Actress Tatyana Ali, best known for her role as Ashley Banks in the 90s sitcom Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, is now starring in a new Lifetime movie called Giving Hope: The Ni'cola Mitchell Story. The film is inspired by the true account of Ni'cola Mitchell, who overcame a traumatic assault and went on to establish a nonprofit organization called Black Youth Program Girls Who Brunch. The program focuses on empowering young girls to grow up as confident women.
Tatyana, who is now 44 years old, also recently played an inspiring character for teenage girls on Peacock's Bel-Air, and is the lead actress in this film. Being recognized for such a powerful role is a great accomplishment for her, and it is impressive to see her continuing to take on such inspiring characters.In 1985, Tatyana began her career at 6 years old as a regular performer on Sesame Street. In 1990, she was cast as Ashley Banks on the NBC television sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air where she stayed until 1996.
When the show ended, she released an album as a singer that was certified gold in 1999. The album's single, "Daydreamin'" produced by super-producer Rodney Jerkins, peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and also appeared on the UK Singles Chart.
In 2002, Tatyana graduated from Harvard University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in African-American Studies and Government.
Afterward, she resumed her acting career and went on to star in a TV One original series called Love That Girl!, and from 2007 to 2013, she played a recurring role as Roxanne on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless.
Follow her on Instagram @TatyanaAli
