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. 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. 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.
Career
An early television role for Powell was on Reno 911! in 2005. She played a flight attendant in the 2011 film Bridesmaids and had a recurring role on the ABC sitcom Suburgatory (2011–2013). Other guest appearances include on television comedies such as Two Broke Girls, The Office, and Veep.
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. First appearing in the fifth season episode "Farm Strong" in 2013, 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". Her character was met with controversy with viewers finding her character annoying and unlikeable. Pam Tucker has been cited as being one of the worst supporting characters on the show.
Powell has worked in digital advertising as a writer. She and actress Alison Royer hosted the Absolute Worst Podcast from May 2017 to December 2018. Since 2019, she has hosted The Rants and Raves Podcast with actress Jessica Young.
Personal life
Powell is married to Dan Tipton, who worked as a production supervisor for Modern Family. They met at Missouri State, and not long after graduation he invited her to move to Los Angeles. They have one son.
Filmography Film Year(s) Title Role Notes2008Point View TerraceHelenTelevision film2011BridesmaidsFlight Attendant Claire2011PepperJaneShort film2013This Is EllenRoseShort film2014DonationBethShort film2015Salem RogersGwynnTelevision film2016Piece of CakeJanetShort film2016Ride SharedShort film2017Unit ZeroMidgeTelevision film2017HandsomeSky2017Alex & the ListHolly2017BattlecreekMelinda2018To the GraveMargot BleekerShort film2019PennyShort film2019Valentino and the ProdigyBonzieShort film2020Remotely WorkingKateTelevision short film2020Film FestToni2020Bite the HandLorrie CaldwellShort film2021JenShort film2023Help Me UnderstandShort film
Television Year(s) Title Role Notes2005Reno 911!American Idol Hopeful2 episodes2008Emily's Reasons Why NotMindy Saline3 episodes2009Kath & KimHollyEpisode: "Idols"2009BrainstormAlisonWeb series2010SvetlanaEpisode: "Gumption"2011Good Luck CharlieNancyEpisode: "Driving Mrs. Dabney"2011–2013SuburgatoryRhonda6 episodes2012MeganEpisode: "Welcome Party"2012Bob's BurgersKarenVoice role; episode: "Food Truckin'"20122 Broke GirlsShana2 episodes2013Arrested DevelopmentCrab Shack WorkerEpisode: "Queen B."2013Hello LadiesEmployeeEpisode: "Long Beach"2013–2019Modern FamilyPameron Tucker14 episodes2014VeepKelly2 episodes2014I Didn't Do ItBrendaEpisode: "Logan's Run"2014MomJessicaEpisode: "Soapy Eyes and a Clean Slate"2015Hot Girl Walks ByLisaEpisode: "Girls in a Park"2015ClippedRobin DoyleMiniseries; 8 episodes2015In-BetweenAgnes McGuire3 episodes2016Food CourtGirl Scout Cookie Defendant2017TemporaryNot The Real Elizabeth BanksEpisode: "The Real Elizabeth Banks"2017Flip the ScriptEpisode: "Diva Director"2017Curb Your EnthusiasmClaudiaEpisode: "The Pickle Gambit"2018I'm Still a PersonEpisode: "The Mom Bob Episode"2018Black-ishMarlaEpisode: "Dog Eat Dog World"2018Donna PowerEpisode: "Ed Balls, Cry Closet, & Poop Trains!"2018Ride SeshSusanEpisode: "Dave & Susan"2019Baby LoveNurse BellEpisode: "Pilot"2019–2020Paula3 episodes2020Site UnseenHerselfEpisode: "Episode #1.2"2020Saved by the BellJoyce WhiteladyEpisode: "Clubs and Cliques"2021Narcos: MexicoWaitressEpisode: "Como La Flor"2022Cars on the RoadMatoVoice role; episode: "Gettin' Hitched"20239-1-1Carol SykesEpisode: "Mixed Feelings"
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