KYLA PRATT: Sassy Actress One Of Hollywood's Hottest Young Stars

Jet, Sept 17, 2001

Don't let her sweet smile fool you. Kyla Pratt is one feisty young actress and her career is anything but child's play.

Pratt, 14, is probably best known as the outspoken basketball fan in the 1998 Nike TV ad who blasts WNBA players on their game, and even tells hoop star Sheryl Swoopes "Mama can't help your jump shot!" That bold persona helped her land a role in last year's film Love And Basketball starring Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan. Pratt played the younger version of Lathan's character Monica Wright, a strong-willed woman who strives to be the first female player in the NBA. Pratt was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for her work in the film.

While sassy characters may be her specialty, Pratt can play the shy girl-next-door with the same ease, as seen in her film role opposite Eddie Murphy as the brainy, but endearing Maya Dolittle in Dr. Dolittle and Dr. Dolittle II. Her versatility and her talents as a singer, dancer and athlete have made Pratt a high-demand star in Hollywood. Since her 1995 acting debut, the teen has earned more credits than some actors twice her age, including guest roles on "The Parkers," "Moesha," "The Hughleys" and "Touched By An Angel."

Currently, Pratt is set to co-star with Flex Alexander in "One On One," a comedy about a father-daughter relationship which will air Mondays at 8:30 p.m. (ET/PT) this fall on UPN. Pratt also is the voice of Penny Proud on the Disney Channel's "Proud Family," an animated series about a Black family premiering Sept. 21, 6 p.m. (ET/PT).

And whether she's precious or precocious, Pratt's performances always promise to be memorable.