Bailey Bass (born June 18, 2003) is an American actress of Black and Belarusian descent, best known for her roles as Tsireya in James Cameron’s Avatar franchise and as Claudia in the first season of AMC’s Interview with the Vampire (2022).
Early Life
Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Bass moved to Brooklyn, New York, at age two with her mother, Alesya Ignatieva, a Belarusian immigrant. Raised in a multicultural household, she grew up in a predominantly Russian neighborhood alongside her two younger brothers. Bass began modeling and acting at age two, booking commercials and campaigns, which helped support her family during financial hardships.
Career
Bass’s screen debut came in 2011 with a small role in A Little Bit of Heaven. She appeared in commercials, including one for Purell alongside Malina Pauli Weissman, and later in films like Moon and Sun (2014). In 2020, she guest-starred as Breyona Taylor in an episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. She also starred in the 2021 BET movie A Jenkins Family Christmas.
Her breakthrough came in 2017 when, at age 13, she was cast as Tsireya (often called “Reya”), a free-diving Na’vi from the Metkayina clan and daughter of clan leaders Tonowari and Ronal, in James Cameron’s Avatar sequels after auditioning among thousands. She debuted in Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), which became the third-highest-grossing film of all time. Bass trained extensively in free diving and breath-holding for the underwater performance-capture role. She reprises Tsireya in Avatar: Fire and Ash (released December 2025) and is set to appear in future sequels.
In 2022, Bass portrayed the teenage vampire Claudia in the first season of AMC’s acclaimed adaptation of Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire, opposite Jacob Anderson and Sam Reid. Her performance earned praise for capturing the character’s eternal youth and inner turmoil. She did not return for Season 2 due to unforeseen circumstances, with the role recast to Delainey Hayles.
Other Ventures
Beyond acting, Bass is an entrepreneur. In 2022, she launched BaiBai, a slow-fashion brand featuring her jewelry line, BaiBai Jewelry. She created promotional pieces tied to her roles, including vampire-themed rings for Interview with the Vampire. Bass co-produced and wrote the song “The Holidays” for Madison Lagares in 2022.
A passionate philanthropist, she advocates for sustainability, climate change awareness, and mental health. She spoke at the 2023 UN climate conference and runs a production company focused on stories that highlight underrepresented communities and environmental issues.
Bass is currently pursuing a degree at Columbia University’s School of General Studies (Class of 2027), balancing her studies with her career.
Personal Life and Legacy
At 22 (as of late 2025), Bass continues to rise in Hollywood while emphasizing education and activism. Her diverse heritage and commitment to meaningful projects position her as a multifaceted talent in film, fashion, and advocacy. With Avatar: Fire and Ash freshly released, her role in one of cinema’s biggest franchises ensures ongoing prominence.