Grace Phipps Movies and TV Shows From Disney to Dark Horror

Grace Phipps, now professionally recognized as Gracie Gillam, occupies a unique niche in Hollywood history. Transitioning seamlessly from a Disney Channel musical sensation to a gritty indie horror icon, her career trajectory is a fascinating study in artistic evolution. For many, she is eternally Lela from Teen Beach Movie, while for others, she is the unsettling Rebecca from Superhost or the resilient Sgt. Lilly in Z Nation.

This comprehensive guide explores the complete filmography of Grace Phipps, analyzing her most iconic roles across television and film, her musical contributions to the Billboard charts, and her ongoing legacy in the entertainment industry.

The Early Breakthrough in The Nine Lives of Chloe King

The career of Grace Phipps began with a significant splash in 2011. Shortly after graduating from the North East School of the Arts in San Antonio, she moved to Los Angeles and quickly landed a regular role in the ABC Family (now Freeform) series The Nine Lives of Chloe King.

In this urban fantasy series, Phipps played Amy Tiffany Martin, the quirky and loyal best friend of the titular character. While the show only lasted for one season, Phipps’ performance as the supportive, trend-conscious Amy showcased her natural charisma. It was a role that grounded the supernatural elements of the show with human relatability. Even at this early stage, her ability to stand out in an ensemble cast was evident, setting the stage for the major offers that would follow that same year.

Debuting on the Big Screen in Fright Night

2011 was a pivotal year for Phipps. In addition to her television work, she made her major motion picture debut in the remake of the cult classic horror film Fright Night. Playing the character Bee, Phipps stepped into a high-profile production alongside industry heavyweights like Colin Farrell, Anton Yelchin, and David Tennant.

The role of Bee allowed Phipps to navigate the transition between high school social dynamics and supernatural terror. Fright Night was critical for her "Experience" profile, as it established her early association with the horror genre—a genre she would return to with great success later in her career. Her performance was noted for being both spunky and grounded, providing a necessary layer of reality to a film filled with vampires and visual effects.

The Disney Channel Peak: Teen Beach Movie and Lela

If there is one role that defines the "Grace Phipps era" for a global audience, it is Lela in the Disney Channel Original Movie Teen Beach Movie (2013). This film was a cultural phenomenon, premiering to an audience of 13.5 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched cable movies in television history.

Creating the Character of Lela

In Teen Beach Movie, Phipps played Lela, a character within a fictional 1960s beach movie called Wet Side Story. Lela was a "biker chick" who dreamed of something more than just being a character in a movie. Phipps’ performance was a brilliant homage to Annette Funicello and the 1960s beach party genre. She balanced the campiness of the musical format with a genuine sense of curiosity and independence.

Musical Success and Billboard Rankings

The success of Teen Beach Movie wasn't limited to the screen; it dominated the music charts. Phipps performed several songs that became staples for a generation of Disney fans. Her solo, "Falling for Ya," showcased her musical theatre background and reached the Billboard Heatseekers chart. Additionally, the ensemble hit "Cruisin' for a Bruisin'" peaked at number 82 on the Billboard Hot 100. The film's soundtrack reached number 3 on the Billboard 200, cementing Phipps as a viable musical star.

Reprising the Role in Teen Beach 2

In 2015, Phipps returned for Teen Beach 2. The sequel flipped the script, bringing the movie characters into the real world. This allowed Phipps to explore Lela's character further as she navigated the complexities of modern life and feminism. The sequel was another massive hit, premiering as the most-watched cable movie of 2015 with 5.8 million viewers.

Joining the Supernatural Lore: The Vampire Diaries

During the height of her Disney fame, Phipps branched out into more mature television fare. In 2012, she joined the fourth season of the CW’s massive hit The Vampire Diaries as April Young.

April Young was introduced as a childhood friend of Elena and Jeremy Gilbert, returning to Mystic Falls after the death of her father. In a town filled with ancient vampires and hybrids, April represented the "innocent bystander" perspective. Phipps brought a sense of vulnerability and "edgy natural beauty" to the role, appearing in ten episodes. Her presence in the series was a strategic move that introduced her to a different demographic—the dedicated young adult supernatural fanbase.

The Pivot to Indie Horror and Cult Classics

Following the conclusion of her Disney contract, Phipps (gradually beginning to use the name Gracie Gillam) pivoted back to her roots in horror, but with a more mature, independent focus. This period of her career demonstrated her range and willingness to take on challenging, often darker material.

Dark Summer (2015)

In the psychological horror film Dark Summer, Phipps played Mona Wilson. The film, which follows a teenager under house arrest who believes he is being haunted, allowed Phipps to explore a more atmospheric and suspenseful style of acting. This was a clear departure from the bright colors and musical numbers of Disney, signaling her intent to be taken seriously in the genre space.

Some Kind of Hate (2015)

Directed by Adam Egypt Mortimer, Some Kind of Hate saw Phipps playing Kaitlin, a troubled cheerleader at a reform school. The film is a brutal slasher that deals with themes of bullying and revenge. Phipps’ performance was visceral and raw, proving she could handle intense, emotional material. The film was featured at major genre festivals like the Stanley Film Festival and Fantasia, earning her praise from horror enthusiasts.

Superhost (2021)

Perhaps her most impressive recent film role is Rebecca in Superhost. In this Shudder original film, Phipps plays an incredibly unsettling Airbnb host who becomes an obsession for a couple of travel vloggers.

• Performance Insight: Phipps’ performance in Superhost is a masterclass in "uncanny valley" acting. She utilizes a wide-eyed, overly enthusiastic persona that masks a deeply violent and unpredictable nature. It is a performance that is both hilarious and terrifying, marking her as one of the most effective modern scream queens in the indie scene.

Mainstream Television Evolution: Z Nation and Scream Queens

Phipps has also maintained a steady presence in television through series that lean into her strengths in comedy and genre-blending.

Z Nation (Sgt. Lily)

From 2017 to 2018, Phipps joined the main cast of Syfy’s Z Nation for its fourth and fifth seasons. Playing Sgt. Lily (also known as Sarge), she portrayed a hardened survivor in a post-apocalyptic world. This role was physically demanding and required a "no-nonsense" attitude, a far cry from her earlier "sweet" or "biker" personas. It showcased her ability to lead an action-heavy narrative.

Scream Queens

In 2015, Phipps had a recurring role in Ryan Murphy’s horror-comedy Scream Queens. She played the younger version of Mandy Greenwell in flashback sequences. While the role was brief, it placed her within the elite circle of Ryan Murphy’s stylized, campy horror universe, perfectly bridging her Disney musical experience with her horror aspirations.

Guest Roles and Significant Appearances

Beyond her main roles, Grace Phipps has made notable appearances in several long-running and popular TV series:

• Supernatural (2013): In the episode "I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here," she played Hael, an angel struggling with the fall from heaven.
• Austin & Ally (2014): Returning to her Disney roots for a guest spot, she played Brandy Braxton, a diva movie star, and performed the song "The Pilot and the Mermaid" with Ross Lynch.
• Baby Daddy (2013-2015): She had a three-episode arc as Megan, a love interest for Ben, showing her flair for traditional multi-cam sitcom comedy.
• CSI: Cyber and Hawaii Five-0 (2015): She appeared in these procedural dramas, playing Vanessa Gillerman and Erica Young respectively, demonstrating her versatility in the "procedural" format.

Musical Discography and Soundtracks

Grace Phipps is not just an actress; she is an accomplished singer whose voice has reached millions. Her musical training at the North East School of the Arts provided a foundation for her successful recording career with Walt Disney Records.

Key Tracks:

• "Falling for Ya": A 60s-inspired ballad that became her signature song.
• "Cruisin' for a Bruisin'": A high-energy ensemble piece that remains a popular "throwback" track on streaming platforms.
• "Gotta Be Me": A song from Teen Beach 2 that was nominated for a Teen Choice Award for "Choice Song from a Movie or TV Show."
• "Like Me" and "Meant to Be": Popular ensemble tracks from the Teen Beach franchise.

Complete Filmography: Grace Phipps / Gracie Gillam

Summary of Career Impact

The career of Grace Phipps is marked by a deliberate and successful transition from teen stardom to genre credibility. While she became a household name through the Disney Channel, her subsequent work in horror and drama shows a commitment to growth and a refusal to be typecast.

Whether she is singing a bubblegum pop song or portraying a menacing stranger in a secluded rental home, Phipps brings a specific intensity and precision to her characters. As she continues to work under the name Gracie Gillam, her filmography remains a testament to the versatility required to survive and thrive in the modern entertainment landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Grace Phipps still acting?

Yes, she is active in the industry. Her most recent works include the horror-thriller Superhost (2021) and the 2024 film Who's Watching. She has also transitioned to using the name Gracie Gillam professionally.

Why did Grace Phipps change her name to Gracie Gillam?

While she hasn't released a single formal "manifesto" regarding the name change, it is common for actors to rebrand as they transition from teen-oriented roles (like those in Disney) to more adult, independent, or serious projects. "Gracie Gillam" reflects a new chapter in her professional identity.

Does Grace Phipps actually sing in Teen Beach Movie?

Yes. Grace Phipps is a trained musical theatre performer. She provided the vocals for her character Lela in both Teen Beach Movie and Teen Beach 2.

What is Grace Phipps' most famous role?

For the general public, her most famous role is undoubtedly Lela in Teen Beach Movie. However, horror fans frequently cite her performance in Superhost or her recurring role as April Young in The Vampire Diaries as her most memorable work.

Where did Grace Phipps go to college?

She is an undergraduate student at Columbia University, balancing her academic pursuits with her ongoing acting career.