Who Is Sara Tomko? All About Her Career, Husband, and Family

When it comes to actors who bring warmth, depth, and relatability to their characters, Sara Tomko is a name that stands out. Best known for her role as Asta Twelvetrees in the hit science fiction series Resident Alien, Sara has become a fan favorite thanks to her natural charisma and powerful on-screen presence. But there is so much more to her story than her role in Hollywood. From her family background and cultural roots to her marriage, career journey, and personal achievements, Sara Tomko’s life is both inspiring and fascinating. This article explores everything you need to know about the actress, including her biography, career milestones, husband, heritage, and net worth.

Quick Bio Information

Full Name: Sara Tomko
Date of Birth: October 19, 1983
Age: 41 years old (as of 2025)
Place of Birth: Dayton, Ohio, USA
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: Polish, Slovak, and Native American descent
Marital Status: Married
Husband: Theodore “TJ” Pederson
Height: 5 feet 5 inches (167 cm)
Weight: 121 lbs (55 kg)
Net Worth: Around $1 million

Early Life And Family Background

Sara Tomko was born on October 19, 1983, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. Growing up, she was surrounded by love and support, sharing her childhood with two brothers, Jake and Benny. While details about her parents remain private, Sara has often spoken about her mixed heritage, which includes Polish, Slovak, and Native American roots. This cultural mix shaped her sense of identity and gave her an appreciation for diverse traditions. She has always expressed pride in her Native American ancestry, even though she is not formally enrolled in a specific tribe. This heritage later played a significant role in the types of characters she portrayed on screen, allowing her to represent authenticity in roles connected to Native American backgrounds.

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Education And Artistic Training

From an early age, Sara showed an interest in storytelling and performance. After completing her early education, she pursued a degree in Theatre at James Madison University, where she graduated with a solid foundation in the performing arts. Her studies did not just involve acting; she was also trained as a singer, which broadened her creative abilities. This academic and artistic training became the launching pad for her professional career, giving her the confidence and discipline to pursue acting at a higher level.

Acting Career Journey

Sara Tomko’s acting career began in 2008 when she appeared in the horror film Breathing Room. Like many rising actors, her early years were filled with smaller roles in short films and independent projects that helped her refine her craft. She soon started to build a portfolio that included appearances in both television and feature films. Some of her early credits include Touching the Sky, The Terminators, and Extracted. These roles introduced her to a wider audience and opened doors for bigger opportunities. Over time, her reputation grew as a versatile actress capable of handling complex roles in drama, action, and comedy.

Notable Movies And TV Shows

Sara Tomko’s breakthrough came when she played Tiger Lily in the fantasy series Once Upon a Time in 2017. The role gained attention because the character is deeply connected to Native American culture, and Sara’s own heritage brought depth to the portrayal. She later appeared in popular shows like Sneaky Pete, S.W.A.T., The Leftovers, and Heartbeat. On the film side, she appeared in 3022, Pandemic, and Suicide for Beginners. However, it was her role in Resident Alien that propelled her into mainstream recognition. Playing Asta Twelvetrees, Sara brings a mix of empathy, humor, and strength to the character, making her one of the highlights of the show.

Sara Tomko In Resident Alien

The Syfy series Resident Alien, which premiered in 2021, has been one of Sara Tomko’s biggest successes. The show tells the story of an alien who crash-lands on Earth and assumes the identity of a small-town doctor. Sara plays Asta Twelvetrees, a compassionate nurse who becomes a close ally to the alien, portrayed by Alan Tudyk. Her role resonated strongly with viewers, not only because of her acting skills but also because she brought authenticity and depth to a character balancing personal struggles with the responsibility of helping others. This role cemented her reputation as an actress capable of carrying emotionally rich performances.

Who Is Sara Tomko’s Husband

Beyond her career, Sara Tomko’s personal life has also been a subject of interest. She is married to Theodore “TJ” Pederson, an actor and editor. The two met in the entertainment industry, and their friendship eventually blossomed into love. After dating for five years, TJ proposed to Sara in February 2021, and the couple tied the knot later that year in a private ceremony. Their wedding faced unexpected challenges, including a wildfire that forced them to change venues at the last minute. Despite the obstacles, their close friends and family rallied around them, making the event unforgettable. Sara has often spoken about her marriage with gratitude, sharing heartfelt stories about their relationship and the love they share.

Family Life And Close Relationships

Sara Tomko’s family has always been an important part of her journey. While she prefers to keep details about her parents private, she openly acknowledges the influence of her brothers, Jake and Benny. Her family’s encouragement gave her the confidence to pursue acting, even when the path was uncertain. In addition to her biological family, Sara values the community of friends and colleagues who have supported her career. Her marriage to TJ Pederson also reflects her commitment to building a loving, supportive family life alongside her professional success.

Pregnancy Rumors And Weight Speculations

Like many celebrities, Sara Tomko has faced rumors about her personal life, particularly regarding pregnancy. At times, fans have speculated that she might be expecting, but Sara has never confirmed such reports. Similarly, discussions about her weight have occasionally surfaced, but her appearance has remained consistent over the years. What some interpret as weight gain is often the result of lighting, camera angles, or changes in styling. Sara has continued to embrace her natural look and focuses more on her work and personal happiness rather than responding to public speculation.

Net Worth And Professional Achievements

Sara Tomko’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million as of 2025. This wealth comes primarily from her acting career in television and film, but also from her work as a producer. She co-founded a film company called In The Pocket Productions with her husband TJ Pederson and cinematographer Jon Lile. The company focuses on creative storytelling and has already achieved recognition, winning the Best Cinematography award at the Paris International Short Film Festival in 2024. These achievements highlight her dedication to not only acting but also producing meaningful projects in the entertainment world.

Physical Appearance And Public Image

Sara Tomko stands at 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs approximately 121 pounds. Her body measurements are 32-25-34, and she is known for her warm smile and expressive brown eyes. She maintains a healthy lifestyle that reflects in her natural appearance, though she does not obsess over image. Sara’s approachable personality and authenticity have made her relatable to fans, who admire her not just for her looks but for her talent and sincerity. She continues to present herself as both confident and humble, qualities that add to her growing popularity.

Sara Tomko On Social Media

Sara is active on social media, particularly Instagram, where she connects with her fans and shares personal moments. Her handle, @saratomko19, has attracted more than 64,000 followers as of 2025. On her platform, she posts updates about her career, behind-the-scenes glimpses from sets, and personal reflections. Fans appreciate her openness and the genuine tone she maintains online, which allows them to feel connected to her beyond her on-screen roles.

Fast Facts About Sara Tomko

Sara was born at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. She studied theatre at James Madison University. She is trained as a singer as well as an actress. She has two brothers named Jake and Benny. She is married to Theodore “TJ” Pederson. Her breakthrough role came as Asta Twelvetrees in Resident Alien. She played Tiger Lily in Once Upon a Time. She co-founded In The Pocket Productions. Her Instagram handle is @saratomko19. She has a net worth estimated at $1 million.

Conclusion

Sara Tomko’s journey is a story of dedication, versatility, and authenticity. From her early beginnings in Ohio to her breakthrough role in Resident Alien, she has shown determination in building a career that blends talent with passion. Her pride in her cultural heritage, her close relationship with her family, and her successful marriage all add layers to her inspiring story. As an actress, producer, and creative force, Sara Tomko continues to expand her influence in Hollywood while staying true to herself. With her growing fan base and diverse body of work, it is clear that Sara’s career will continue to flourish in the years ahead.

FAQs About Sara Tomko

Who is Sara Tomko?
Sara Tomko is an American actress and producer best known for playing Asta Twelvetrees in the Syfy series Resident Alien.

How old is Sara Tomko?
Sara Tomko was born on October 19, 1983, which makes her 41 years old as of 2025.

Is Sara Tomko Native American?
Sara has mixed Polish, Slovak, and Native American heritage. She is proud of her Native ancestry but is not formally enrolled in any tribe.

Who is Sara Tomko’s husband?
She is married to Theodore “TJ” Pederson, an actor and editor. They married in 2021 after dating for five years.

What is Sara Tomko’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated at around $1 million, earned from her acting career, production work, and her film company.

What are Sara Tomko’s most famous roles?
Her most recognized roles include Asta Twelvetrees in Resident Alien and Tiger Lily in Once Upon a Time. She has also appeared in Sneaky Pete, S.W.A.T., and The Leftovers.

Does Sara Tomko have children?
As of 2025, there is no official confirmation that Sara Tomko has children. Rumors of pregnancy have circulated but have not been verified.