Fun facts about Tiffani Thiessen: From 'Saved by the Bell' to 'White Collar' and beyond

Photos: Associated Press

15 things you might not know about Tiffani Thiessen

While many people remember Tiffani Amber Thiessen from her roles on ‘Saved by the Bell’ and ‘Beverly Hills, 90210,’ Thiessen has continued to reinvent her career throughout the years.

Check out or slideshow featuring interesting facts about Thiessen’s history and what she’s been up to lately as she prepares to celebrate her birthday next week.

-Mike Rose, cleveland.com

Don't Edit

Photo: Associated Press

Don't Edit

1. She's a California girl

Don't Edit

Tiffani Amber Thiessen was born in Long Beach, California January 23, 1974.

Don't Edit

Associated Press

Don't Edit

2. She's a Barbie girl

Don't Edit

Following her uncle's urging, Thiessen pursued a career as a child model. Her first television appearance was in a Barbie commercial.

Don't Edit

3. She's a pageant winner

Don't Edit

Tiffani also competed in beauty pageants, winning the title of Miss Junior America in 1987.

Don't Edit

Photo: Twitter.com

Don't Edit

4. She started out as a 'nice' girl

Don't Edit

Thiessen was thrust on the national spotlight when she took on the role of Kelly Kapowski on the hit Saturday-morning series 'Saved by the Bell'

Don't Edit

Video: YouTube.com

Don't Edit

5. She took part in the reunion skit

Don't Edit

After years of trying, Jimmy Fallon was finally able to pull together many of the former members of the 'Saved by the Bell' cast, including Tiffani, for a reunion skit. Thiessen's pregnancy was worked into the skit.

Don't Edit

Video: YouTube.com

Don't Edit

6. She went on to play a 'bad' girl

Don't Edit

Looking to change up her image, Tiffani took on the role of troublemaker Valerie on 'Beverly Hills, 90210'. She went on to appear in over 130 episodes.

Don't Edit

Photos: Associated Press

Don't Edit

7. She dated a co-star

Don't Edit

Prior to her time on '90210,' Thiessen and Brian Austin Green began dating. The couple broke up during the show.

Don't Edit

Photo: Associated Press

Don't Edit

8. She's married

Don't Edit

Tiffani went on to marry actor Brady Smith in 2011.

Don't Edit

Photo: Associated Press

Don't Edit

9. The post-90210 years

Don't Edit

Tiffani had a string of guest appearances after leaving 90210, with significant roles in both 'Fastlane' and 'White Collar'

Don't Edit

Photo: Associated Press

Don't Edit

10. She's had a successful movie career too

Don't Edit

In addition to 'Son in Law' and 'The Ladies Man,' Tiffani also appeared in Woody' Allen's 'Hollywood Ending'

Don't Edit

Video: YouTube.com

Don't Edit

11. Tif can cook

Don't Edit

Tiffani has her own cooking show called 'Dinner at Tiffani's'

Don't Edit

Photos: Associated Press

Don't Edit

12. She almost replaced Shannen Doherty twice

Don't Edit

In addition to replacing Doherty when she left '90210,' Tiffani was considered to replace Shannen when she left 'Charmed' as well.

Don't Edit

Photo: Associated Press

Don't Edit

13. Her home had a famous history

Don't Edit

Tiffany purchased a home that had previously been owned by Jack Warner.

Don't Edit

Photo: Twitter.com

Don't Edit

14. The same actress played her twice

Don't Edit

Actress Alyssa Lynch portrayed Tiffani in both the 'Unauthorized' versions of '90210' and 'Saved by the Bell'

Don't Edit

Photo: Twitter.com

Don't Edit

15. She has famous fans

Don't Edit

NBA star Chris Paul and singer Justin Bieber have both admitted to being fans of Thiessen. Bieber even wore a t-shirt featuring Tiffani during a music awards show.

Don't Edit