Vanessa Morgan Mziray (born March 23, 1992; Age: 54 years) is a talented Canadian actress and singer known professionally as Vanessa Morgan. Renowned for her exceptional acting abilities, she has made a significant mark in the movie industry. Vanessa is particularly recognized for her standout portrayal of Toni Topaz in the “Riverdale” series.
Early Life & Education
Vanessa Morgan was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, in a multicultural background. She grew up under the guardianship of her parents and alongside her two older siblings—a sister and a brother. Catherine Morgan, her mother, is of Scottish descent, while Loyar Morgan, her father, has Tanzanian roots.
From an early age, Vanessa displayed her artistic talents through community shows, telethons, and charity events, notably starting her journey at 6. Her innate strengths quickly drew attention, catching the eye of a Hollywood agent. This pivotal moment led to her being awarded a scholarship to the renowned Hollywood Acting Institute in 1999.
Vanessa’s star continued to ascend as she claimed victory in the junior Miss America pageant, surpassing her peers in the vocalist category at the national date festival in the same year. The momentum carried into 2000 when she secured the top spot in the African-American vocal competition. Beyond her artistic pursuits, Vanessa was also an accomplished athlete, participating in NTA tennis competitions at the Ottawa Athletic Club during her childhood.
Her journey extended into academic achievements, culminating in her graduation from Colonel By Secondary School in 2010. Despite her success, Vanessa chose to pursue her passion for philosophy at Queen’s University, showcasing her diverse interests as both an artist and a philosopher
Career
Vanessa Morgan’s acting journey took off 2000 when she starred in VH1’s “A Diva’s Christmas Carol.” She then landed the role of Amanda Pierce in the comedy series “The Latest Buzz,” marking her entrance into the spotlight. 2010 was a turning point in her career, with standout performances in TV movies like “Harriet the Spy: In Blog Wars” and “My Babysitter’s A Vampire,” where she portrayed Sarah. She also played a 16-year-old in the movie “Frankie and Alice.”
In 2011, Vanessa returned as Sarah in the TV series “My Babysitter’s a Vampire” and took on the role of Hannah Mornell in the Disney Channel original movie “Geek Charming.” She made appearances in episodes of “ANT Farm” as well.
Vanessa’s career gained significant momentum in 2014 when she portrayed Beatrice “Bird” in the TV series “Finding Carter” and starred in the TV film “Guilty at 17.” In 2016, she joined the cast of “Riverdale,” playing Antoinette Toni Topaz alongside her close friend Cole Sprouse. Demonstrating her versatility, she also played Destiny in the movie “Pimp.”
2017 marked another notable year for Vanessa when she attended the Coachella Festival with her ‘Riverdale’ co-stars.
Her prominence continued to rise, and in May 2018, she announced her role as a series regular for the show’s third season. In 2019, Vanessa showcased her entertainment talents in a “lip sync battle” where she matched up with Andy Grammar, highlighting her actress and singer skills.
Personal Life
Vanessa is married to Michael Kopech, a former Major League Baseball figure who previously worked with Brielle Biermann. Their journey began in July 2018, reaching a significant milestone in June 2019. Vanessa shared enchanting moments on Instagram, showcasing her pitcher boyfriend, Michael Kopech, proposing against the backdrop of a stunning waterfall.
On January 4, 2020, the couple exchanged vows in a beautiful ceremony attended by friends and family. However, their marital journey took an unexpected turn when, sadly, on June 19, 2020, Kopech filed for divorce without disclosing the reasons to the public.
Despite the challenges, Vanessa shared joyful news on July 24, 2020, announcing her pregnancy with Kopech’s child. In 2021, they welcomed their son into the world, marking a new chapter in their lives.
Filmography
- The Latest Buzz
- Harriet the Spy: Blog Wars
- Frankie & Alice
- My Babysitter’s a Vampire
- My Babysitter’s a Vampire (2011–2012)
- Geek Charming
- A.N.T. Farm
- Degrassi
- Saving Hope
- The Amazing Race Canada
- Guilty at 17
- The Night Session
- Finding Carter (2014–2015)
- Some Assembly Required
- The Shannara Chronicles
- Pimp
- Lip Sync Battle (Herself, 2019)
- Margaux
Discography
- Be My Joker
- In The World According To Chris, “You Shine (Reprise),” and “A Night We’ll Never Forget”
- Candy Store
- Big Fun
- Dead Girl Walking
- Seventeen
- Seventeen (Encore)
- Call Your Girlfriend
- Wicked Little Town
- Random Number Generation
- Tear Me Down
- Wig in a Box
- Sugar Daddy
- Midnight Radio
- Cherry Bomb
- Sleep When I’m Dead
- After Dark
Awards & Nominations
- Young Artist Awards
- Planet Africa Awards
- Teen Choice Awards
- MTV Movie & TV Awards
- Teen Choice Awards
Social Media
- Instagram @venessamorgan
- Twitter @Venessamorgan
Net Worth
Venessa Morgan has an estimated net worth of about US$4 million.
