| Human Profile | |
| Name: | China Anne McClain |
| Birthday: | August 25, 1998 (age 27 years), Born in Decatur, Georgia |
| Education: | Oak Park High School (Diploma) |
| Subscribers: | 674K |
| Views: | 34,353,028 |
| YouTube Revenue: | $34.4K - $171.8K |
| Videos: | 41 |
| Channel Created: | September 2014 |
Overview
China Anne McClain is an American actress and singer known for her starring roles as Chyna Parks in Disney Channel’s A.N.T. Farm, Uma in the Descendants film series, and Jennifer Pierce/Lightning in The CW’s Black Lightning, and as a member of the musical group Thriii with her sisters.
Latest News (Feb 2, 2026): continues creating content and engaging with their audience
Early Life and Family Background
China Anne McClain was born on August 25, 1998, in Decatur, Georgia. Her father, Michael McClain, is a music producer, and her mother, Shontell, is a songwriter. The arts, particularly music, were a central part of her upbringing, with her parents having met in the music industry. She has two older sisters, Sierra and Lauryn, and a younger brother, Gabriel. The family moved from Georgia to Los Angeles to support China Anne McClain’s burgeoning acting career.
Career Beginnings in Film and Television
China Anne McClain’s entry into the entertainment industry was prompted by a music executive who heard her sing and suggested she audition for the 2005 film The Gospel. In the film, she portrayed the character Alexis. This role brought her to the attention of writer and director Tyler Perry, who cast her as Jazmine Payne in the television series Tyler Perry’s House of Payne. She also appeared alongside her sisters in the 2007 film Daddy’s Little Girls. Her early career also included roles in the film Grown Ups and its sequel, as well as guest appearances in series like Hannah Montana and NCIS.
Breakthrough with Disney
A significant milestone in McClain’s career came when she was cast in the lead role of Chyna Parks in the Disney Channel series A.N.T. Farm, which aired from 2011 to 2014. The show, centered on a middle school musical prodigy, was created specifically for her. McClain also recorded several songs for the show, including the theme song “Exceptional” and a cover of Taio Cruz’s “Dynamite”. Her performance of “Calling All the Monsters” on the show’s soundtrack became a popular Halloween anthem. During this period, she and her sisters signed a record deal with Hollywood Records, forming the group McClain Sisters.
Major Projects and Musical Endeavors
Following her success on Disney Channel, China Anne McClain took on more diverse roles. She portrayed Uma, the daughter of Ursula, in the popular Disney Channel original movies Descendants 2 and Descendants 3. She also joined the cast of The CW’s superhero series Black Lightning, playing Jennifer Pierce, also known as Lightning.
Throughout her acting career, music has remained a constant. With her sisters Sierra and Lauryn, she has been part of a musical group that has undergone several name changes, including 3mcclaingirls, the McClain Sisters, and McClain. In 2020, the group rebranded as Thriii. They have released music independently, including a new version of “Calling All the Monsters”.
Personal Life and Online Presence
China Anne McClain and her sisters, Lauryn and Sierra, launched a YouTube channel where they have shared singing videos, challenges, and Q&As. The channel was later renamed Thriii to align with their musical group’s identity. The sisters were raised in a creative and supportive family environment and continue to collaborate on various projects.