logo

Remember Duck's Sister in 'Five Heartbeats'? She Looks Great at 40 after Dropping Major Weight

Aby Rivas
By Aby Rivas
Apr 25, 2019
11:28 A.M.

Tressa Thomas, better known for her childhood role as Robert Townsend’s character little sister in “The Five Heartbeats,” is now a grown woman. She’s still a talented performer and looking better than ever at 40.

Advertisement

Thomas’ career started at age 7 when her vocal talent drove her to travel around the country while making small performances in special events.

Advertisement

At 10, she became an official Brand Ambassador for Adidas Sportswear, and as the youngest spokesmodel in the company’s history, she traveled across Europe for more than 1-year, performing live concerts at numerous U.N. summits, art festivals, sports exhibitions, and international conventions.

Tressa started to make some cameos on film and TV, and in 1991, she landed a role on “The Five Heartbeats,” where she stole the spotlight as Duck’s little sister and even got several publications to mark her scene as the most memorable in the film.

Advertisement

The role gave Tressa the chance to record with R&B legend Patti Labelle & Billy Valentine on the film’s soundtrack.

Other of her film credits include “Flatliners,” “Message in a Bottle,” “Angel Street,” and “Love Hurts.”

Tressa has also provided background and lead vocals for Stevie Wonder, COMMON, Earth, Wind & Fire, Barbara Streisand, Brandy, Eddie Griffin, The Wayans Brothers, Dionne Warwick, and Gladys Knight, among others.

Advertisement

Although her work is mostly focused on the music industry, Thomas also took some modeling gigs as a plus-size model a few years ago. She was featured in several publications such as Plus Model Mag, Ebony, Jet, Venus Divas Mag, Variety Mag, and was a spoke model for E’Lon Cosmetics.

Advertisement

However, now that she has dropped some weight, she looks even younger than a decade ago.

Tressa had a starring role in the musical “Back To Bacharach & David” at the Music Box Fonda Theatre in Hollywood and shined on the stage as a featured vocalist for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.

Advertisement

Her most recent performances on stage plays include, “Hairspray,” and “Symphony of The Sea.”

Thomas is also de CEO of a 501(c)3, non-profit performing arts organization, Beacon Of Light Artists Collective (BOLAC).

Through it, she lectures young adults and women across the country on positive self-image, confidence, and artistic expression.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Related posts

From Broadway to Hollywood – Inside the Career of a Tony-Nominated Star: Photos

March 30, 2026

Meet Adam Thomas' Wife Caroline, 35, the Blonde Beauty Who Still Stands by His Side and with Whom He Shares 2 Children – Photos

April 27, 2026

John Travolta and Daughter Ella Bleu Dazzle on Cannes Red Carpet, Sparking Buzz Over Father's New Look — Photos

May 16, 2026

Mel C, 52, Marries in a Backless Wedding Gown — but One Famous Name Missing from the Guest List — Photos

July 21, 2026

Most Stunning Female Country Stars Dazzle at 2026 ACM Awards — Photos

May 17, 2026

From Foster Homes to Award-Winning Films — Transformation of Barry Keoghan in 30+ Photos

March 24, 2026

George and Amal Clooney Appear at the King's Trust 50th Anniversary – Fans Discuss Their Looks

May 12, 2026

Lauren Bennett of 'Party Rock Anthem' Fame Passed Away — Her Partner Has Not Spoken Since

July 07, 2026

This '80s Blonde Bombshell Was Once Every Man's Dream – What Happened to Her

May 22, 2026

Lizzo Stuns at amfAR Red Carpet — Clip Ignites Buzz Over Boyfriend's Behavior

May 25, 2026

Teyana Taylor Arrives at the BET Awards 2026 in a Sculptural Gown That Has Fans Divided — Photos

June 28, 2026