Lio Tipton (who was formerly known as Annaleigh Tipton) has captivated audiences for years, transitioning seamlessly from a competitive figure skater and model to a celebrated actor known for breakout roles in films like Crazy, Stupid, Love and Warm Bodies. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, their career continues to evolve with exciting new projects and a significant focus on their authentic self.
The actor’s journey is one of continuous reinvention, marked most notably by their public transition to identifying as non-binary and adopting the name Lio in June 2021. This decision, along with their recent marriage, has brought a fresh perspective to their life and work, cementing their status as a compelling figure in Hollywood today. Their latest work, including the upcoming 2025 film Love Hurts, demonstrates a powerful commitment to their craft and identity.
Lio Tipton (Formerly Annaleigh Tipton): Complete Biography and Profile
Lio Tipton is an American actor, model, and former figure skater who first rose to prominence as a finalist on the reality television competition America's Next Top Model.
- Current Name: Lio Tipton
- Former Name: Analeigh Christian Tipton (often credited as Annaleigh Tipton)
- Date of Birth: November 9, 1988
- Age (as of December 2025): 37
- Birthplace: Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
- Pronouns: They/Them
- Occupation: Actor, Model, Figure Skater (former)
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse: Chaz Salembier (m. October 2022)
- Career Start: Competitive figure skating until age 16; modeling on America's Next Top Model Cycle 11 (2008).
- Notable Roles: Jessica Riley in Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011), Nora in Warm Bodies (2013), and various roles in TV series like Manhattan Love Story and Why Women Kill.
- Personal Note: Lio came out as queer and non-binary in June 2021.
The Non-Binary Transition and New Name: Lio Tipton
One of the most significant and recent updates in Lio Tipton’s public life was their announcement in June 2021 that they are queer and non-binary, adopting the name Lio and using they/them pronouns.
This transition was a powerful step toward living authentically and was shared with their followers on social media. Lio stated, "I am proud to announce I am queer and non-binary and go by Lio." This decision not only marked a personal milestone but also contributed to greater visibility for non-binary actors in the entertainment industry.
The name change from Annaleigh Tipton to Lio Tipton has been a natural progression of their identity. For fans who search for "Annaleigh Tipton," it is important to understand that Lio is the current and preferred name, reflecting their true self. This openness has been embraced by their peers and has allowed Lio to bring a deeper level of honesty and connection to their work.
Their experience as a non-binary person has informed their perspective on the roles they choose, allowing them to explore characters with complexity and depth. This personal journey is a major part of Lio’s current narrative, overshadowing their earlier modeling career and focusing the spotlight on their acting and advocacy.
Recent Career Highlights and Upcoming 2025 Projects
While many fans remember Lio from their breakout role as the young babysitter Jessica Riley in the 2011 romantic comedy Crazy, Stupid, Love, their career has continued to thrive with a focus on independent and diverse projects.
The most current and exciting news involves their upcoming filmography, which stretches into 2025:
The 2025 Film: Love Hurts
Lio Tipton is set to star in the 2025 action-comedy film Love Hurts, which features an ensemble cast including Academy Award winner Ke Huy Quan and Ariana DeBose. In the film, Lio plays the character Ashley, the assistant to Quan’s former hitman character, Marvin. The project is anticipated to be a major release, showcasing Lio’s comedic timing and ability to hold their own alongside veteran actors.
2024 Releases: Riddle of Fire and Continue
Lio also appeared in the 2024 fantasy film Riddle of Fire, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Additionally, the film Continue (2024) is listed among their recent projects. These roles demonstrate Lio’s commitment to varied and ambitious storytelling, moving beyond the traditional romantic comedy genre that first brought them fame.
Their recent work confirms a pattern of choosing roles that challenge them and offer a more nuanced portrayal of character, which is a significant shift from their early career as an ingénue. This dedication to the craft has allowed Lio to maintain topical authority in the film industry, with their name consistently attached to intriguing projects.
From Figure Skater to Fashion Model: Lio’s Unconventional Path
Lio Tipton’s journey to Hollywood was anything but traditional, beginning far from the sound stages and red carpets.
Competitive Figure Skating
Before any thought of acting or modeling, Lio was a highly competitive figure skater. They began skating at a young age, competing in U.S. Junior Figure Skating Championships twice alongside their partner, Phillip Cooke. Lio retired from competitive skating at the age of 16, but they have often credited the discipline and storytelling required in skating as a foundational skill for their acting career.
America's Next Top Model Breakthrough
Lio gained widespread public recognition when they competed on Cycle 11 of Tyra Banks' reality show, America's Next Top Model, in 2008. Despite placing third, their unique look and on-camera charisma caught the attention of casting directors and agents. This platform provided the necessary exposure to launch their career in both modeling (signing with Ford Models) and, eventually, acting.
The 2022 Marriage to Chaz Salembier
In a significant personal update, Lio Tipton married their partner, entertainment executive Chaz Salembier, in October 2022. The couple tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Wisconsin, celebrating their relationship after years of dating.
Chaz Salembier, who works as an executive in the entertainment industry, has been a supportive presence in Lio’s life, particularly through their non-binary transition. The marriage was a quiet but joyful event, marking a new chapter for the couple and providing a stable foundation as Lio continues to navigate their evolving career. This personal happiness is a key component of their current life story, often discussed in recent interviews alongside their professional endeavors.
5 Iconic Roles That Defined Their Career
Lio Tipton has built a diverse filmography, but a few roles stand out as pivotal moments that cemented their place as a versatile actor:
- Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011): This was Lio's breakout role as Jessica, the babysitter with a crush on Steve Carell's character. The film’s commercial success introduced Lio to a massive global audience.
- Warm Bodies (2013): Playing Nora, the best friend of the main character, Lio showcased a strong, supporting presence in this popular zombie romantic comedy.
- Damsels in Distress (2011): Lio starred as Lily in this independent comedy, demonstrating their ability to handle quirky, dialogue-driven roles.
- Vengeance (2022): Lio played the role of Eloise in this black comedy thriller, a more recent film that highlights their move towards more dramatic and complex material.
- The Green Hornet (2011): Although a smaller role, Lio’s appearance in this action film marked one of their earliest major studio film credits.
Lio Tipton's career trajectory, marked by a powerful personal transition and a string of compelling new projects, proves that they are an actor committed to authenticity and artistic growth. From the ice rink to the runway and now to a major 2025 film, Lio continues to be a captivating and influential figure in modern cinema.
