Skai Jackson, former Disney star, announces pregnancy

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

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

“I’m so 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. From 2011 to 2015 she initially played Zuri Ross in the series “Jessie”. She then continued to portray the character in the spin-off “Bunk’d” from 2015 to 2018.

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

Jackson also competed on Season 29 of “Dancing With the Stars,” which aired in 2020. The actor, who dated professional dancer Alan Bersten, took fifth place.

Jackson’s next project will see her starring in the upcoming thriller The Man in the White Van. The film hits theaters on December 13th.

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, which included empowering lessons she learned as a child star.

Shortly after the memoir’s release, she stopped by TODAY with Hoda and Jenna to talk about her message and offer advice for young children struggling to be themselves. “Don’t be afraid,” said Jackson, then 17.

“If you’re feeling 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 think it’s really important to go to your parents and talk about certain things.”

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