Lexi Underwood Biography: A Multi-Talented Star on the Rise
Lexi Underwood has grown from a passionate young performer to an acclaimed actress, producer, and advocate. With groundbreaking roles on stage and screen, her career reflects a deep commitment to artistry, storytelling, and championing underrepresented voices.
Summary
- Lexi Underwood was born on August 28, 2003, in the United States.
- Her passion for performing arts began with ballet classes at age four.
- She debuted professionally on stage in 2013 in A Christmas Carol.
- Lexi gained fame as Young Nala in The Lion King on Broadway and its touring production.
- Transitioned to television with guest roles in Person of Interest, Code Black, and more.
- Achieved a breakout role in Hulu’s Little Fires Everywhere as Pearl Warren.
- Played Malia Obama in Showtime’s The First Lady (2022).
- Starred in Cruel Summer Season 2 and founded her production company, Ultimate Dreamer Productions.
- Aims to tell impactful, inclusive stories in entertainment.
- Her versatile portfolio includes both television and film projects, showing her immense range as an actress.
Early Life and Passion for Performing Arts
Lexi Underwood was born on August 28, 2003, in Cheverly, Maryland. From an early age, Lexi displayed a passion for the performing arts. She started taking ballet classes at the tender age of four, encouraging her love for performance. By the time she was eight, she was already exploring acting and singing, cementing her dream of becoming an entertainer. Her family encouraged her artistic pursuits, and Lexi quickly established herself as a rising star.
“When I step onto the stage or in front of the camera, I feel like I’m in my element,” Lexi once shared in an interview, capturing her love for storytelling.
Theatrical Breakthrough: Young Nala in The Lion King
Lexi’s journey began on stage, where she made her professional debut in 2013 at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., performing in A Christmas Carol. Her talent quickly caught the attention of casting directors, and in 2015, she secured the role of Young Nala in the North American touring production of Disney’s The Lion King. Later, Lexi brought her vibrant energy to Broadway, performing the same role to great recognition.
This important role showed her talent for captivating audiences. It marked her as a versatile performer. She played in The Lion King. Because of this, people recognized her as a promising young talent in theater.
Transition to Television and Film
Following her success in theater, Lexi transitioned into television and film, making her TV debut in 2014 with an appearance in Person of Interest. She continued building her resume with guest roles in popular series like:
- Code Black
- Henry Danger
- Walk the Prank
- Raven’s Home
These roles allowed Lexi to explore a variety of characters and genres, contributing to her growth as an actress. Each appearance revealed her depth, paving the way for her breakout role.

Breakthrough Role in Little Fires Everywhere
In 2020, Lexi landed the career-defining role of Pearl Warren in Hulu’s acclaimed drama Little Fires Everywhere. Acting alongside Hollywood heavyweights Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon, Lexi’s portrayal of the curious and introspective Pearl earned widespread praise. The New York Times described her performance as “excellent,” highlighting her ability to hold her own opposite seasoned actors.
The series examined difficult topics such as race, privilege, and identity. Lexi’s detailed performance made the story feel more real. Pearl is a character in the series. She is the daughter of a single mother. Her journey connected deeply with audiences. This showed Lexi’s skill in telling emotional stories.
Portrayal of Malia Obama in The First Lady
In 2022, Lexi took on the high-profile role of Malia Obama in Showtime’s The First Lady. Spanning multiple timelines, the series delved into the lives of America’s most iconic First Ladies, with Lexi portraying the eldest daughter of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Her portrayal captured Malia’s intelligence, poise, and youthful perspective, earning Lexi further recognition for her versatility.

Recent Success in Cruel Summer
In 2023, Lexi starred as Isabella LaRue in Season 2 of Freeform’s mystery thriller Cruel Summer. Set in the late 1990s, the series followed a tangled web of secrets, friendships, and betrayals. Lexi’s performance as Isabella, a foreign exchange student hiding her own mysteries, added depth to the narrative. The role allowed her to explore a character with complexity, further solidifying her reputation as a skilled actress.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Ultimate Dreamer Productions
At the age of 15, Lexi took a bold step by founding her production company, Ultimate Dreamer Productions. Through this platform, she aims to tell stories that amplify diverse voices and address issues often overlooked in mainstream media. Her work as a producer reflects her deep commitment to creating meaningful, impactful content.
Lexi has expressed her desire to empower other young creators and bring underrepresented narratives to the forefront. This entrepreneurial endeavor demonstrates her ambition to leave a lasting legacy beyond acting.
Filmography
Television Roles
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2014 | Person of Interest | Queen Bee | Episode: “Brotherhood” |
2016 | Code Black | Emily Campbell | Episode: “Ava Maria” |
2017 | Henry Danger | Narlee | 3 episodes |
2017 | Walk the Prank | Nice Nancy | 4 episodes |
2017 | Raven’s Home | Shannon Reynolds | Episode: “You’re Gonna Get It” |
2020 | Little Fires Everywhere | Pearl Warren | Main role, 8 episodes |
2022 | The First Lady | Malia Obama | 5 episodes |
2023 | Cruel Summer | Isabella LaRue | Main role (Season 2) |
Film Roles
Year | Title | Role |
---|---|---|
2014 | Forgotten Happiness | Alexis |
2017 | Dirt | Voice role |
2018 | If Not Now, When? | Jillian |
2022 | Sneakerella | Kira King |
Facts About Lexi Underwood
- She began her acting journey on stage, starting with Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C.
- Lexi’s favorite Broadway memory was playing Young Nala and performing live for diverse audiences.
- In addition to acting, Lexi enjoys singing and hopes to explore more opportunities in music.
- She launched her production company at just 15, showing her entrepreneurial drive.
- Lexi advocates for mental health awareness and empowerment for young girls.
References
- Lexi Underwood’s Wikipedia Page
- Lexi Underwood on IMDb
- New York Times Review of Little Fires Everywhere