In the fast-paced world of child stardom, few have managed to maintain their relevance while navigating the complexities of adulthood as visibly as Skai Jackson. As of March 2026, the former Disney darling has transitioned from the precocious Zuri Ross into a resilient young woman, author, and mother, continuing to build her legacy amidst both professional growth and significant personal challenges.
Skai Jackson Biography
Born Skai Syed Jackson on April 8, 2002, in Staten Island, New York, Skai was a natural in front of the camera from infancy. She began her career as a child model at just nine months old, appearing in over 30 national commercials for brands like Band-Aid and Coca-Cola. After her parents, Jacob Jackson and Kiya Cole, divorced, Skai was raised primarily by her mother in Harlem.
Her early talent led her to independent film roles and guest appearances, but it was her move to Los Angeles that set the stage for her to become one of the most recognizable faces of her generation.
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Career
Skai’s career is a multi-decade journey through television, film, and literature:
- The Disney Decade (2011–2018): Skai became a household name as Zuri Ross on Jessie and its spin-off Bunk’d. Her performance earned her an NAACP Image Award nomination and a spot on Time’s “Most Influential Teens” list in 2016.
- The Voice of Animation: She transitioned into voice acting with major roles in the Marvel Rising franchise as Glory Grant and as Summer in DreamWorks Dragons: Rescue Riders.
- Author and Activist: In 2019, she published her memoir, Reach for the Skai: How to Inspire, Empower, and Clapback, documenting her experiences with bullying and her rise to fame.
- Recent Projects (2023–2026): After starring in the action film Sheroes (2023), Skai most recently appeared in the thriller The Man in the White Van and continues to develop independent acting and digital projects.
Skai Jackson Movies
She has balanced her television success with several notable film appearances:
- Liberty Kid (2007): Her first major film role as a toddler.
- The Smurfs (2011): A memorable cameo as “Kicking Girl.”
- G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013): Playing the daughter of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson‘s character.
- Sheroes (2023): An action-adventure film where she played Daisy.
- The Man in the White Van (2024/2025): A psychological thriller that marked her return to the big screen after a brief hiatus.
Skai Jackson Net Worth
As of March 2026, Skai Jackson’s net worth is estimated at $500,000. While her early career earnings from Disney provided a strong foundation, her net worth has seen fluctuations due to a shifting focus toward independent projects, digital brand partnerships, and significant personal legal expenses over the past two years.
Family
Skai remains incredibly close to her mother, Kiya Cole, who has served as her manager and staunch defender throughout her career. Skai has two siblings, a younger sister and a younger brother. In January 2025, Skai expanded her own family by welcoming her first child, a son named Kasai. She often shares that motherhood has given her a “new purpose” and has shifted her priorities toward creating a peaceful environment for her son.
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Personal Life & Relationships
Skai Jackson and Julez Smith Jr.
One of Skai’s first highly publicized and controversial romances was with Julez Smith Jr., the son of Solange Knowles. The relationship, which surfaced in late 2020, ended abruptly in January 2021 amidst a flurry of leaked messages and public drama. Both parties have since moved on, with the situation serving as a public lesson for Skai on the complexities of young love in the digital age.
Skai Jackson and Deondre Burgin
Skai’s relationship with Deondre Burgin (known online as “Yerkky Yerkky”) has been her most high-profile and tumultuous to date.
- The Announcement: In November 2024, Skai confirmed her pregnancy with Burgin.
- The Birth: Their son, Kasai, was born in January 2025 while Burgin was reportedly incarcerated for parole violations.
- The Fallout: The relationship ended in 2025 following serious allegations of domestic violence. In May 2025, Skai was granted a restraining order against Burgin, citing multiple instances of assault and threatening behavior. As of early 2026, Skai is raising her son as a single mother.
Controversies
- The CashApp Raffle (2023): Skai faced internet backlash for hosting a $5 raffle for a MacBook, which many followers accused of being a “scam” or “money grab.”
- Universal Studios Arrest (2024): In August 2024, Skai was arrested at Universal Studios Hollywood on suspicion of domestic battery after an argument with her then-boyfriend. However, the District Attorney eventually declined to file charges.
- Social Media Feuds: Over the years, Skai became famous for her “clapbacks” to internet trolls and high-profile spats with other celebrities, though in 2026 she has largely pivoted away from online conflict to focus on parenting.
Skai Jackson Age
As of today, March 14, 2026, Skai Jackson is 23 years old. She will celebrate her 24th birthday next month on April 8, 2026.
Skai Jackson Instagram
With over 9.4 million followers, @skaijackson remains a central hub for her brand. In early 2026, her feed has shifted from purely high-fashion editorial shots to a more balanced mix of:
- Motherhood: Sweet, curated moments of life with baby Kasai.
- Fashion & Beauty: Continued collaborations with streetwear and luxury brands.
- Resilience: Updates on her various projects and messages of empowerment for young women.
Conclusion
Skai Jackson enters the spring of 2026 as a young woman who has lived multiple lifetimes in the public eye. From a “meme queen” to a devoted mother and serious actress, her ability to weather the storms of controversy and emerge with her head high is a testament to her strength.
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