Sierra McClain
Sierra McClain | |
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![]() McClain at the 2011 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade | |
Born | Sierra Aylina McClain March 16, 1994 |
Occupations |
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Years active | 2005–present |
Relatives |
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Musical career | |
Genres | |
Instruments |
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Sierra Aylina McClain (born March 16, 1994) is an American actress and singer. As an actress, she was first recognized for her role as Sierra in Daddy's Little Girls (2007). She had her breakthrough as Nessa Parker in Empire (2016–2018), and is also best known for starring as Tanya Clifton in the television series Mindhunter (2019). Her film roles have included starring as Tosha in the films Honey: Rise Up and Dance (2018), and as Carina in Shrink (2009). She is currently starring as Grace Ryder in 9-1-1: Lone Star (2020–present).
As a singer, she is best known as a member of the sister girl group Thriii with her sisters.
Early life
Sierra Aylina McClain was born on March 16, 1994, in Decatur, Georgia.[1] Her father, Michael McClain, is a music producer who produced Solange Knowles' debut album Solo Star (2002).[2][3] Her mother, Shontell, is a songwriter and former screenwriter.[4][5][6][7] She has two younger sisters, Lauryn and China Anne, who are also actresses and singers, and has a younger brother, Gabriel.[8]
Career
2005–2010: Daddy's Little Girls and 3mcclaingirls
After her sister was discovered in 2004 by a music executive who heard her sing, China was cast in the film The Gospel (2005) with Sierra cast in the children's choir.[9] Around this time the sisters formed the music group the 3mcclaingirls. In December 2005, while on the set of Tyler Perry's House of Payne, China introduced her sisters Sierra and Lauryn to a show producer and the sisters performed a song for him. They were then cast in the film Daddy's Little Girls (2007) as the James sisters, and Sierra guest starred in the series, Tyler Perry's House of Payne.[10][11] In 2008 the three sisters began posting videos on their YouTube channel of themselves singing covers of songs.[12] McClain had a small role as a neighbor in the short film Six Blocks Wide (2008).[13] The next year, she starred as Carina in the film Shrink alongside Kevin Spacey and Keke Palmer.[14]
2011–2014: McClain Sisters and A.N.T. Farm
After China landed her own show on the Disney Channel called A.N.T. Farm in 2011, McClain and her sisters changed their group name to the McClain Sisters, and sang two songs on the A.N.T. Farm soundtrack: "Perfect Mistake" and "Electronic Apology".[15] Sierra McClain was also a theme music composer for the series.[16] In December the group performed their version of the song "Jingle Bell Rock" at the 2011 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade.[17][18] In March 2012, the group signed with Hollywood Records,[19][20] released their song "Rise", and was the opening act in Houston at the Houston Rodeo for Big Time Rush on their Better with U Tour.[21][22]
The next month they performed at the 2012 White House Easter Egg Roll.[23][24] In November 2012, McClain guest starred with her sister Lauryn and performed the song "Go" during the episode "chANTs of a Lifetime" for A.N.T. Farm.[25] From late 2012 to 2016, McClain and her sisters continued performing and releasing songs. Most notably they released their song "The Great Divide" which peaked at number 4 on Billboard's US Kid Digital Songs;[26] performed at the pre-show for the 2014 Radio Disney Music Awards and presented an award;[27] and had their first headlining concert at the House of Blues in Anaheim, California;[28][29] and performed at 19th Arthur Ashe Kids' Day.[30] From the summer to the fall of 2014, the group embarked on a state fair tour around the United States.[31] In December 2013, China announced on Twitter that A.N.T. Farm would be ending after its third season.[32][33] Shortly after this announcement, the McClain Sisters parted ways with Hollywood Records. After leaving the record label, the group changed their name from the McClain Sisters to simply McClain.[34][35][36]
2015–present: Empire and 9-1-1: Lonestar
In September 2015, McClain was cast in a Showtime pilot by Lena Waithe, but it was never picked up.[37] In 2016, McClain was cast and began starring as Nessa Parker, a recurring role, in the television series Empire (2016–2018).[38] For the series, she sang several songs for the series' soundtrack, and her role as Nessa is considered her breakthrough role. Her girl group, McClain, went on hiatus after all three sisters booked various acting roles.[39][40] She next went on to star as Tosha in the dance film Honey: Rise Up and Dance (2018).[41] She gained further recognition for starring as main role Tanya Clifton in the second season of the critically acclaimed television series Mindhunter (2019).[42] She gained more attention after starring as main role Grace Ryder in 9-1-1: Lone Star (2020–present).[43]
In June 2020, her girl group changed their name to Thriii, and performed at Radio Disney Presents ARDYs Summer Playlist.[44]
Personal life
She is a Christian and resides in Los Angeles, California, with her family.[45][46]
Filmography
Film
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
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2005 | The Gospel | Youth in Children's Choir | |
2007 | Daddy's Little Girls | Sierra | |
2008 | Six Blocks Wide | Neighbor | Short film |
2009 | Shrink | Carina | |
2018 | Honey: Rise Up and Dance | Tosha |
Television
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2007 | Tyler Perry's House of Payne | Jasmine | Episodes: "Paternity and Fraternity: Parts 1 & 2" |
2012 | A.N.T. Farm | Syerra | Episode: "chANTs of a Lifetime" |
2015 | Untitled Lena Waithe Pilot | Jerrika | Pilot (unaired) |
2016–2018 | Empire | Nessa Parker | Recurring role (seasons 3–4) |
2019 | Mindhunter | Tanya Clifton | Main role |
2020–present | 9-1-1: Lone Star | Grace Ryder | Main role |
References
- ^ "Decatur Native Becomes Disney Channel Star". Decatur-Avondale Estates, GA Patch. May 25, 2011. Retrieved April 8, 2020.
- ^ "Michael McClain | Credits". AllMusic. Archived from the original on April 21, 2016. Retrieved April 8, 2020.
- ^ "China Anne McClain Bio". kidzworld.com. Archived from the original on November 3, 2012. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
- ^ "Shontell McClain | Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved April 5, 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Legg, Catherine (December 12, 2011). "Disney Channel star visits MES". Shelby County Reporter. Archived from the original on June 17, 2012. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
- ^ "China Anne McClain: 'Farm star, musical prodigy spreads wings". Variety. September 13, 2012. Archived from the original on June 28, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
- ^ "Meet the Browns - Season 1 Episode 5". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on December 12, 2017.
- ^ Barnes, Brooks (May 10, 2011). "Tween Stars Wanted: Must Be Primed for Pressure". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on April 3, 2019. Retrieved April 5, 2020.
- ^ "Disney Channel Bio – China Anne McClain". Disney Channel Medianet. Archived from the original on November 28, 2011.
- ^ "McClain notes on Lionsgate". lionsgatepublicity.com. March 22, 2012. Archived from the original on February 6, 2010.
- ^ Murray, Cori (June 30, 2017). "Growing Up Nicely: The McClains Sisters On Being A Showbiz Family". Essence. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "3mcclaingirls". YouTube. Retrieved April 5, 2020.
- ^ "Sierra Aylina McClain". IMDb. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Holden, Stephen (July 23, 2009). "Physician, Drug Thyself: Psychiatrist in Hollywood". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
- ^ "A.N.T. Farm - Music on Google Play". Google Play. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Sierra McClain - Music Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Christmas Parade 2011 McClain Sisters - Celebrity Take with Jake, archived from the original on February 3, 2018, retrieved April 5, 2020
- ^ "OneRepublic and China Anne McClain and The McClain Sisters Perform for The 2011 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade | TigerBeat". Retrieved April 5, 2020.
- ^ "McClain Sisters Sign with Hollywood Records". Black Celeb Kids. June 14, 2011. Archived from the original on January 26, 2013. Retrieved February 9, 2013.
- ^ "McClain Sisters Now Signs with Hollywood Records". Clinton Lindsay. March 13, 2012. Archived from the original on July 15, 2020. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
- ^ Guerra, Joey (March 5, 2012). "Big Time Rush show leaves little to like". Houston Chronicle. Archived from the original on July 12, 2020. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- ^ "Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Officials Announce Star-studded Entertainer Lineup, Ticket Sales Information". PR Newswire. January 9, 2012. Archived from the original on July 12, 2020. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
{{cite web}}
:|archive-date=
/|archive-url=
timestamp mismatch; June 2, 2020 suggested (help) - ^ Slack, Megan (April 9, 2012). "The 2012 White House Easter Egg Roll". White House. Archived from the original on February 16, 2017. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
- ^ Zhang, Joanna (April 10, 2012). "Let's Go, Let's Play, Let's Move! The 2012 White House Easter Egg Roll | Let's Move!". Let's Move!. Archived from the original on March 28, 2017. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
- ^ West, Abby (November 19, 2012). "Watch the McClain Sisters unite on 'The A.N.T. Farm'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved July 12, 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "January 26, 2013 - Kid Digital Songs". Billboard. September 8, 2012. Archived from the original on October 24, 2016. Retrieved September 13, 2012.
- ^ "Exclusive: McClain Makes Special Announcement". Jet. March 28, 2013. Retrieved July 12, 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "McClain On Headlining At The House Of Blues!". Sweety High. June 27, 2014. Retrieved July 12, 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Hiser, Lisa (June 30, 2014). "Exclusive: McClain Headline House of Blues Anaheim". Shine On Media. Archived from the original on July 12, 2020. Retrieved July 12, 2020.
- ^ "2014 Arthur Ashe Kids' Day Talent". Arthur Ashe Kids' Day. August 2014. Archived from the original on July 13, 2020. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
- ^ Oskin, Allison (September 10, 2014). "McClain Performs on FOX43". WPMT. Retrieved July 12, 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Kimball, Trevor (February 24, 2014). "A.N.T. Farm: Disney Series Finale Airs March 21st". TV Series Finale. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ China⁷ (December 26, 2013). "It was GREAT filming ANT Farm but after 3 seasons it's come to an end. I'm excited about my secret projects and keeping you guys happy!". @chinamcclain. Archived from the original on January 9, 2014. Retrieved April 5, 2020.
- ^ "McClain Interview". MaximoTV. Archived from the original on June 9, 2014.
- ^ "McClain Interview - ClevverTV". ClevverTV. Archived from the original on June 9, 2017.
- ^ "mcclain". www.facebook.com. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (September 10, 2015). "Showtime's Lena Waithe Pilot Casts Sextet Of Actors, Adds Elwood Reid As EP". Deadline. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Stanhope, Kate (July 13, 2016). "'Empire' Taps Actress and Singer Sierra McClain for Recurring Role (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Tinubu, Aramide (March 21, 2017). "Exclusive: Rising Star Sierra McClain On 'Empire,' Carving Out Her Own Identity, & Putting Those Stunning Vocals To Work - JetMag.com". Jet. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Fisher, Lauren Alexis (December 16, 2016). "Sierra McClain is Bringing Even More Black Girl Magic to 'Empire'". Harper's Bazaar. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Honey: Rise Up and Dance". Rotten Tomatoes.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Paige, Rachel (August 16, 2019). "Meet The "Mindhunter" Season 2 Cast". Refinery29. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Thorne, Will; Thorne, Will (September 20, 2019). "Ronen Rubinstein, Sierra McClain Join '9-1-1' Spinoff at Fox". Variety. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
- ^ Harnick, Chris (June 30, 2020). "Katy Perry, BTS and More Join Radio Disney Presents ARDYs Summer Playlist". E! Online. Archived from the original on July 10, 2020. Retrieved July 12, 2020.
- ^ "Biography of China". chinaanne.net. Archived from the original on November 25, 2012. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
- ^ "China Anne McClain's Religion and Political Views". hollowverse.com. Archived from the original on April 3, 2019. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
External links
- 1994 births
- Living people
- 21st-century American actresses
- African-American female singers
- American child singers
- Child pop musicians
- Hollywood Records artists
- African-American Christians
- Musicians from Atlanta
- Walt Disney Records artists
- African-American actresses
- American film actresses
- American child actresses
- African-American child actresses
- 21st-century women singers
- 21st-century American singers
- American television actresses
- Actresses from Georgia (U.S. state)
- Actresses from Atlanta
- American pop singers
- American pop musicians
- American female pop singers