Ellen Tamaki is an American actress best known for her television roles as Niko Hamada in Charmed (2018–2019) and Drea Mikami in Manifest (2020–2022). Her work in genre television has earned her recognition for portraying complex, strong-willed female characters. With a background in both stage and screen acting, Tamaki has built a career rooted in versatility and a dedication to her craft.
Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Tamaki honed her acting skills through formal training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, where she appeared in classical productions like Richard III and Julius Caesar. She later completed her education at Boston University’s College of Fine Arts in 2014. Her early stage experience in both the U.K. and the U.S., including the production Balls, demonstrated her strong theatrical presence and opened the door to screen opportunities.
Tamaki transitioned into television after several smaller roles, eventually landing her breakout part in Charmed as a police detective navigating the supernatural world. She followed this success with her role in Manifest, where she portrayed Officer Drea Mikami across multiple seasons. Through these roles, Tamaki has established herself as a consistent and compelling presence in contemporary television drama.
