Karyn Parsons facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Karyn Parsons
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Parsons in 2021
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Karen L. Parsons
October 8, 1966 Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Years active | 1987–2002 2019–present |
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| Children | 2 |
Karyn Parsons Rockwell (born October 8, 1966) is an American actress, author, and comedian. She is best known for playing Hilary Banks on the popular TV show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. This show aired on NBC from 1990 to 1996.
Karyn Parsons also appeared in the 1995 movie Major Payne. She acted alongside Damon Wayans in that film. Later, she starred as Toni in the TV series The Job from 2001 to 2002.
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Early Life and Background
Karyn Parsons was born on October 8, 1966. Her birthplace was Los Angeles, California. In a 2008 interview, she shared that her parents were from different backgrounds.
Her mother, Louise Parsons, was African-American. She grew up in Charleston, South Carolina. Karyn's father, Kenneth B. Parsons, had English and Welsh roots. He was from Butte, Montana. Karyn Parsons went to Santa Monica High School.
Acting Career Highlights
Karyn Parsons became famous for her role as Hilary Banks. She played this character on the sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The show was a big hit on NBC from 1990 to 1996.
After The Fresh Prince, Parsons helped create and star in another show. It was called Lush Life and aired on Fox in 1996. However, this show only lasted for four episodes. In 2001, she joined the TV series The Job. She acted with Denis Leary in this show.
Besides television, Karyn Parsons also appeared in several movies. Many of these were comedies. Some of her films include Late Nights (1992), Major Payne (1995), and The Ladies Man (2000).
Author and Founder
Karyn Parsons is not just an actress; she is also an author. She started a special organization called the Sweet Blackberry Foundation. This foundation creates animated films and books. These stories are about important black heroes who might not be well-known.
The first video from Sweet Blackberry was about Henry Box Brown. He was a slave who found a unique way to freedom. He mailed himself in a box!
Parsons has also written three books for young readers. Her middle-grade novel, How High the Moon (2019), was inspired by her mother's childhood. It tells stories from the Jim Crow South. She also wrote two picture books for Sweet Blackberry. These books are biographies about black historical figures. They are illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. Flying Free (2020) is about the brave aviator Bessie Coleman. Saving the Day (2021) tells the story of inventor Garrett Morgan.
Personal Life
Karyn Parsons married director Alexandre Rockwell in 2003. They have two children together. Their daughter's name is Lana, and their son's name is Nico.
Film and Television Roles
Karyn Parsons has appeared in many films and TV shows. Here are some of her notable roles.
Film Appearances
- 1989: Death Spa as Brooke (Her first movie role)
- 1992: Class Act as Ellen
- 1995: Major Payne as Emily Walburn
- 1998: Mixing Nia as Nia
- 2000: The Ladies Man as Julie Simmons
- 2002: 13 Moons as Lily
- 2019: On Monday of Last Week as Tracy (Short film)
- 2020: Sweet Thing as Eve
Television Appearances
- 1987: The Bronx Zoo as Amelia (2 episodes)
- 1988: Hunter as Elizabeth Childs
- 1990–1996: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air as Hilary Banks (Main role; 147 episodes)
- 1992: Blossom as Hilary Banks
- 1992: Out All Night as Hilary Banks
- 1995: The John Larroquette Show as Annie
- 1996: Gulliver's Travels as Lady-in-waiting
- 1996: Lush Life as Margot Hines (Lead role)
- 1999: Melrose Place as Jackie Zambrano (2 episodes)
- 1999: Linc's as Elaine
- 2001–2002: The Job as Toni (Main role)
- 2002: Static Shock as Tracy Flackman (Voice role)
See also
In Spanish: Karyn Parsons para niños
