China Anne McClain

China Anne McClain, born on August 25, 1998, is an accomplished American actress and singer. McClain’s journey into the entertainment industry began at the tender age of seven, with her portrayal of Alexis in the film “The Gospel” (2005). This was followed by her role as China James in “Daddy’s Little Girls” (2007). She gained further recognition as Jazmine Payne in the TV series “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (2007–2012; 2020–present) and as Charlotte McKenzie in “Grown Ups” (2010). McClain’s international fame soared with her role as Chyna Parks in Disney Channel’s “A.N.T. Farm” (2011–2014) and as Uma in “Descendants 2” (2017) and “Descendants 3” (2019). She also voiced Freddy in “Descendants: Wicked World” and starred as Jennifer Pierce / Lightning in The CW’s superhero series “Black Lightning” (2018–2021). In 2018, she reprised her role as Jazmine Payne in the OWN revival series “The Paynes”.

McClain’s musical career took off in 2005 as a member of the sister girl group 3mcclaingirls, alongside her sisters Sierra and Lauryn. Her first professional single, “Your Biggest Fan,” was a collaboration with Nick Jonas for the “Jonas L.A.” soundtrack (2010). In 2011, McClain signed with Hollywood Records, both as a solo artist and with her sisters, rebranded as the McClain Sisters. Her debut solo single, “Dynamite,” peaked at No. 2 on the US Kid Digital Songs chart, while her follow-up single, “Calling All the Monsters,” hit No. 1 on the same chart, amassing 25,000 downloads in its first week.

The “A.N.T. Farm” soundtrack, featuring McClain, dominated the Billboard Kids chart for five weeks in 2011, selling 14,000 copies in its debut week. Billboard ranked her the sixth best-selling artist for digital kids’ songs in 2012. Her single “What’s My Name” from “Descendants 2” achieved gold certification in 2017, with 500,000 units sold.

In June 2020, McClain and her sisters rebranded their group name to Thriii. Their family has a rich musical background, with their father, Michael McClain, being a music producer, and their mother, Shontell, a vocalist and songwriter. The family’s production company, GabesWorld Music, named after McClain’s younger brother Gabriel, has been instrumental in their musical endeavors.

McClain’s talent was first recognized by family friend Ian Burke, who introduced her to director Rob Hardy, leading to her role in “The Gospel.” Since then, McClain has continued to audition and perform in various states, including roles in “Madea’s Family Reunion” and an interview with BET’s Jacque Reid at “The Gospel” premiere in Atlanta.

As an active member of the Screen Actors Guild, McClain is known for her discipline, humor, and mature self-control. She relishes her time in hair and make-up while filming and is inspired by the support of her peers. Besides acting and singing, McClain enjoys drawing, church activities, and mastering new hobbies like roller-blading and hula-hooping. Her aspirations include writing and directing her own films and touring with her sisters.