
Location
Johannesburg, South Africa
School
University Of The Witwatersrand
Expertise
British Royals, The "Real Housewives" Franchise, Old Hollywood Stars
Experience
Tessa's love for pop culture stems back to her childhood, when she would craft school assignments as her very own entertainment reports. Her foray into professional reporting began in 2017, when she started writing the pop culture section for an edutainment app. She's since gone on to obtain her Master of Arts (with a dissertation on "The Real Housewives of Johannesburg," naturally), and has done over 100 interviews for TheThings. Tessa joined Static Media in early 2022, providing regular articles for Nicki Swift, and the occasional guest report on royal occasions for TheList.
Education
Tessa has a bachelor's degree in politics and media studies, and honors and master's degrees in media studies, all from the University of the Witwatersrand. She came away from both postgraduate degrees with distinction – and a love of seeing how pop culture, social factors, and politics intersect at every turn.
Nicki Swift covers celebrity and entertainment news by way of an expert group of editorial professionals. We drive the conversation on everything from trending Hollywood news to star transformations, always striving to deliver the most compelling commentary, bolstered by quality expert opinions.
As we cover a wide breadth of pop culture, we're constantly reviewing, fact-checking, and updating stories to ensure they're accurate and current. Additional information on our editorial process available here.
Stories By Tessa Hayley Hellberg
Solange Knowles' Rarely-Seen Son Julez Is All Grown Up Now
Solange Knowles' son, Daniel Julez J. Smith Jr., aka Julez Smith, has lived a relatively private life. But he's all grown up now. Here's what we know about him.
Angelica Ross' Beef With Emma Roberts Fully Explained
"American Horror Story" star Angelica Ross went public with allegations against Emma Roberts' behind-the-scenes behavior, including a transphobic comment.
The Heartbreaking Story Of Dr. Phil's Sister-In-Law Cindi Broaddus
Dr. Phil's sister-in-law, Cindi Broaddus, passed away in 2018, but her legacy of making a positive impact in the world has certainly endured.
Priscilla Presley Had An Eerie Feeling Days Before Lisa Marie's Death
Shortly before Lisa Marie Presley's death, her mother Priscilla's intuition told her that something was amiss. Thankfully, they spent her final days together.
What Happened To Rupert Murdoch's Ex-Wife Jerry Hall?
Rupert Murdoch certainly sent his then-wife, Jerry Hall, scrambling when he emailed her to saw he wanted a divorce. Here's what happened to her after that.
RHOA: A Look At Kim Zolciak's Daughter Brielle's Financial Problems
Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann have been in the news for their divorce and financial issues, but daughter Brielle Biermann has her own fair share of money woes.
How Meghan Markle's Father Feels About Not Seeing His Grandkids
Thomas Markle hasn't been quiet about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's decision to keep him away from his grandkids. Here's how he really feels about it.
Tisha Campbell's Sons: What We Know About Xen And Ezekiel Martin
Tisha Campbell has always had a close relationship with her two sons, and while parenting hasn't always been easy, it has been extremely rewarding.
Why RHOBH's Lisa Vanderpump And Eileen Davidson Don't Get Along
While they're both off the show today, Lisa Vanderpump and Eileen Davidson's feud lit up the middle seasons of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills."
Why Carrie Underwood Was Sued Over Her Sunday Night Football Theme Song
Carrie Underwood has performed the NBC Sunday Night Football theme song for over a decade, but not without a lawsuit from a fellow singer-songwriter.
Why Oprah Winfrey Credits Her Father Vernon For Saving Her Life
Oprah Winfrey is often hailed as one of America's richest self-made women, and she happily gives credit to her father for pointing her in the right direction.
The Ex Tiger Woods And RHOBH Star Paul 'PK' Kemsley Have In Common
Tiger Woods and "RHOBH" star Paul "PK" Kemsley share an unexpected connection from their pasts — they both had a fling with the same woman.
The Controversial School That Will And Jada Pinkett-Smith Started
Will Jada Pinkett Smith opened up a private school back in 2008. However, some of its methods proved controversial and the academy closed after five years.
Bijou Phillips Has A Tumultuous Relationship With Her Sister Mackenzie
Bijou Phillips' relationship with her sister has been turbulent at best, and it all started when Mackenzie Phillips made disturbing claims about their father.
A Look At Janet Jackson And Tom Cruise's Unexpected Friendship
Tom Cruise has forged some rather unexpected friendships in the glitzy world of Hollywood. Here's what we know about his relationship with Janet Jackson.
The Shady Way Sharon Osbourne's Son Jack Roasted Her Cosmetic Work
Sharon Osbourne recently became the unsuspecting star of an impromptu roast, courtesy of her son, who hilariously called her out on plastic surgery journey.
What Jesse Lee Soffer Has Been Up To Since His Exit From One Chicago
Jesse Lee Soffer was one of the series standouts on "Chicago P.D." Fans may be wondering what he's been doing since his departure from the NBC show.
Why Culver Bradbury Was Almost Fired From Below Deck Down Under
"Below Deck Down Under" star Culver Bradbury has won favor with charter guests and fans. However, he did land in hot water with the captain due to his behavior.
Who Is Grey's Anatomy Star Kim Raver Married To In Real Life?
While her character on "Grey's Anatomy" might have navigated a bumpy path to love, Kim Raver's real-life journey has been remarkably smooth sailing.
Meet Lauren Conrad's Sons Liam And Charlie
"Laguna Beach" and "The Hills" star Lauren Conrad is loving life as a boy mom to her two sons, Liam and Charlie.
The Eerie Comment Justin Trudeau's Wife Once Told Meghan Markle
Justin Trudeau and Sophie Grégoire announced their separation in August 2023, but she hinted at trouble in paradise on Meghan Markle's podcast a year earlier.
Is Kardea Brown Engaged? All About The Food Network Star's Love Life
When it comes to the secrets of epic Southern fare, Kardea Brown is an open book. Her love life? Not quite so much. So is she or isn't she engaged?
Are Jenna Davis And Liv Swearingen Really Sisters? Here's What We Know
Are Jenna Davis and Liv Swearingen really sisters? They've claimed to be in their YouTube videos, but it seems like they're really just close friends.
The Comedian Who Claimed Eddie Murphy Is His Real Father
Eddie Murphy might have a whopping 10 children, but the funnyman wasn't too impressed when an up-and-coming comedian tried to claim a spot in the family.
How Nick Cannon's Younger Brother Gabriel Landed In Legal Trouble
Nick Cannon's little brother, Gabriel Cannon, landed in legal trouble a few years back. Here's what you need to know about his brush with the law.
90 Day Fiance: Who Is Deavan Clegg's New Fiance, Topher Park?
After splitting from Jihoon Lee, Deavan Clegg of "90 Day Fiance" is moving on with Topher Park. What is there to know about his family, career, and hobbies?
The Wild Rumors About Anna Nicole Smith And Her Son Daniel's Girlfriend
Anna Nicole Smith was very close to her son. Daniel, who died shortly before her own passing. Before their deaths a shocking rumor swirled about them.
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