Sierra McClain facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sierra McClain
McClain at the 2011 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade
Occupation	Actress singer
Years active	2005–present
Relatives	China Anne McClain (sister)
Musical career
Genres	Pop R&B
Instruments	Vocals guitar piano
Associated acts	Thriii

Sierra McClain is an American actress and singer. She first became known for her role as Sierra in the movie Daddy's Little Girls (2007). Later, she gained even more fame playing Nessa Parker in the TV show Empire (2016–2018).

She also starred as Tanya Clifton in the TV series Mindhunter (2019). You might also know her from movies like Honey: Rise Up and Dance (2018) where she played Tosha, or Shrink (2009) as Carina. From 2020 to 2023, she played Grace Ryder in 9-1-1: Lone Star.

As a singer, Sierra is part of the group Thriii with her sisters.

About Sierra's Early Life

Sierra McClain comes from a very musical family. Her dad, Michael McClain, is a music producer. He even produced an album for Solange Knowles.

Her mom, Shontell, is a songwriter. Sierra has two younger sisters, Lauryn and China Anne, who are also actresses and singers. She also has a younger brother named Gabriel.

Sierra's Acting and Singing Career

Starting Out: Daddy's Little Girls and 3mcclaingirls

Sierra's acting journey began after her sister China was discovered in 2004. China was cast in the movie The Gospel (2005), and Sierra joined the children's choir in the film. Around this time, Sierra and her sisters formed a music group called the 3mcclaingirls.

In 2005, while on the set of Tyler Perry's House of Payne, China introduced her sisters to a show producer. The sisters sang for him and were then cast in the movie Daddy's Little Girls (2007). In this movie, they played the James sisters. Sierra also appeared as a guest star in Tyler Perry's House of Payne.

By 2008, the three sisters started sharing videos of themselves singing cover songs on their YouTube channel. Sierra also had a small part in the short film Six Blocks Wide (2008). The next year, she starred as Carina in the movie Shrink with actors like Kevin Spacey and Keke Palmer.

Growing Up: McClain Sisters and A.N.T. Farm

In 2011, Sierra's sister China got her own show on the Disney Channel called A.N.T. Farm. Because of this, Sierra and her sisters changed their group name to the McClain Sisters. They sang two songs for the A.N.T. Farm soundtrack: "Perfect Mistake" and "Electronic Apology". Sierra McClain also helped create the theme music for the show.

In December 2011, the group performed their version of "Jingle Bell Rock" at the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade. In March 2012, the group signed with Hollywood Records. They released their song "Rise" and opened for Big Time Rush at the Houston Rodeo.

The next month, they performed at the 2012 White House Easter Egg Roll. In November 2012, Sierra guest starred with her sister Lauryn on an episode of A.N.T. Farm called "chANTs of a Lifetime". They performed their song "Go" during the episode.

From late 2012 to 2016, the McClain Sisters continued to perform and release music. Their song "The Great Divide" was very popular, reaching number 4 on Billboard's US Kid Digital Songs chart. They also performed at the pre-show for the 2014 Radio Disney Music Awards and had their first big concert at the House of Blues in Anaheim, California. They also performed at 19th Arthur Ashe Kids' Day.

From summer to fall 2014, the group went on a tour across the United States, performing at state fairs. In December 2013, China announced that A.N.T. Farm would end after its third season. After this, the McClain Sisters left Hollywood Records. They then changed their group name to simply McClain.

Recent Years: Empire and 9-1-1: Lone Star

In 2016, Sierra McClain was cast as Nessa Parker in the TV series Empire (2016–2018). This role became her big breakthrough. She sang several songs for the show's soundtrack. Her girl group, McClain, took a break because all three sisters got different acting jobs.

Next, she starred as Tosha in the dance movie Honey: Rise Up and Dance (2018). She gained more attention for her main role as Tanya Clifton in the second season of the TV series Mindhunter (2019). She became even more well-known after starring as Grace Ryder in 9-1-1: Lone Star (2020–present).

In June 2020, her girl group changed their name again to Thriii. They performed at Radio Disney Presents ARDYs Summer Playlist.

Sierra's Personal Life

Sierra McClain is a Christian. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her family.

Sierra's Film and TV Roles

Movies

Television Shows