Kianna Underwood, 33, former Nickelodeon child star killed in hit-and-run in New York

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK: Kianna Underwood, a former child performer who appeared on Nickelodeon’s sketch comedy series 'All That', was killed Friday, January 16, in a hit-and-run crash in Brooklyn. 

According to TMZ, a sedan hit Kianna while she was crossing the street. The vehicle dragged her for nearly two blocks before fleeing. 

The New York Police Department has confirmed that Underwood, 33, was fatally struck by a vehicle shortly before 7 am. 

The incident occurred near the intersection of Pitkin Avenue and Mother Gaston Boulevard in the Brownsville neighborhood. 

The former actress was pronounced dead at the scene. No arrests have been made so far.

Police have not released additional details about the suspect vehicle or driver involved in the fatal crash. 

Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the hit-and-run to come forward.

Kianna's death marks another tragic case of a pedestrian fatality in New York City, where hit-and-run incidents continue to be a persistent concern. In 2025, there had been 207 fatalities due to vehicle crashes. 

Underwood's mental health under scanner

Several media reports suggest that the former child actor was going through a rough phase before death.

A dishevelled looking Kianna had been recorded on a street in New York in 2021. She was seen with a broken tooth in the video.

She confirmed to the person filming the video that she was indeed the star from 'All That' before mumbling and walking away. 

Prior to that, in May 2019, a missing person post circulating widely on Facebook had claimed that Kianna was suffering from mental illness and had to be traced.

Nickelodeon appearances and early career

Kianna appeared in seven episodes of 'All That' during the show’s final season in 2005, sharing the screen with performers including Amanda Bynes, Nick Cannon and Kenan Thompson.

The long-running Nickelodeon series, which aired from 1994 to 2005, was known for its fast-paced sketch comedy, pop culture parodies and musical guests.

In addition to her work in 'All That', Underwood had a significant voice-acting role on Nickelodeon’s animated series 'Little Bill'. 

She voiced the character 'Fuchsia Glover', the cousin of the show’s main character who appeared in 23 episodes between 1999 and 2004.

'Little Bill' was based on the children’s book series created by Bill Cosby and followed the everyday life and imagination of a 5-year-old boy growing up in Philadelphia.

Her voice work extended beyond television, including contributions to the 2001 animated TV movie 'Santa, Baby'.

Kianna also appeared in the 1999 independent comedy 'The 24-Hour Woman', directed by Nancy Savoca.

The film starred Rosie Perez, Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Patti LuPone.

Later in her career, Kianna toured with the Broadway musical 'Hairspray'.