So, if you’ve spent any time on TikTok or watched Mixed-ish and wondered how a seven-year-old—now a teenager, actually—gets that much confidence, you aren't alone. It’s Mykal-Michelle Harris. Everyone calls her Mimi. She’s the kid who went viral for pretending to be Serena Williams and then basically took over Disney and ABC.
But behind every child star who doesn't seem totally exhausted is usually a set of parents doing the heavy lifting. Mykal-Michelle Harris parents, Kimberly J. Harris and Greg Harris, are basically the blueprint for how to handle a kid’s sudden explosion into Hollywood without losing your mind. They aren't "stage parents" in the scary, overbearing way you see in movies.
Honestly, it feels more like a team effort.
The Mom Behind the Magic: Dr. Kimberly J. Harris
Kimberly is the one you see most often. She’s the manager-mom, but she’s also an educator with a doctorate. That’s a big deal. She didn't just stumble into this; she used her background in education to navigate the industry. When Mimi’s "Like Serena" video blew up—we’re talking 15 million views almost overnight—Kimberly didn't just sign the first contract that came her way.
She was cautious.
The family lived in New Jersey. Moving to Los Angeles is a massive gamble. Kimberly has talked openly on podcasts like Mompreneurs about the stress of that move. She literally walked away from her established career to support Mimi’s dream. There were moments where the bills were piling up and the "fame" hadn't turned into a steady paycheck yet.
It was a total leap of faith.
✨ Don't miss: Enrique Iglesias Height: Why Most People Get His Size Totally Wrong
She’s often quoted saying that it isn't about the fame; it’s about the "give back." You can tell she’s the one keeping Mimi grounded. While other kids are focused on followers, Kimberly has Mykal-Michelle out here doing charity work and visiting children’s hospitals.
Greg Harris: The Supportive Dad
Then there’s Greg Harris. He’s a bit more behind the scenes than Kimberly, but he’s the foundation. Greg is a Rowan University alum—Class of ’94, to be exact—and works as a Senior Sales Executive.
He’s a "girl dad" through and through.
In fact, the whole "Like Serena" video started because of him. Mykal-Michelle was telling her mom how much she loved Serena Williams, and Greg was the one who encouraged her. He told her she could be just like her. That’s when the camera started rolling.
Greg isn't just Mimi’s dad; he’s a father of four. Mykal-Michelle has three older siblings: a sister and two brothers. Having older siblings probably explains why she’s so precocious and sharp. You can't be the youngest of four and not learn how to hold your own at the dinner table.
A Family of Six
The Harris household is big. It’s busy. It’s definitely not just centered around one person’s acting career.
🔗 Read more: Elisabeth Harnois: What Most People Get Wrong About Her Relationship Status
- Siblings: Mimi has one older sister and two older brothers.
- Dynamic: She often talks about filming short films at home with her brother.
- Balance: Greg and Kimberly seem to make sure she still gets to be a kid, even if her "office" is a Disney set.
The family is very religious, too. Mimi has mentioned in interviews that she looks up to Jesus and her parents as her primary heroes. That’s a pretty solid foundation for a kid growing up in the spotlight.
Why People Get Them Confused
Here is a weird thing that happens on the internet: people constantly confuse Mykal-Michelle Harris with other famous Harrises. No, she is not related to Kamala Harris. The internet loves a conspiracy or a "hidden family tree," but there’s no connection there.
Mimi’s parents are Kimberly and Greg from Jersey. That’s it.
She also played Santamonica Johnson on Mixed-ish, where her "TV parents" were Tika Sumpter and Mark-Paul Gosselaar. She’s very close to them, often calling them her "set mom and dad." This sometimes trips people up if they only see a quick Instagram post of her hugging Tika Sumpter. But in real life, Kimberly is the one calling the shots.
Navigating the Industry Safely
How do they do it? Kimberly Harris has basically become an advocate for other parents trying to get their kids into acting. She’s big on "navigating the industry" with integrity.
They focus on:
💡 You might also like: Don Toliver and Kali Uchis: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
- Education first: Mimi was a straight-A student even while filming.
- Professionalism: Her set parents have praised her for being more prepared than the adults.
- Normalcy: She still plays games with her friends and does arts and crafts.
It’s rare to see a child star who seems this well-adjusted. Usually, there’s some drama, but the Harris family keeps it pretty locked down. They seem to treat acting like a very cool extracurricular activity rather than a high-pressure job.
What’s Next for the Harris Family?
Mykal-Michelle is getting older. She’s voiced the lead in Disney Jr.'s Ariel and has been a staple on Raven's Home. As she moves into her teen years, her parents’ roles are shifting from "protective gatekeepers" to "career guides."
If you're looking to follow in their footsteps or just want to support Mimi’s career, keep an eye on Kimberly’s insights. She often shares the "real" side of Hollywood—the auditions, the rejections, and the hard work that goes into a 30-second viral clip.
The take-away? Mykal-Michelle Harris parents aren't just the people behind the star. They are the reason she’s still a kid at heart while being a pro on camera.
If you want to support Mykal-Michelle, follow her official social media accounts, which are closely monitored by Dr. Kimberly Harris. You can also check out her work on Disney+ to see the results of all that family support in action. Watching her growth from a 3-year-old viral sensation to a leading voice actress is a masterclass in how steady parenting makes all the difference in Hollywood.