Former Nickelodeon Star Kianna Underwood Dies at 33 After Tragic Hit-and-Run in Brooklyn

16 January 2026

The entertainment world paused and mourned on January 16, 2026, with the shocking news that former Nickelodeon child star Kianna Underwood had been killed in a hit-and-run incident in Brooklyn, New York. The 33-year-old actress, remembered fondly by fans who grew up watching her on beloved Nickelodeon shows, was struck by a vehicle early that Friday morning as she crossed an intersection in the Brownsville neighborhood. Police say she was hit by a black Ford Explorer SUV and then, while lying on the street, was struck again by a second vehicle, described as a black and gray sedan. Both drivers fled the scene, and Underwood was declared dead at the site before emergency responders could intervene. Authorities continue to investigate and seek information that might lead to the identification and arrest of those responsible.

Underwood’s passing brought fresh sorrow to fans of a generation raised on Nickelodeon programming. Her career began at a very young age, and she was known for her work on the animated educational series Little Bill, where she voiced the character Fuschia Glover from 1999 to 2004. That show, based on Bill Cosby’s Little Bill books, was a comforting staple for preschool audiences and showcased Underwood’s warm, expressive voice that resonated with young viewers.

Her transition into on-camera acting included her appearance on the sketch comedy series All That, a show that holds a unique place in Nickelodeon’s history. The series, which helped launch the careers of future stars and became a cultural touchstone for children’s television in the 1990s and early 2000s, featured Underwood during its 2005 season. She appeared in several episodes alongside a young ensemble cast, contributing to the show’s lively sketches and comedic energy.

For fans of Underwood’s work, her performances represented a bright and familiar presence during a formative era of kids’ entertainment. As the decades passed, new generations continued to discover Little Bill and All That as nostalgic favorites, with Underwood’s contributions etched into those memories. The news of her death spread quickly across social media and entertainment platforms, drawing an outpouring of grief as former viewers shared memories of her roles and heartfelt tributes.

In addition to her television work, Underwood also performed on stage. Early in her career, she appeared in a national touring production of the Broadway musical Hairspray, where she showcased her talents in live theatre. That experience affirmed her versatility as a performer, spanning voice acting, television and stage in ways that underscored both her range and her depth as an entertainer.

Despite her early success, her later years were marked by challenges that added complexity to her life story. Reports indicate that Underwood had faced difficulties in adulthood, including periods of hardship outside the entertainment spotlight. In late 2023, her former All That castmate Angelique Bates publicly shared concerns about Underwood’s wellbeing, expressing sorrow that she appeared to be struggling without the support of the industry that once celebrated her. Those comments highlighted the often fragile transition child actors face as they grow older, a reality that resonates with many in the entertainment community.

The tragic way in which Underwood’s life ended has also sparked broader conversations about road safety and hit-and-run incidents in New York City. Police reports indicate that after the initial collision, Underwood was struck again as she lay injured, compounding the tragedy of the morning. The fact that neither driver remained to assist or identify themselves has left her death shrouded in additional heartbreak and frustration, prompting calls from local advocates for greater accountability and enforcement in hit-and-run cases.

Family members and friends have not yet released extended public statements, but social media tributes reveal a deep affection for Underwood and the impact she had on people’s lives. Fans reminisced about her roles and the joy she brought into their homes during her time on Nickelodeon, recalling how her voice and performances provided comfort and laughter during childhood. Alongside these memories, condolences have poured in from across the entertainment world and beyond, with many expressing shock at the suddenness of her death and sympathy for her loved ones.

The legacy of Kianna Underwood is rooted in the way she connected with audiences at a young age. Her contributions to Little Bill and All That represent an era when children’s television shaped the imaginations of millions, offering a blend of humor, warmth and education. For many who grew up watching her work, her death is not simply news but a loss of someone who felt like a familiar friend from the screen.

Police continue to investigate the hit-and-run, appealing to the public for tips that might identify the drivers involved. The NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad is working to piece together surveillance footage, witness accounts and vehicle evidence in hopes of bringing justice to Underwood’s family and community. Until that investigation reaches a resolution, the circumstances of her death remain a painful reminder of vulnerability and loss on the streets of one of the world’s busiest cities.

In remembering Underwood, fans and colleagues alike are reflecting on more than her death. They are recalling the bright spirit she brought into homes across America during her years on television, celebrating her work and mourning the life that ended too soon. Through the laughter she helped create and the characters she brought to life, Kianna Underwood’s influence will linger in the hearts of those who grew up watching her on screen.