Actor Tal Anderson doesn’t necessarily seek out TV roles playing autistic characters. She just wants to find acting work.
But the former Southwest Florida resident — who’s on the autism spectrum, herself — says she loves to play those characters if they’re portrayed in a positive, realistic way. And she’s done just that on two of TV’s biggest hits: Netflix’s “Atypical” and HBO Max’s medical drama “The Pitt.”
Anderson was diagnosed with autism when she was 4 years old, she says. But she rarely saw positive portrayals of people on the spectrum in TV shows or movies.
Now she’s doing what she can to change that.
“It’s important, in my opinion — as an autistic person, myself — being able to see someone in media who you can relate to, who makes you feel seen yourself, like you belong,” she says. “And, you know, not having that representation, especially for children, really has an effect on confidence and self-esteem.”
From breakthrough ‘Atypical’ to HBO Max hit ‘The Pitt’
The Los Angeles actor had her breakthrough role in 2019 as an autistic college student on the Netflix comedy-drama “Atypical.” Her next role was even bigger: She plays Becca King, the autistic, high-needs sister of ER doctor Mel King on “The Pitt.”
That role expanded on the show’s current season, when Becca gets admitted for treatment at the Pittsburgh ER lovingly known as The Pitt.
Anderson — who grew up in Cape Coral and graduated from Cape Academy — considers herself to be an advocate for change in Hollywood. She says she wants to use her voice as an autistic actor to promote more diversity and inclusion in Hollywood. That includes people who are neurodivergent or on the autism spectrum.
“I like to play neurodivergent characters,” she says, “because I can portray their perspective — usually from a place of shared, lived experiences. But also, I want those characters to have the opportunity to be played authentically by a neurodivergent actor.
“Representation alone, it’s important. But when it’s authentic — and the character’s point of view is more real and less stereotypical — it’s more powerful.”
Playing the autistic Becca on ‘The Pitt’
“Atypical” opened the door to Anderson’s Hollywood career, she says. And that eventually led to “The Pitt.”
“It’s been a crazy journey, you know…” Anderson says. “I think ‘The Pitt’ is the biggest show I’ve ever been on.”
In the first season of “The Pitt,” Anderson was only seen during video calls with her sister Mel. Now that role has been expanded for season two, when Becca visits the ER and causes Mel some anxiety (especially after Becca reveals what she’s been up to while her sister works long shifts at the hospital).
The two sisters have a tight relationship, Anderson says, and they’re grateful to have each other. Anderson loves how the show highlights that relationship and the importance of family.
“They really are shining a light on important issues,” she says. “And Mel and Becca’s sister bond and relationship gets to be a highlight of the show. So I’m really, really grateful.”
Anderson says she’s excited to have a role on “the biggest show on television.” The critically acclaimed “The Pitt” won Outstanding Drama Series and four other honors at 2025’s Emmy Awards.
“It’s a great series, and it’s written so beautifully and authentically…” she says. “I think the show is teaching all of us so much about things that we aren’t usually exposed to and showing us viewpoints of people who have never really been given a voice — including Becca’s perspective as a high-support-needs disabled adult woman.
“Her story is portrayed in a way I’ve never seen before. And it’s exciting and challenging to be the one to help bring her to life.”