Actress Reflects on Child Stardom and Personal Struggles

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the actress known for her role as Tia on the 1990s sitcom “Sister, Sister” shared insights into her experiences dealing with anxiety during her early career. The actress opened up about the challenges she faced while performing in front of live audiences, describing those moments as “shaking in your bones.” According to her, a significant source of anxiety was the fear that scripted lines might not be well-received by the audience.

“Sister, Sister,” which aired from 1994 to 1999 on ABC and The WB, was a prominent show featuring the actress alongside her twin sister and other notable actors like Tim Red and Jackée Harry. Despite its success, she revealed that the demands of the show were considerable, especially for a young star trying to balance her career with other aspects of growing up.

The actress, now 46, reflected on the pressures of being in the spotlight at a young age. “You’re performing live in front of an audience, and you know you’re a kid … there’s a lot going on,” she noted. Over time, she developed strategies to manage her anxiety, including visualization techniques and being mindful of her feelings.

Rejection was another challenge that she faced, both as a young actress and in her current life. She recounted a particularly impactful moment when she auditioned for a role she did not receive. Despite initial disappointment, she learned to see these experiences as part of a greater journey, a perspective that helped her appreciate her success on “Sister, Sister.”

The actress also touched on her personal life, expressing the “joy” she finds with her children despite going through a divorce in 2023. More details on her personal reflections and mental health strategies are available in the video clip accompanying the interview.