Biography

Zani Jones Mbayise, was born January 14, 2011. Although she was born in East Orange, NJ and has lived mostly in NYC, she grew up in the theater. As a toddler, she would attend rehearsals and performances of her singer-actor parents. She would help them run lines in plays, musicals and operas, not realizing she was honing her own skills. Zani has a wide range of acting skills but she is known for captivating audiences through her subtle, poignant mannerisms.

She hit the ground running at only 4 years old, when she booked a film from her very first audition. In 2016, Zani was in the hit rom-com, How to Be Single, playing the daughter of actor Damon Wayans, Jr. Soon after her first film, she joined the cast of the award winning movie, Hidden Figures. Zani portrayed the youngest daughter of the famed mathematician, Katherine Johnson, played by Taraji P. Henson. During the pandemic, she had the opportunity to be on set of the action film, Rogue Hostage, as the daughter of singer-actor, Tyrese and the granddaughter of acclaimed thespian, John Malkovich. She was extremely excited for her most recent project, filmed in the islands, where she shot 3 episodes of the whodunit thriller, Saint X, available on Hulu.

Zani is grateful for the opportunity to work with top tier, veteran actors but she always leaves room for good pre-teen fun. She loves dancing, makeup and fashion. Other hobbies include beach hopping, boba testing, brunching and Broadway shows. Zani resides in Harlem, with her parents. Together, they enjoy experiencing new cultures, new food and new adventures!

Follow Zani IG:@zanijonesmbayise
- IMDb mini biography by: Andrea Sojola

Zani Jones Mbayise has a South African father.