Tatyana Ali Stuns Fans 35 Years After Rising to Fame on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’
Tatyana Ali has been in the spotlight for most of her life. She began on Sesame Street as a young child and rose to fame as Ashley Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air from 1990 to 1996. Fans who grew up with the show watched her grow up right along with her character.
Now 46, Ali continues to impress. Recently, she celebrated Spirit Day with GLAAD, posting a selfie in a lavender suit, her hair pulled back, and a simple necklace. A fan commented that she looked “very presidential,” and Ali replied, “definitely look like I’m running for office.”
After The Fresh Prince ended, Ali finished high school, earned a degree from Harvard, and kept acting. She didn’t disappear from the public eye, even though that part of her journey is less discussed.
This year, Ali also opened up about a difficult moment during the filming of the 1999 cult movie Jawbreaker. She was still in high school and faced bullying from another actress on set. “I was the only one actually in high school when we shot this, and I dealt with a little bullying on set from one actress in particular… and @rosemcgowan told her to [shut up] in front of everybody! I will always love her for that!” Ali shared online. Rose McGowan responded, “❤️ I’d do it again ❤️.”
In March, Ali reunited with Will Smith in a viral moment inspired by a dance trend set to Doechii’s “Anxiety.” The clip mirrored the original Fresh Prince pilot, complete with a Walkman, delighting longtime fans with a nostalgic nod.
Motherhood has also shaped Ali’s life in a big way. She shares two sons, Edward Aszard Rasberry, 9, and Alejandro Vaughn Rasberry, 7, with her husband, Dr. Vaughn Rasberry. Her first birth was traumatic, with her son spending time in the NICU.
The experience led her to find support through the Black Mamas Matter Alliance and inspired her sewing project, Baby Yams. Ali told First For Women, “My son ended up in the NICU for four days because of what happened in the hospital.” Last year, she launched the brand, creating 50 handmade blankets from fabric sourced in Ghana. The blankets sold out, and every cent went toward training midwives and doulas.
Tatyana Ali has not only stayed in the spotlight but has used her platform for meaningful work. She continues to inspire fans old and new.
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