Tiffani Thiessen’s hip pain has finally forced her to slow down. The Saved by the Bell alum got into the details on a podcast this week, sharing the diagnosis that explained her pain and what comes next.
Keep reading for everything she has shared about her hip.
Who Is Tiffani Thiessen?
Tiffani rose to fame as Kelly Kapowski on Saved by the Bell, which ran from 1989 to 1993, before playing Valerie Malone on Beverly Hills, 90210. She later starred in White Collar and hosted the food shows Dinner at Tiffani’s and Deliciousness. Her latest role is Miss Graves, the head of the school in Disney’s witchy series Coven Academy. She told Hollywood Life that the character is driven by an urge to mother the students in her care.
What Is Tiffani Thiessen’s Hip Dysplasia Diagnosis?
Tiffani opened up on the November 10, 2026, episode of the Breaking Bread with Tom Papa podcast. A former dancer, she told host Tom Papa that a torn labrum was only part of the problem. A second opinion turned up something else, according to E! News.
“Then, I found out going to my second opinion that I’m basically a German shepherd. I have hip dysplasia. When I was very flexible as a young child has now caused my issue now.”
Hip dysplasia happens when the hip joint doesn’t fit together the way it should, and it’s most common in babies and young children, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Does Tiffani Thiessen Need a Hip Replacement?
Yes. “I have to get a hip replacement—I do,” Tiffani told Tom. She hasn’t said when she’ll have the surgery, but she’s staying upbeat, noting that she’s heard hip replacements aren’t as rough as knee or shoulder replacements.
Who Are Tiffani Thiessen’s Husband & Kids?
Tiffani has been married to actor Brady Smith since 2005, and they share daughter Harper, 16, and son Holt, 11. Pickleball is a family favorite, but her hip has benched her for the past couple of weeks. Staying active matters to Tiffani, who told Fox News Digital ahead of her 50th birthday that she loves the gym, hiking and ice plunging.
When Tom wondered whether the sport was to blame, Tiffani said her doctor never pointed to pickleball, though she admitted it probably hasn’t helped. She also joked that Holt has started beating her, then quickly reminded everyone that she does have a bad hip.
