Another tragic loss has struck the entertainment industry, particularly the Broadway community and the wider Disney family. It has been confirmed on Christmas Day (25th December) that actress Imani Dia Smith has passed away at the age of 26.
The late actress was best known to many for her role as Young Nala in the Broadway adaptation of Disney’s 1994 animated classic “The Lion King”. Fans of the show took to social media to mourn after hearing the tragic news of her passing. Here is what we know so far about her death:
According to an official report by Playbill, Imani was murdered by her boyfriend, Jordan D. Jackson. Middlesex County, NJ, Prosecutor’s Office told reporters that the performer was stabbed on 21st December and was immediately transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The late star is survived by her three-year-old son, her parents, and two younger siblings.
“Imani had her whole life ahead of her. She was a vivacious, loving and fiercely talented person. A true triple-threat performer, she most notably played the role of Young Nala on Broadway in Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ — an experience that reflected the joy, creativity, and light she put into the world,” her family wrote in a statement.
At the time of writing, there has been no update on what led to the murder. However, Jordan D. Jackson has since been arrested and charged with murder, endangering the welfare of a child, and weapons offences. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support her mother, Monique Rance-Helper, and her father, Rawni Helper, as they lay their daughter to rest, care for the actress’ young son, and navigate the legal proceedings against her alleged killer, while continuing to support their other children.
Imani Dia Smith portrayed Young Nala in the long-running Broadway production of “The Lion King” from September 2011 to September 2012. While it remains unclear how active she was in later stage or on-screen roles, she undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the industry through her debut as the iconic Disney character. We extend our deepest condolences to her loved ones. May they find strength and comfort as they navigate this incredibly difficult time.
Sources: GoFundMe, Playbill, CinemaExpress
