Tika Sumpter

Tika Sumpter is an actress, model, and singer best known for her work as Raina Thorpe on "Gossip Girl" and Layla Williamson on the Daytime Emmy-award wining soap opera, “One Life to Live,” which garnered her a NAACP Image Award nomination.

She was seen as Jenna on the CBS Series “The Game” and stars in the OWN network’s premiere drama “The Haves and the Have Nots” as the lead role of Candace Young. She also played a young Michelle Obama in the film, "Southside with You," a critically acclaimed film portraying the first date of President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama.

Along with her television career, Sumpter has also enjoyed success on the big screen. She appeared in "Sparkle," opposite Whitney Houston and Jordin Sparks, as well as the films "My Man is a Loser" with John Stamos and "Being Mary Jane" opposite Gabrielle Union.

Other film credits include "What’s Your Number" opposite Anna Faris and Chris Evans, "Salt," with Angelina Jolie and Liev Schreiber, "Stomp the Yard 2: Homecoming," "Whisper Me A Lullaby," and "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit." Sumpter has also been part of the "Ride" franchise, starring opposite Kevin Hart, Ice Cube and Laurence Fishburne. She also appeared in Tyler Perry’s "A Madea Christmas."

Sumpter was formerly a member of the R&B/Hip Hop group Twise. Their track, Paint the World, America’s Anthem can currently be heard on One Life, Many Voices, a compilation album made in an effort to aid Hurricane Katrina victims, featuring the voices of One Life to Live cast members.

Sumpter is proud of her involvement in Public Service Announcements appearing in an AIDS-awareness campaign with acclaimed hip-hop artist Common.