Skai Syed Jackson is an American actress, author, and YouTuber who rose to prominence for her role as Zuri Ross in the Disney Channel sitcom Jessie and its spinoff Bunk’d. Recognized for her talent and influence, she was named one of Time magazine’s most influential teens in 2016. Jackson has since expanded her career to include voice acting, writing, and competing on Dancing with the Stars, solidifying her status as a multifaceted entertainer.
Skai Jackson Overview
| Full Name | Skai Syed Jackson |
| Date of Birth | April 8, 2002 |
| Age | 23 years old |
| Place of Birth | Staten Island, New York City, U.S. |
| Parents | Jacob Jackson and Kiya Cole |
| Siblings | Two (a brother and a sister) |
| Height | Approximately 4′ 11″ to 5′ 4″ |
| Profession | Actress, author, YouTuber |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $500,000 and $2 million |
Early Life and Education of Skai Jackson
Skai Jackson was born on April 8, 2002, in the Staten Island borough of New York City. Her parents, Kiya Cole and Jacob Jackson, divorced when she was young, and she was primarily raised by her mother. Jackson is of Afro-Honduran and African-American descent. Her career began at a very young age when she started as a child model, appearing in numerous national commercials for major brands such as Band-Aid, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Old Navy. She attended a local school for her basic education and later enrolled in a private university in New York City for higher education. Her mother, Kiya Cole, quit her job to manage Skai’s burgeoning career.
Skai Jackson’s Career
Early Career and Breakthrough
Skai Jackson began her career as a child model at just nine months old. Her acting career commenced in 2007 with a role in the independent film Liberty Kid. This was followed by minor roles in television shows like Rescue Me and films such as The Rebound and The Smurfs. From 2011 to 2013, she voiced the character of Little Fish in the Nickelodeon animated series Bubble Guppies. Her big break came in 2011 when she was cast as the witty and sharp-tongued Zuri Ross in the Disney Channel series Jessie. The show’s success made her a household name among young audiences. For her role, she received a nomination for an NAACP Image Award.
Continued Success with Bunk’d and Other Ventures
After Jessie concluded in 2015, Jackson reprised her role as Zuri Ross in the spinoff series Bunk’d, which she starred in from 2015 to 2018. Concurrently, she ventured into voice acting, lending her voice to characters in the Marvel Rising franchise and DreamWorks’ Dragons: Rescue Riders. In 2019, she appeared in the music video for Lil Nas X’s hit song “Panini,” which went viral. That same year, she published her memoir, “Reach for the Skai: How to Inspire, Empower, and Clapback,” offering her young fans advice on self-esteem and dealing with negativity. In 2020, Jackson competed on the 29th season of Dancing with the Stars, where she was a semi-finalist.
Recent and Upcoming Projects
More recently, Jackson starred in the 2023 action film Sheroes. She has also completed production on the period thriller The Man in the White Van. Jackson continues to be an active presence on social media, using her platform to connect with her millions of followers.
Skai Jackson Personal Life & Family
Skai Jackson was raised by her mother, Kiya Cole, after her parents’ divorce. She has a brother and a sister. In November 2024, Jackson confirmed she was expecting her first child with her then-boyfriend, Deondre Burgin. She gave birth to their son in January 2025. In May 2025, she sought a restraining order against Burgin, accusing him of assault. Previously, Jackson has been linked to Julez Smith, Smooky Margielaa, and Famous Jay.
Awards and Achievements of Skai Jackson
Skai Jackson’s talent has been recognized with several awards and nominations throughout her career.
- In 2016, she was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Performance by a Youth in a Youth/Children’s Program for her role in Jessie.
- That same year, she was included in Time magazine’s list of “Most Influential Teens.”
- In 2017, she was nominated for a Shorty Award for Best Influencer.
- Refinery29 also named her to their annual Z List of young celebrities on the verge of ruling Hollywood.
Skai Jackson Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Skai Jackson’s net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $2 million. Her income is derived from her acting roles in television and film, her work as an author, and her significant presence on social media, where she earns money through brand endorsements and collaborations. She has a substantial following on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Legacy and Influence
Skai Jackson has established herself as more than just a child actress. She is recognized as a social media influencer who uses her platform to advocate against bullying. Her memoir, “Reach for the Skai,” serves as an inspiration for young people, encouraging self-acceptance and empowerment. The Marvel comic book artist Mike Deodato confirmed that Jackson was the visual inspiration for the character of Riri Williams, also known as Ironheart. Jackson’s fashion sense has also been noted, and she has expressed interest in launching her own clothing line.
Interesting Facts about Skai Jackson
- She began her career as a baby model at just nine months old.
- She became a viral meme in 2016 after posting a picture on Twitter.
- She is a fan of seafood, particularly king crab legs.
- Jackson has stated that if she weren’t an actress, she would pursue a career in fashion design.
- She was a semi-finalist on the 29th season of Dancing with the Stars.
- The character Zuri Ross was originally written to be younger, but the role was adjusted for Jackson, who was nine at the time of her audition.
Controversies
In March 2020, Skai Jackson filed for a restraining order against rapper Bhad Bhabie, alleging harassment. The petition was temporarily granted but later dropped by Jackson. In August 2024, Jackson was arrested on suspicion of domestic battery following an alleged altercation with her then-boyfriend. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office later declined to file charges.
Social Media Presence
Skai Jackson has a significant social media presence.
- Instagram: As of early 2024, she had nearly 9 million followers.
- TikTok: She has a large following on TikTok, with some estimates suggesting her account could be worth around $1 million.
- YouTube: Her self-titled YouTube channel also contributes to her online presence and income.
Final Words about Skai Jackson
From a child star on the Disney Channel to a multifaceted young woman, Skai Jackson’s journey in the public eye has been one of continuous evolution. She has successfully navigated the transition from child actress to a recognized author, influencer, and advocate. With new acting projects on the horizon and her recent entry into motherhood, Jackson continues to shape her career and personal life on her own terms, promising a future of continued growth and influence.
