Hana Hayes is an American actress recognized for her diverse roles across television and film. Born on March 29, 1999, in Tucson, Arizona, she began her acting career at a young age and has since built an impressive portfolio. This article provides an overview of her notable movies and TV shows.
Early Career of Hana Hayes
Hana Hayes began her acting journey at a young age, showing a natural talent for performance. Born on March 29, 1999, in Tucson, Arizona, she developed an interest in acting early in life. As a child, she participated in school plays and drama workshops, which helped her refine her skills.
Her professional acting career started in 2011, when she made her television debut with guest roles in popular TV series.
First TV Appearances
- Criminal Minds (2011) – Hana Hayes made one of her first television appearances in the popular crime drama Criminal Minds. She played Ally Dolan in the episode Dorado Falls, marking her first exposure to mainstream audiences.
- Bucket & Skinner’s Epic Adventures (2011–2013) – She appeared as Tammy Lynch in three episodes of this Nickelodeon sitcom, which was a fun and lighthearted role that showcased her comedic abilities.
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2013) – Hana appeared in the long-running crime drama SVU as Brooke Allen in the episode Dissonant Voices. This role allowed her to explore more dramatic acting, demonstrating her versatility at a young age.
Breakthrough in Video Games The Last of Us (2013)
In 2013, Hana Hayes gained widespread recognition for her voice and motion capture performance as Sarah in the critically acclaimed video game The Last of Us. The game, developed by Naughty Dog, became a massive success and won multiple Game of the Year awards.
Sarah, the daughter of the game’s protagonist Joel, is featured in the emotional opening sequence. Despite limited screen time, Hana’s voice acting and motion capture performance were praised for making Sarah one of the most memorable characters in the game. This role introduced her to a larger audience and showcased her ability to deliver emotional depth in her performances.
Transition to Film and TV
After her success in The Last of Us, Hana continued to build her career by taking on more television and film roles.
- In 2014, she appeared in the horror movie Mercy, playing a small but significant role as the “Girl Next Door.”
- In 2015, she landed her first major TV role as Lizzie Sanderson in the legal sitcom The Grinder, starring alongside Rob Lowe and Fred Savage.
This early phase of her career helped her establish a strong foundation in both television and film, leading to more opportunities in Hollywood.
Breakthrough Role
In 2013, Hayes provided the voice and motion capture for Sarah in the critically acclaimed video game The Last of Us. Her performance was pivotal in the game’s emotional narrative and garnered significant attention.
Notable Television Roles
Hana Hayes has had several significant roles in television:
- The Grinder (2015–2016): Hayes played Lizzie Sanderson, the daughter of Rob Lowe’s character, across 22 episodes of this legal comedy series.
- Grey’s Anatomy (2015): She appeared as Danielle in the episode “I Feel the Earth Move.
- T@gged (2018): Hayes portrayed Tessa Mitchell in 12 episodes of this thriller series.
- S.W.A.T. (2017): She played April in the episode “Imposters.
- 9JKL (2017): Hayes appeared as Molly in the episode “Pilot.
Film Roles
Hayes has also made notable appearances in films:
- Thunderstruck (2012): She played Ashley Newell in this family comedy.
- Mercy (2014): Hayes appeared as the Girl Next Door in this horror film.
- Stockholm, Pennsylvania (2015): She portrayed Leia Dargon (age 12) in this drama.
- To the Bone (2017): Hayes played Chloe in this drama about a young woman’s battle with anorexia.
- Insidious: The Last Key (2018): She portrayed the teenage version of Elise Rainier in this installment of the horror franchise.
- Relish (2019): Hayes starred as Aspen in this drama about five teenagers escaping from a treatment facility.
- Plan B (2021): She played Emma in this comedy film.
- The Furry Fortune (2023): Hayes appeared in this family film.
Filmography Overview
Below is a summary of Hana Hayes’s notable television and film roles:
| Title | Year(s) | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Minds | 2011 | Ally Dolan | Episode: “Dorado Falls” |
| Bucket & Skinner’s Epic Adventures | 2011–2013 | Tammy Lynch | 3 episodes |
| Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | 2013 | Brooke Allen | Episode: “Dissonant Voices” |
| The Last of Us (Video Game) | 2013 | Sarah | Voice and motion capture |
| The Grinder | 2015–2016 | Lizzie Sanderson | 22 episodes |
| Grey’s Anatomy | 2015 | Danielle | Episode: “I Feel the Earth Move” |
| T@gged | 2018 | Tessa Mitchell | 12 episodes |
| S.W.A.T. | 2017 | April | Episode: “Imposters” |
| 9JKL | 2017 | Molly | Episode: “Pilot” |
| Thunderstruck | 2012 | Ashley Newell | Feature film |
| Mercy | 2014 | Girl Next Door | Feature film |
| Stockholm, Pennsylvania | 2015 | Leia Dargon (age 12) | Feature film |
| To the Bone | 2017 | Chloe | Feature film |
| Insidious: The Last Key | 2018 | Teenage Elise Rainier | Feature film |
| Relish | 2019 | Aspen | Feature film |
| Plan B | 2021 | Emma | Feature film |
| The Furry Fortune | 2023 | [Role unspecified] | Feature film |
Conclusion
Hana Hayes has built an impressive career in both television and film, demonstrating remarkable versatility across genres. From her early guest roles in Criminal Minds and Law & Order: SVU to her breakthrough as the voice of Sarah in The Last of Us, she has consistently showcased her talent and dedication to the craft.
Her ability to transition seamlessly between television, film, and even video game performances has made her a unique and dynamic actress. Whether she is playing comedic roles in sitcoms like The Grinder or taking on darker, more intense characters in thrillers like Insidious: The Last Key and T@gged, Hana Hayes brings depth and authenticity to each performance.
As she continues to grow in her career, fans can expect to see her take on even more challenging and exciting roles. With her talent, experience, and dedication, Hana Hayes is undoubtedly an actress to watch in the years to come.