Skai Jackson, former Disney star, announces pregnancy

On By Littum

Former Disney Channel star Skai Jackson is pregnant with her first child!

The 22-year-old actor confirmed in a new interview with People that she is expecting a child with her boyfriend. She did not disclose her partner’s name.

“I’m excited to begin this new chapter in my life — embracing motherhood and diving into new acting projects,” she told the publication. “My heart is so full!”

TODAY.com has reached out to Jackson’s rep for comment.

Jackson started out as a child actor on several Disney Channel sitcoms. She first played Zuri Ross in the series “Jessie” from 2011 to 2015. She then went on to portray the character on the spinoff “Bunk’d” from 2015 to 2018.

Since then, she has appeared on an episode of “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” starred as a young Keke Palmer in the actor’s 2023 musical short “Big Boss,” and attended the 2024 Golden Globe Awards.

Jackson also participated in season 29 of “Dancing With the Stars,” which aired in 2020. The actor, who was paired with professional dancer Alan Bersten, came in fifth place.

For Jackson’s next project, she will star in the upcoming thriller “The Man in the White Van.” The film will premiere in theaters on December 13.

In addition to being a performer, Jackson is also a published author. In October 2019, she released a memoir titled “Reach for the Skai: How to Inspire, Empower, and Clapback” that included empowering lessons she learned growing up as a child star.

Shortly after the memoir was released, she stopped by TODAY with Hoda & Jenna to talk about its message and share advice for young children struggling to be themselves. “Don’t be afraid,” said Jackson, then 17.

“If you feel a certain way, don’t be afraid to tell your parents,” added Jackson, who was raised by a single mother. “I know I used to be like that. But I feel like it’s really important to go to your parent and talk about certain things.”

She revealed that she wasn’t always confident, but her mother, Kiya Cole, helped her believe in herself.