa Adlon continues to build a name for herself—one memorable performance at a time.