Odessa Zion Segall Adlon, better known professionally as Odessa A’zion, has already carved out a significant space for herself in the world of film and television. From her breakout roles in “Fam” (2019) and “Grand Army” (2020) to her lead in “I Love LA” (2025), she has proven to be a versatile talent. Her performance in the 2025 film “Marty Supreme” earned her critical acclaim, including nominations for an Actor Award and a BAFTA. This actress continues to dominate the screen, showcasing a remarkable range of acting depth. Read more on losangeleska.
Early Life and Heritage
Odessa was born in Sacramento, California, and raised in the heart of Los Angeles. She is the daughter of actress Pamela Adlon and German director Felix Adlon. Creative talent runs deep in her veins; her sister is actress Gideon Adlon, her paternal grandfather is the acclaimed German filmmaker Percy Adlon, and her maternal grandfather was the American writer and producer Don Segall. With Jewish heritage on both sides and a family connection to the famous German hotelier Lorenz Adlon, Odessa’s background is as international as it is artistic. She attended the Charter High School of the Arts (CHAMPS), a move that proved pivotal in honing her natural performing abilities.
In the early days of her career, she was known as Odessa Adlon. Her first major break came in 2017 when she played Liv in the fifth season of “Nashville.” Her early filmography includes the 2018 film “Ladyworld” and the 2020 short-form horror “Let’s Scare Julie.” She also made a brief but memorable appearance in the series “Wayne.” However, her first leading role came in the CBS sitcom “Fam” (2019), where she played Shannon, the younger sister of Nina Dobrev’s character. By 2020, her lead performance as Joey Del Marco in the Netflix series “Grand Army” solidified her status as a serious dramatic actress.
Notable Roles and Breakthroughs
In 2021, Odessa showcased her comedic timing as Lana in the indie comedy “Mark, Mary & Some Other People.” The following year was a whirlwind, as she landed leading roles in the “Hellraiser” reboot and the film “The Inhabitant,” alongside supporting turns in “Am I Ok?” and “Good Girl Jane.” By 2023, she was starring in the dramedy “Sitting in Bars with Cake” alongside Yara Shahidi.
The year 2025 marked another milestone with the premiere of “Until Dawn,” a film adaptation of the hit video game in which she played Nina Riley. She also starred in the thriller “She Rides Shotgun” and took on the lead in the highly anticipated HBO series “I Love LA.”
The “Marty Supreme” Turning Point
The biggest buzz of her recent career surrounds her role in “Marty Supreme,” directed by Josh Safdie and starring Timothée Chalamet. This project was a defining moment for the actress, earning her a string of prestigious nominations and cementing her professional standing in the industry.
In the film, she portrays Rachel, a complex and emotionally charged character who works in a pet shop. Despite her difficult circumstances, Rachel is portrayed as fiercely independent and resilient. Odessa has noted that the role felt deeply personal. In interviews, she described her character as someone who refuses to let life’s hardships break her. While the plot points didn’t mirror her own life, Odessa felt a profound internal connection to Rachel, even calling the character her “second self.” She was so captivated by the filming process that she admitted she would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
Her casting in the film was the result of years of persistence. Like many young actors, Odessa faced her fair share of rejection, including a failed audition for the hit series “Euphoria.” However, that audition wasn’t a total loss; it caught the eye of renowned casting director Jennifer Venditti. When Josh Safdie was looking for the perfect Rachel, Venditti remembered Odessa’s talent. On set, A’zion focused on natural chemistry, observing her co-stars to ensure every interaction felt authentic. This grounded approach, she believes, is what makes her characters feel so alive and convincing.
Casting Controversy and Personal Integrity
In January 2026, Odessa was cast as Zoe Gutierrez in Sean Durkin’s adaptation of “Deep Cuts.” Based on the novel by Holly Brickley, the film explores the messy romantic and platonic lives of college students in the early 2000s. The story centers on Percy and Joe, but the character of Zoe Gutierrez was set to be a key figure in their social circle.
The casting of the 25-year-old actress sparked immediate debate. In the novel, Zoe is described as being of mixed heritage—half-Mexican and half-Jewish. While Odessa shares the character’s Jewish roots, many fans felt the role should go to a Latina actress to accurately represent the character’s identity. As the discussion went viral on social media, Odessa chose to address the situation head-on. In an Instagram Story, she announced that she was stepping down from the role.
A’zion explained that she initially accepted the part without fully realizing the specific ethnic requirements of the character. She emphasized that she didn’t want to take an opportunity away from someone who truly embodied that identity. Her decision was met with mixed reactions, but many praised her for her transparency and respect for authentic representation in Hollywood.
Despite the controversy, Odessa’s career remains on a meteoric rise. She has already earned nods from the Boston Society of Film Critics, the London Film Critics Circle, and the Chicago Film Critics Association, among others.
Style and Public Image
Off-screen, Odessa A’zion is known for her relaxed and practical sense of style. Her everyday wardrobe typically features oversized Oxford shirts, hoodies, and wide-leg trousers, often in a monochrome palette. Many fashion critics have described her look as masculine-leaning or gender-neutral, aligning with the modern shift toward comfort-driven fashion.
Recently, however, she has begun to mix her street-style staples with high-fashion pieces from houses like Dior and Loewe. This blend of baggy silhouettes and designer elegance has made her a favorite among Gen Z fashion enthusiasts.
One of her most talked-about fashion moments occurred at the Los Angeles premiere of “Marty Supreme.” She arrived in a striking Marc Jacobs suit, opting for a bold, shirtless look under the blazer. It was a moment that perfectly balanced her signature understated cool with a new sense of mature sensuality.
Odessa A’zion is undoubtedly one of the most promising actresses of her generation. Her early TV success, bold film choices, and critical accolades suggest she is poised to become a pillar of modern Hollywood. With her blend of professional grit and raw talent, Odessa is setting a new standard for young stars in the industry.