Karyn Parsons facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Karyn Parsons
|
|
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg)
Parsons in 2021
|
|
| Born |
Karen L. Parsons
October 8, 1966 Los Angeles, California, U.S.
|
| Occupation |
|
| Years active | 1987–2002 2019–present |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 2 |
Karyn Parsons Rockwell (born October 8, 1966) is an American actress, author, and comedian. She is famous for playing Hilary Banks on the TV show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. This popular show aired on NBC from 1990 to 1996.
Parsons also acted in the 1995 movie Major Payne with Damon Wayans. She also had a role in the TV series The Job from 2001 to 2002.
Contents
Growing Up: Karyn Parsons' Early Life
Karyn Parsons was born on October 8, 1966. Her birthplace was Los Angeles, California. She once shared that her parents came from different backgrounds.
Her mother, Louise Parsons, was African-American. She was from Charleston, South Carolina. Karyn's father, Kenneth B. Parsons, had English and Welsh family roots. He was from Butte, Montana. Karyn went to Santa Monica High School.
Karyn Parsons' Acting Career and Beyond
Karyn Parsons became well-known 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 Fresh Prince, she helped create a show called Lush Life in 1996. She also co-produced, co-wrote, and starred in it. Later, in 2001, she appeared in the TV series The Job.
Besides TV, Parsons has been in several movies. These include comedies like Late Nights (1992) and Major Payne (1995). She also starred in The Ladies Man (2000).
Sweet Blackberry Foundation: Sharing Important Stories
Karyn Parsons is also the founder of the Sweet Blackberry Foundation. This organization creates animated films and books. Their goal is to tell the stories of amazing but often forgotten Black heroes.
The very first video from Sweet Blackberry was about Henry Box Brown. He was a slave who mailed himself to freedom. It's a powerful story of courage.
Becoming an Author: Karyn Parsons' Books
Karyn Parsons has written several books for young readers. Her middle-grade novel, How High the Moon (2019), was inspired by her mother's childhood. Her mother grew up in the Jim Crow South.
She has also written 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.
Karyn Parsons' Family 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.
Karyn Parsons: Film and TV Roles
Karyn Parsons has appeared in many films and television shows. Here are some of her notable roles.
Film Appearances
- 1989: Death Spa as Brooke (her first film)
- 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
