Tessa Rao (born 20 February 1998) is a New Zealand actress. She is known for her roles as Izzy Garcia in the Nickelodeon/Netflix series Power Rangers Dino Fury (2021–2022) and Power Rangers Cosmic Fury (2023) and Poppy Achari in the TVNZ 2 soap opera Shortland Street (2025).
Early life Rao was born in Auckland. She is a graduate of Trinity College London and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts .
Career Rao's biggest role of her career so far has been playing Izzy Garcia (The Green Ranger) in Power Rangers Dino Fury. The character is known for being the first lesbian character in the Power Rangers franchise. Rao was worried that she would have to cut her hair for the character. She reprised her role in Power Rangers Cosmic Fury. Rao was then cast in the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street as Poppy Achari.
Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes 2017 Into the Rainbow Koia 2018 Behind the Cover Ava Short 2019 Moving Day Dead Victim Short 2020 Zozo Megan Short 2025 Project MKHEXE Ashleigh
Television Year Title Role Notes 2017 Auckward Love Eveline Episode; Oh my god, we're back again 2021-2022 Power Rangers Dino Fury Izzy Garcia 41 episodes 2023 Power Rangers Cosmic Fury Izzy Garcia 10 episodes 2024 A Remarkable Place to Die Georgia Episode; Out of the Blue 2025 Shortland Street Poppy Achari 75 episodes
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