KJ Smith Age: Why the Sistas Star is Only Getting Started at 40

You’ve seen her as the sharp-tongued, fiercely independent Andi Barnes on Tyler Perry’s Sistas. You might even follow her glamorous life with husband Skyh Black. But when people start typing KJ Smith age into their search bars, there is usually a mix of disbelief and genuine curiosity.

She looks like she’s in her late twenties. Honestly, her energy on screen suggests someone just starting to navigate the chaotic waters of adulthood. But the reality is a bit more grounded.

The Real Numbers: When Was KJ Smith Born?

Khaneshia JaNea Smith, known to the world as KJ, was born on May 6, 1985. That makes her 40 years old today in early 2026.

It’s a number that catches people off guard. Why? Because Hollywood has a weird obsession with youth, and KJ Smith basically ignores that rulebook. She didn’t even start her professional on-screen career until 2009. That’s a "late start" by industry standards, but it’s also exactly why she’s so successful. She brought a level of maturity and business acumen to the table that a teenager simply doesn't have.

She grew up in Tallahassee, Florida. Before the red carpets and the Power Book III: Raising Kanan guest spots, she was a cheerleader and softball player. She actually studied Business Marketing at Florida State University (FSU).

Think about that for a second. While most actors were doing community theater at 19, KJ was learning how to market brands and navigate corporate America. She worked a regular office job before deciding to move to Los Angeles. That corporate background is her secret weapon. It’s why she doesn't just act; she understands the industry as a business.

Why KJ Smith Age Trends So Often

People search for her age because of the "Sistas" effect. In the show, the characters are dealing with the messy, high-stakes drama of their 30s. KJ plays Andi with such a relatable, vibrant edge that fans naturally want to know if the actress is living the same timeline.

Interestingly, KJ herself isn't shy about it. Back in 2023, she posted on Instagram, "I'm a 38 year old woman." No filter, no hiding. In an industry where people often shave five years off their bio to stay "marketable," her transparency is basically a superpower.

Career Milestones and the 40-Year-Old Pivot

As of January 2026, Sistas is heading into its landmark 10th season. While some cast members like Ebony Obsidian and Novi Brown have recently moved on, KJ Smith remains the anchor.

A Journey of Consistency

She didn't become a household name overnight. If you look at her filmography, it’s a masterclass in "paying your dues."

• 2009-2015: Minor roles, short films, and guest spots on shows like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
• 2016-2018: Recurring roles in Queen Sugar and Dynasty. This is where the industry started noticing her "age-playing range" (IMDbPro lists her as able to play 25–35).
• 2019-Present: The Sistas era. This role changed everything, turning her into a leading lady at 34.

Most people think if you haven't "made it" by 25, it’s over. KJ Smith is the living rebuttal to that nonsense. She hit her stride in her mid-thirties and is entering her forties at the absolute peak of her powers.

The Skyh Black Connection

You can't talk about KJ without mentioning her husband, Skyh Alvester Black. They met on the set of Sistas and got married in 2023. Their relationship is a huge part of why fans are so invested in her life. They represent this "Black Excellence" power couple dynamic that feels very modern and very real.

They’ve been open about the pressures of dating in the "millennial age," often discussing how they chose to do things on their own terms rather than following a traditional Hollywood script.

Health, Wellness, and Staying "Ageless"

So, how does she look like that at 40?

It’s not just "good genes," though Tallahassee clearly produces some winners. KJ is a massive advocate for mental health and physical wellness. She has collaborated with brands like Murad Skincare, and she’s vocal about the fact that her glow comes from a mix of discipline and peace of mind.

She’s mentioned in interviews that moving to Los Angeles forced her to take wellness seriously. It’s a high-stress environment. If you don't take care of your "vessel," the industry will chew you up.

💡 You might also like: Who Is Gwyneth Paltrow Dating? The Truth About Her Marriage and Rumors

The Lifestyle Shift:
KJ doesn't just do the Hollywood party scene. She focuses on her production company, which aims to highlight underrepresented voices. She’s also a social media ambassador for PepsiCo’s "Taste of Tomorrow" initiative, helping HBCU students get into STEM careers.

When you spend your time building others up and focusing on legacy rather than just the next "like," it shows on your face. That’s the real anti-aging secret.

What We Get Wrong About Celebrity Ages

We need to stop being shocked when an actress over 35 is successful.

The obsession with KJ Smith age is a symptom of a larger issue where we expect women to disappear once they hit 30. But look at the landscape in 2026. Women like KJ, Issa Rae, and Regina King are proving that the most interesting stories happen when the protagonist actually has some life experience.

👉 See also: Kristine McCarthy Who's Who in America: What Most People Get Wrong

KJ Smith isn't a star despite her age; she’s a star because of it. She brings a depth to Andi Barnes that a 22-year-old simply couldn't mimic. She knows what heartbreak feels like. She knows what a 60-hour work week feels like. She knows what it's like to bet on herself when everyone else is saying "it's too late."

Actionable Takeaways for Fans and Aspiring Creatives

If you're following KJ Smith's journey, there are a few things you can actually apply to your own life, regardless of how many candles are on your next birthday cake.

1. Leverage Your "Other" Skills: KJ’s marketing degree wasn't a waste of time. It’s what allowed her to brand herself effectively in a crowded market. Whatever your "day job" is, use those skills to fuel your passion.
2. Timing is Subjective: If she had stayed in corporate marketing, she’d be successful, but she wouldn't be fulfilled. She moved to LA in her late 20s. Don't let a calendar tell you when your "window" has closed.
3. Invest in Your Foundation: Whether it’s skincare or mental health therapy, KJ proves that longevity is built on self-care.
4. Stay the Course: The gap between her first role in 2009 and her breakout in 2019 was ten years. Ten years of "minor roles." Consistency is the only thing that actually works.

KJ Smith is currently filming Season 10 of Sistas and continues to expand her reach through production and advocacy. At 40, she isn't "reaching the end"—she's actually just entering her prime.

To keep up with her latest projects, you should follow her verified social media accounts or check out the new episodes of Sistas airing on BET this year. Looking at her career trajectory, the next decade will likely involve more time behind the camera as a producer, further cementing her status as a mogul in the making.