By Halle Bailey has swiftly become a household name thanks to her immense talent, captivating performances, and striking voice. From starring in television series to making her mark in blockbuster films, Halle’s career has showcased her range as an actress and singer. This article takes a deep dive into her most significant movies and TV shows, charting her path from her early days to her rise in Hollywood stardom. Whether it’s through her role as the beloved Ariel in The Little Mermaid or her work in TV, Bailey’s rise is a testament to her dedication to her craft.
Halle Bailey’s Early Career
Before Halle Bailey became a prominent figure in Hollywood, she and her sister, Chloe Bailey, formed the musical duo Chloe x Halle. The pair’s unique sound and powerful vocals garnered attention from industry veterans, including Beyoncé, who signed them to her label, Parkwood Entertainment. However, Halle’s success extends beyond music. Her ventures into acting and television have showcased her diverse abilities.
1. Grown-ish (2018 – Present)
One of Halle Bailey’s most prominent roles to date is her portrayal of Sky Forster in the TV series Grown-ish. A spin-off of the popular show Black-ish, Grown-ish follows the life of Zoey Johnson (Yara Shahidi) as she transitions into adulthood. Halle plays Sky Forster, Zoey’s close friend, who brings a refreshing dynamic to the show. Sky is a vibrant character with a strong sense of self, offering an insightful perspective on college life, relationships, and identity.
Grown-ish is notable for its relatable take on the ups and downs of university life, and Halle’s performance as Sky has received critical praise. The show’s success has allowed Bailey to expand her acting career and build a loyal fan base. It also provided a platform for Halle to showcase her talent for blending drama with moments of levity, proving she is capable of both comedic and serious roles.
2. The Little Mermaid (2023)
Halle Bailey’s breakthrough role in the world of film came in 2023, when she starred as Ariel in the live-action adaptation of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. The casting of Bailey as Ariel was met with widespread excitement, though also controversy, as some questioned the choice to cast a Black actress in a traditionally white role. However, Bailey’s portrayal of the iconic mermaid was a game changer. She brought an emotional depth and authenticity to the character, adding layers of vulnerability, strength, and curiosity that made Ariel more than just a classic Disney princess.
Bailey’s performance in The Little Mermaid marked a milestone for representation in Hollywood, particularly for Black actors in leading roles within iconic franchises. Bailey’s enchanting voice, too, captivated audiences, with her rendition of songs like Part of Your World becoming a standout moment in the film. The live-action version of The Little Mermaid was a commercial success, and Bailey’s performance was praised for its refreshing take on the beloved character.
The film’s success cemented Halle Bailey’s place in Hollywood’s A-list and solidified her as one of the most promising stars of her generation. Her portrayal of Ariel showcased her versatility, transitioning seamlessly from her musical background to acting and adding a new layer of charm to the character that resonated with audiences of all ages.
3. The Color Purple (2025)
Halle Bailey is also set to star in the highly anticipated film The Color Purple, which is a musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. The film is a reimagining of the 1985 movie and the Broadway musical, with Bailey playing the role of Young Celie, a character originally portrayed by Whoopi Goldberg in the 1985 film. The story follows Celie’s journey from a young girl suffering under oppression to a strong woman finding her voice.
The film, directed by Blitz Bazawule, has generated a significant amount of buzz due to its incredible cast, including Oprah Winfrey, Taraji P. Henson, and Fantasia Barrino. Halle’s involvement in such a prestigious project speaks to her growing influence in the film industry. Given the strong emotional depth and complexity of Celie’s character, Bailey’s performance is expected to be a pivotal part of the film, showcasing her acting chops in a way that could open even more doors in Hollywood.
The Color Purple offers Halle Bailey a chance to delve into dramatic material that differs from her previous roles, giving her the opportunity to expand her range and appeal to a wider audience.
4. Jungle Cruise (2021)
In 2021, Halle Bailey made an appearance in the Disney adventure film Jungle Cruise, starring alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Emily Blunt. Though Halle’s role in Jungle Cruise was not as high-profile as some of her other projects, it marked her first major feature film outside of her music career and set the stage for her future in Hollywood. She portrayed Nia, a key character in this thrilling, jungle-themed adventure.
While Jungle Cruise was largely carried by the star power of Johnson and Blunt, Halle’s performance was a strong addition to the cast. Her ability to hold her own alongside established actors showcased her range and adaptability. As part of a larger ensemble cast, Halle’s performance demonstrated her ability to make the most of every opportunity, no matter the size of the role.
5. Halle Bailey: Music and Acting Convergence
One of the unique aspects of Halle Bailey’s career is the way in which her musical background intertwines with her acting. As part of Chloe x Halle, she has created a strong presence in the music industry. Their debut album, The Kids Are Alright (2018), was a critical success, earning them Grammy nominations. Halle’s powerful voice has become one of her defining features, and her musical talent has even been showcased in her acting roles.
For instance, in The Little Mermaid, Bailey’s vocal prowess was put on full display, and her music career certainly enhanced her portrayal of Ariel. Likewise, her role in Grown-ish also tapped into her musical background, with the character Sky often involved in music-based storylines. As her career continues to evolve, the intersection between Halle Bailey’s music and acting will likely become an even more significant part of her artistry.
6. Future Projects and Career Prospects
Looking ahead, Halle Bailey’s career is poised to continue its upward trajectory. She has already proven her acting skills in both television and film, and with upcoming roles like The Color Purple, it’s clear that she will be a major force in Hollywood. Beyond that, Bailey’s work in the music industry continues to gain traction, with Chloe x Halle remaining a fan favorite and the duo releasing new music.
Given her talent, versatility, and unique ability to blend both music and acting, it’s likely that Halle Bailey will continue to expand her career across different mediums. Whether she takes on more dramatic roles, musical performances, or even ventures into producing or directing, Halle’s future in entertainment is incredibly promising.
Conclusion
Halle Bailey’s rise to fame has been nothing short of extraordinary. From her breakout role in Grown-ish to her unforgettable performance as Ariel in The Little Mermaid, Bailey has proven time and time again that she is a multi-talented artist with the skills to dominate both film and television. She represents a new generation of performers who break boundaries, challenge norms, and pave the way for more diverse representation in the entertainment industry.
With several exciting projects on the horizon, including The Color Purple, Halle Bailey’s influence on Hollywood will only grow. Whether through her captivating performances, incredible voice, or her advocacy for change, Bailey is making an indelible mark on both the big and small screens, and her journey has just begun. As she continues to build her career, audiences can expect to see even more from this rising star in the years to come.
