Biography

Nessa Dougherty is a magnetic young performer who resides in San Francisco. Nessa made her film debut in Fairyland, which premiered at Sundance 2023, and had its theatrical release in 2025. She stars as the younger version of Alysia Abbott in the acclaimed feature, earning glowing reviews with critics calling her "excellent, truly irresistible, and a real find." She has since worked on two more features, Michel Franco's "Dreams", and Madison Young's "By the Roots". "By the Roots" will be having it's world premiere as the closing night film for the Beverly Hills Film Festival in April 2026. Nessa once again, takes on the part of the younger version of the lead in this coming of age drama. The youngest of five girls, Nessa is a natural entertainer and entrepreneur. She is always thinking of business ideas and ways to make her mark in the world. When she is not in school or starting a business, she also enjoys dancing hip-hop, singing in a rock band, gymnastics, softball, and volleyball.
- IMDb mini biography by: J.D.

Nessa Dougherty, resides in San Francisco, California. She is the youngest of five girls, a natural born entertainer and genuine people person. Her interest in performing started at a young age when she would lip sync and dance to popular hits on the radio and asked to be recorded. It became evident a couple of years later that she wanted to act, when she jumped right into her older sister's acting class with no hesitation. She couldn't even read the lines herself, but was able to memorize them right away! After appearing in a few minor commercial and short film acting projects throughout the years, Nessa is excited to debut in the upcoming feature, Fairyland, which premiered at Sundance 2023. She stars as the younger version of Alysia Abbott. Emilia Jones (CODA) plays the older version of Alysia, and stars opposite Scoot McNairy as Steve Abbott. Fairyland had a very strong festival run, including winning audience favorite in multiple festivals. Nessa received many glowing reviews as Young Alysia, including one calling her "excellent, truly irresistible, and a real find". Fairyland is still awaiting distribution. Nessa is also excited for her upcoming roles in features that are still in the works. When she is not acting, Nessa is part of a competitive hip hop dance team, in a rock band,and also enjoys participating in many sports..
- IMDb mini biography by: J.D.