Tatyana Ali American actress, R Date of Birth: 21.01.1979 Country: USA

A Biography of Tatyana Ali

Tatyana Marisol Ali is an American actress and R&B singer, best known for her role as Ashley Banks in the sitcom "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" alongside Will Smith. She was born on January 24, 1979, in Brooklyn, New York, USA. Her mother was a nurse from Panama, while her father was a New York City detective with Indo-Trinidadian ancestry. Ali attended Soule Mill Road Elementary School, Grand Avenue Middle School in Bellmore, Marymount High School in West Los Angeles, California, and Buckley School in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, California.

In 2002, Ali graduated from Harvard University with a bachelor's degree in African-American studies and government. At the age of seven, Ali began her singing career. She appeared with composer and actor Herbie Hancock on an episode of the children's educational program "Sesame Street." At the age of five, she won the television show "Star Search" twice. Ali was also featured on VH1's list of "100 Greatest Kid Stars" at number 74.

Ali had an amazing opportunity to advance her career when she was cast as Ashley Banks in the sitcom "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." She sang in several episodes of the show, including Aretha Franklin's "Respect" and the original song "Make Up Your Mind" produced by Rob Jay from Nspyre Music. Will Smith asked her if she was serious about pursuing a singing career, but Ali made it clear that acting was her main focus. She continued her acting endeavors, starring alongside Smith in "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" for several years. In the penultimate season of the show, Ali started preparing for her musical debut. This resulted in an album, which featured the hit song "Daydreamin'" produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, reaching the sixth position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the US Singles chart. The album also spawned two British hits, "Boy You Knock Me Out" (featuring Will Smith), which reached the third position on the charts and became Ali's highest achievement at that time, and "Everytime," which reached the twentieth position on the UK Top 20 chart. Ali also participated in the recording of Will Smith's album "Willennium," featuring on the track "Who Am I" with rapper/singer MC Lyte.

In 2005, Ali finished working on the film "Glory Road" and appeared in the music video for Nick Cannon and Anthony Hamilton's song "Can I Live?", playing Cannon's mother. In 2007, she appeared in the short films "First Sight," "Wilted," "How To Have A Girl," and "The Malibu Myth," which were part of the reality show "On the Lot." Currently, Ali has returned to the soap opera "The Young and the Restless," which has been airing since 1973, playing the role of Roxanne. In early 2008, Ali surprised everyone with her vocal talent once again, singing the song "Yes We Can," which was a project by musician will.i.am in support of Barack Obama's presidential campaign. She also appeared in the accompanying music video for the campaign, which aired on the ABC news program WNN.

Tatyana is currently preparing for the release of her second album, which she already considers an "independent achievement." The album, titled "The Light," will mostly be the result of her work with renowned producer Johnny "J," known for his collaboration with Tupac. Ali is also the producer and lead performer in the web series "BUPPIES."

After her role in the sports drama "Glory Road," Tatyana appeared in the 2007 comedy film "The List," the 2008 film "Nora's Hair Salon II," as well as Geo Santini's action film "Hotel California" and the drama film "Privileged." She is currently preparing for filming in the thriller "Locker 13." Tatyana dated actor Jonathan Brandis from 1995 to 2001, with whom she starred in the TV movie "Fall into Darkness."

As an actress and singer, Tatyana traveled across the United States as a representative for Barack Obama's presidential campaign in 2008. She led a public campaign on college campuses, including numerous historically black colleges and universities.