The entertainment world is in mourning following the tragic death of former Nickelodeon child star Kianna Underwood, who was killed in a hit-and-run incident in New York. She was 33 years old.
A Fatal Morning in Brownsville
The fatal collision occurred on the morning of Friday, January 16, 2026, in the Brownsville neighbourhood of Brooklyn. According to police reports, Underwood was struck by a sedan in a hit-and-run. The vehicle reportedly dragged the victim for two city blocks before fleeing the scene. Officers from the New York Police Department pronounced a 33-year-old woman dead at the location, with Variety later confirming her identity as the former actress.
Remembering a Nickelodeon Alumni
Kianna Underwood was best known for her role on the popular children's sketch comedy series All That, which aired on Nickelodeon from 1994 to 2005. Often described as a younger version of Saturday Night Live, the show featured a cast of young performers in original comedic sketches and hosted weekly musical guests.
Underwood appeared in seven episodes of the iconic programme, performing alongside future stars including Amanda Bynes, Nick Cannon, and Kenan Thompson.
Her voice acting work also left a mark on children's television. From 1999 to 2004, she voiced the animated character Fuchsia Glover, a cousin of the main character, in 23 episodes of the preschool series Little Bill, created by Bill Cosby.
A Broader Acting Career
Beyond her work in children's television, Underwood also secured a role in director Nancy Savoca's 1999 comedy film The 24-Hour Woman. The movie featured a cast of acclaimed actors such as Rosie Perez, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, and Patti LuPone.
The news of her sudden and violent death has sent shockwaves through the community of those who grew up watching her on screen. Tributes have begun to pour in for the performer, whose career showcased her talent to a generation of young viewers. The NYPD investigation into the hit-and-run driver continues.
