Tiffani Amber Thiessen was born on January 23, 1974 in Long Beach, California. Her father, Frank, was a park designer, while her mother, Robyn, was a homemaker. Tiffani grew up as the middle child with two brothers. Her older brother Todd is now a professional cyclist.
Always a pretty little girl, people constantly commented on her looks. When she was eight years old, her uncle Roger Ernest, a friend of Steven Spielberg's, suggested to her parents that she try modeling. Tiffani was quickly cast in commercials for The Peaches and Cream Barbie Doll. .