Karyn Parsons

Karyn Parsons is an American actress, author and comedian who gained recognition for her part as Hilary Banks in the NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which ran from 1990 to 1996. Born in Los Angeles, California, she attended Santa Monica High School and went on to appear in comedy films such as Late Nights (1992), Major Payne (1995), starring opposite Damon Wayans, and The Ladies Man (2000). In 1996 she helped create, produce, write and star in the Fox sitcom Lush Life, which ended after four episodes. In 2001 she took a lead role with Denis Leary in The Job, which drew critical praise but was short-lived. Parsons also founded the Sweet Blackberry Foundation, producer of animated films and books about little-known black heroes, and has written children's books including How High the Moon (2019), Flying Free (2020) and Saving the Day (2021).