Tommy Dorfman, known for her role in 13 Reasons Why, recently made headlines with the release of her memoir, Maybe This Will Save Me, on May 27, 2025. The book dives deep into her experiences on the hit Netflix series, where she played Ryan Shaver, and offers candid reflections on her personal and professional life. Dorfman’s memoir reveals a short-lived romance with co-star Brandon Flynn, shedding light on behind-the-scenes dynamics that shaped her time on the show. This latest development has fans buzzing, eager to learn more about her journey from a breakout star to a multifaceted artist navigating fame, identity, and creative growth.
Early Days on 13 Reasons Why
At just 24, Tommy Dorfman landed the role of Ryan Shaver in 13 Reasons Why, a Netflix series that became a cultural phenomenon from 2017 to 2020. The show, based on Jay Asher’s novel, tackled heavy themes like teen suicide and mental health, resonating with millions. Dorfman’s character, a sharp-witted high school poet, appeared in three seasons, earning her a dedicated fanbase. However, she recently shared that her earnings for the first season totaled just $29,953.24 before taxes and fees, barely qualifying her for insurance. This revelation, shared during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, highlighted the financial struggles many actors face, even on massively successful shows.
- Key Facts About Tommy Dorfman’s 13 Reasons Why Role:
- Played Ryan Shaver, a recurring character, across three seasons.
- Earned $29,953.24 for Season 1, despite the show’s 476 million view hours in its first 28 days.
- Faced intense media scrutiny with no prior media training.
Her candidness about pay sparked conversations about fair compensation in Hollywood, especially for young actors on streaming platforms.
Memoir Insights: Love and Life on Set
In Maybe This Will Save Me, Tommy Dorfman’s 13 Reasons Why experience takes center stage. She recounts a brief romance with co-star Brandon Flynn, describing an “undeniable charge” between them. Flynn, now 31, sought something serious, but Dorfman, focused on her career, kept it casual. The memoir also touches on her feelings of being unprepared for the show’s massive success, which brought both fame and fear. Dorfman’s honesty about her vulnerabilities—navigating fame, relationships, and her identity as a trans woman—offers readers a raw look at her growth. The book also details her life beyond the set, including her marriage to Peter Zurkuhlen from 2016 to 2021 and her 2023 elopement with Elise Williams, which ended in a hinted split by late 2024.
Expanding Her Creative Horizons
Beyond 13 Reasons Why, Tommy Dorfman has carved out a dynamic career. In 2023, she joined the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strike outside Netflix’s New York offices, advocating for better pay and conditions. She’s also stepped into directing, helming adaptations of queer-focused YA novels like I Wish You All the Best and Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me. Her podcast, My First Time With Tommy Dorfman, features interviews with stars like Patrick Stewart and Dylan Mulvaney, showcasing her knack for storytelling. In February 2025, she turned heads at New York Fashion Week’s Coach show, debuting a bold thigh tattoo and mingling with figures like Ella Emhoff. These ventures highlight her evolution from a Netflix star to a creative force in film, fashion, and media.
Navigating Challenges and Advocacy
Tommy Dorfman’s 13 Reasons Why fame came with challenges, including a publicized 2023 incident at LaGuardia Airport, where she accused Delta Airlines employees of intentionally misgendering her. The viral TikTok sparked debate, with Dorfman advocating for respect and proper pronoun use. She later deleted the video amid mixed reactions but stood firm on the need for education about trans rights. Her advocacy extends to her work with Curran, a platform she co-founded to uplift queer and trans creatives. Through zines and a marketplace for queer-owned businesses, Dorfman fosters community, a mission rooted in her own journey of transitioning publicly in 2021.
Why Tommy Dorfman’s Story Resonates
Tommy Dorfman’s 13 Reasons Why legacy is more than a role—it’s a springboard for her to redefine herself as an artist and advocate. Her memoir captures the highs and lows of sudden fame, while her ongoing projects show a commitment to authentic storytelling. Fans admire her resilience, from overcoming low pay to navigating personal challenges like divorce and public scrutiny. Dorfman’s ability to balance vulnerability and ambition makes her a compelling figure in Hollywood’s evolving landscape.
Explore Tommy Dorfman’s World
Want to dive deeper into Tommy Dorfman’s journey? Grab a copy of Maybe This Will Save Me to uncover more about her 13 Reasons Why experiences and beyond. Follow her on social media for updates on her directing projects, podcast, and advocacy work. Share your thoughts on her memoir in the comments—what’s your favorite moment from her story?
