Nessa Dougherty

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.