Tessa Rao

Tessa Rao (born 20 February 1998) is a New Zealand actress. She is best known for playing Izzy Garcia in Power Rangers Dino Fury and Power Rangers Cosmic Fury She is also known for playing Poppy Achari in the soap opera Shortland Street.

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.

Personal life Rao has said that her mom is her hero for supporting her during the good times and the bad. She is a fan of the sitcom Ted Lasso. Her preferred evening is going out for a dinner with a little bit of karaoke at the end. Her favourite food is Hash browns, specifically the ones from McDonald's.

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