KHALI SPRAGGINS IS DREAMING BIG BY ALYSSIA DUDA, 8TH GRADE, CHICAGO

Khali Spraggins IS DREAMING BIG

BY ALYSSIA DUDA, 8TH GRADE, CHICAGO

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to appear on a Netflix series? Well, Khali Spraggins sure has accomplished this. Spraggins is a 15-year-old actress, based on the South Side of Chicago with a dream to make it in the entertainment industry. Ever since the tender age of 11, she started acting her way to success. Spraggins got bit by the acting bug after watching her cousin’s screening for a movie. “When I saw my cousin’s screening I was so inspired to do the same,” she said.

Spraggins has gone on to achieve big things such as landing a part in the TV show “Empire” where she played the role of the younger Cookie Lyons portrayed by Taraji P. Henson. You can also catch Spraggins in the Netflix comedy “The Upshaws,” where she plays the role of Aaliyah Upshaw, the smart, precocious middle child in the family. The Aaliyah character wants nothing more than to grow up, and leave Indianapolis. On “The Upshaws,” Spraggins has had the opportunity to work with Wanda Sykes, Kim Fields, and Mike Epps. Outside of Spraggins’s busy life, in her spare time she likes to cheer.

True Star Jr. spoke with the actress to get to know her a little better.

True Star: How important is it as kids to dream big? Khali Spraggins: It's very important. TSJ: Who is your favorite actress and why? KS: Zendaya is my favorite actress because she’s been such an icon and legend since I was born. She doesn’t care what people say about her or her skin color, and she can switch between genres.

TSJ: What advice would you give to other actresses? KS: My advice would be to never give up.

My personal moto is to always dream big and Spraggins has done just that. Spraggins has not only proved to be an amazing and promising young actress, she definitely demonstrates how to dream big. We can not wait to see what the future holds for her!