Former Disney star Skai Jackson, 22, announces pregnancy

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 baby with her boyfriend. She did not disclose her partner’s name. 

“I’m thrilled 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 multiple Disney Channel sitcoms. She first played Zuri Ross on the series “Jessie” from 2011 to 2015. She then continued to portray the character on the spinoff “Bunk’d” from 2015 to 2018. 

Since then, she’s made an appearance in 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 competed on 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 movie will be released in theaters on Dec. 13. 

In addition to being a performer, Jackson is a published author, too. 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 speak about its message and share advice for young kids who struggle to be themselves. “Don’t be afraid,” Jackson, then 17, said. 

“If you’re feeling a certain way, don’t be scared to tell your parent,” Jackson, who was raised by a single mother, added. “I know I used to be that way. 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 mom, Kiya Cole, helped her believe in herself.