Tatyana Ali is an American actress and singer born on January 24, 1979 in Brooklyn, New York. She is of Afro-Panamanian descent on her mother’s side and Indo-Trinidadian descent on her father’s side. She has two younger sisters, Kimberly and Anastasia.

Tatyana Ali studied at Park Avenue Elementary School in Bellmore, New York, Marymount High School in West Los Angeles, California, and The Buckley School in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, California. She graduated with a degree in Government and African American Studies from Harvard University in 2002.

Tatyana Ali has been a regular TV personality since the age of 6. She performed on the kids show “Sesame Street,” and as well made guest appearances on the talent show “Star Search.” In 1990, she had her breakthrough role in the sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” where she starred alongside Will Smith. During her time on the show, Tatyana Ali was able to display her singing prowess, but at that time she decided to focus on her acting career first. By the end of the show in 1996 she started to work on her debut album, “Kiss The Sky,” which was eventually released and became certified gold in 1999.

“Kiss The Sky” spawned US and UK chart topping hits such as “Daydreamin’,” “Boy You Knock Me Out” and “Everytime.” She became a popular singer in the United Kingdom, and eventually became a featured artist in Will Smith’s album “Willennium.”

Tatyana Ali is currently working on her second album entitle “The Light.”

In 2005, Tatyana Ali starred in the film “Glory Road,” and appeared on the music video “Can I Live?” as Nick Cannon’s mother. She is also the star of her web show, “BUPPIES,” and currently plays a recurring role in the long-running soap opera “The Young and the Restless.”

Tatyana Ali used to date the late actor Jonathan Brandis from 1995 to 1998. She was a big supporter of Barack Obama during his 2008 Presidential Campaign.