Skai Jackson from the Disney Channel can now add "Dancing With The Stars contestant" to her already impressive list of accomplishments.
At only 18 years old, Skai Jackson is the youngest contestant to appear on season 29 of Dancing With The Stars. Despite her young age, Skai already has quite the accomplished career. DWTS may introduce Skai to some viewers, but she is already a household name to Disney Channel fans. She is following in the footsteps of other Disney Channel stars who have competed on the long running ABC competition series, such as Zombie actor Milo Manheim, The Cheetah Girls' Sabrina Bryan, and future Dune star Zendaya Coleman.
Skai has been acting since she was only five years old. She started out guest starring on shows like Boardwalk Empire and playing small roles in movies such as G.I. Joe: Retaliation. She is perhaps best known for playing beloved Disney Channel character Zuri Ross. Skai played Zuri for some time, first being cast on the hit show Jessie in 2011. She received an NAACP Image Award nomination for the role. After that show ended in 2015, she reprised her role on the spin-off Bunk'd, before leaving after three seasons in 2018. But Skai's already impressive career reaches beyond her most recognizable role.
Skai has worked as a voice actor on Dora The Explorer, the Marvel Rising series, and DreamWorks Dragons: Rescue Riders. In addition to acting, she is an author, activist, influencer, and YouTuber. She has received a number of honors, including being named as one of the Most Influential Teens in Time Magazine and earning a nomination for the Best Influencer Shorty Award in 2017. In 2019, she released her first book, titled Reach for the Skai: How to Inspire, Empower, and Clapback.
The book, mostly a memoir, also provided advice to young fans about dealing with bullies and following their dreams. She also starred in the music video for the Lil Nas X hit song "Panini". Aside from her success as a rising star, Skai also made headlines for a feud with Bhad Bhabie. E! News reported on the details, including that it resulted in Skai filing a restraining order against the rapper.
Skai joins a truly eclectic Dancing With The Stars cast. Other season 29 competitors range from Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir to former Bachelorette Kaitlyn Bristowe, and even controversial Tiger King star Carol Baskin. The show might also look a little different from other seasons, between Tyra Banks as the new host and Derek Hough replacing Len Goodman. Tyra Banks, of course, has her own experience with Disney, as she starred in their hit TV movie Life Size. The show is also taking necessary precautions to be as safe as possible during the pandemic. Skai will surely keep fans updated on her social media accounts including her Instagram, where she has over 6 million followers.
Source: E! News, Skai Jackson
