Khali Daniya-Renee Spraggins is a rising American actress, model, and social media personality, probably best recognized for her notable portrayal of Aaliyah in the 2021 Netflix sitcom “The Upshaws.” Her talent extends beyond this, as she’s also graced other well-received films and TV shows, including the hit series “Empire.”
With her promising career and engaging presence, Khali continues to make a mark in the entertainment industry.
So who is Khali really when she’s not amazing fans with her acting skills in front of cameras? Stick around because we’re going to get to know her a little better by taking a look at her career and life so far, and checking out what she’s up to these days.
Early Personal Life
Born on 22 September 2005 in Chicago, Illinois USA, Khali Spraggins is the eldest among her three siblings, consisting of two brothers and a sister. While details about her personal life are relatively private, it’s known that her mother is named Tia, although information about her father remains undisclosed.
Unfortunately, there’s limited information available about Khali’s childhood and upbringing at this time.
Education
While specific details about Khali’s high school are not available, it’s known that she was a cheerleader for the Bulldogs, referring to either Chicago’s hockey team or her high school’s team. Additionally, Khali received training from the ‘Second School of Acting.’
Her passion for acting began at a young age, and she embarked on her acting journey at the Mayfair Academy of Fine Arts, focusing on hip-hop dance. Alongside this, she also took private voice lessons.
Khali further engaged in community theatre before earning a scholarship for Second City Chicago, a renowned theatre group that has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of numerous high-profile actors in Chicago.
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Career
Khali discovered her passion for acting at a very young age, and started her journey by participating in community theatres and student films.
Notable theatre credits in her portfolio include performances in productions like “Cynderfella,” “Bag Lady,” and “Living Without Love.” She also featured in the productions “When Silence Screams” and “The Storm Within.”
To kickstart her acting endeavours, the young talent attended the Preparing for an Audition Workshop hosted by Brittini Smith in 2016.
In the same year, Khali received a scholarship that paved the way for her on-camera television and film training. This opportunity, generously provided by Management By Morgan, marked a significant leap forward in her acting career. The scholarship enabled her to hone her skills and delve into the world of on-camera performances.
Following this milestone, Khali was signed by Big Mouth Talent and Management in 2016, a crucial development in her career that occurred after her talents were discovered through her involvement in stage plays. 2016 was a very important year for the young actress.
After her discovery, Khali ventured into the realm of TV commercials, leveraging this platform to secure acting roles, and steadily building her reputation in the industry.
Her talents have not only graced commercials but have also extended to various movie shorts, including projects “Khali Homeschool Hijinx,” “Among the Hidden,” “Redlining,” “Made in His Image,” and the unreleased “Mulatto.” Additionally, she’s contributed to TV movies such as “Black Privilege” and “Dad and I.”
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In 2020, Khali made an appearance in the renowned Fox show “Empire,” portraying the role of young Cookie, showcasing her versatility as an actress. During the same year, she further honed her skills by engaging in voice lessons with Jermaine Hill, and vocal lessons with Rebecca Simone Schorsch, underlining her commitment to continuous growth and development in her craft.
In the 2021 TV series “The Upshaws,” Khali took on the role of Aaliyah Upshaw, the daughter of the lead couple Regina and Bennie Upshaw. This role proved to be pivotal in propelling her into the spotlight and gaining recognition. The first season of “The Upshaws” premiered in May 2021, followed by the release of the second season in June 2022. Exciting news for fans came in December 2023, when Season 4 was officially confirmed.
“The Upshaws” is all about an Indiana family hustling through life, dealing with the ups and downs of being working-class and African-American. They’re trying to figure things out without a roadmap or a ‘how-to guide’, and fans absolutely love it!
Khali is actively engaged on social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook, although she’s relatively new to these channels. As of early 2024, she has garnered over 31,000 followers on Instagram, on which she shares glimpses into her life and career.
Previously, Khali Spraggins was affiliated with Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), a prominent labour union representing thousands of actors and journalists. It’s unclear whether she is currently a member of the union.
Interesting Facts
Fans may be surprised to learn that Khali isn’t just an actress, but also a remarkably talented contortionist. Her exceptional flexibility and precise control over her body allow her to deliver awe-inspiring contortion acts that have left audiences worldwide utterly mesmerized.
Khali has proven herself to be a powerful advocate for inclusivity and diversity. Understanding the significance of embracing differences and celebrating individuality, she uses her platform as a celeb to champion acceptance and equality.
Her steadfast commitment to inclusivity makes her a fantastic role model, inspiring countless individuals to embrace their uniqueness and fearlessly chase their dreams.
Later Personal Life
Khali is currently flying solo, and has chosen to keep her romantic escapades away from the public eye. Privacy is the name of her game when it comes to matters of her heart.
Physical Characteristics
Khali is quite short at 5ft 1in (155cms), weighs about 99lbs (45kgs), with vital statistics of 28-24-30. She has long black hair and beautiful dark brown eyes.
Net Worth
Khali’s career is only just taking off, but she’s already worked very hard and made a name for herself in the entertainment world. As a result, she has an estimated net worth of $150,000, as of early 2024.
