The headlines coming out of New York this morning are the kind that make you stop scrolling and just stare at the screen for a second. It's heavy.
Kianna Underwood, a name that many 90s and early 2000s kids will remember from their Saturday morning rituals, was killed in a horrific hit-and-run in Brooklyn. She was only 33. Honestly, there is something uniquely heartbreaking about losing a former child star who spent her formative years bringing joy to others, only to have her own life cut short in such a violent, senseless way.
If you are asking who in Hollywood died today, the answer is a woman who was once a rising light on Nickelodeon, a voice in our living rooms, and a peer to some of the biggest names in comedy.
The Tragic Details of the Brooklyn Incident
It happened early. Around 6:50 a.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026.
Underwood was reportedly crossing the intersection of Watkins Street and Pitkin Avenue in the Brownsville neighborhood. She had just stepped out of a bodega—a completely mundane, everyday New York moment—when she was struck by a vehicle. Reports from the New York Post and TMZ describe a scene that is difficult to even visualize. The vehicle, identified by some sources as a dark SUV or a grey sedan, didn't just hit her; it reportedly dragged her for nearly two blocks.
She was pronounced dead at the scene.
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The driver? They didn't stop. They kept going. As of right now, the NYPD is still hunting for the person behind the wheel. Surveillance footage from a nearby laundromat reportedly captured the moments after the impact, and the details are being used to track the vehicle's path. It’s a stark, cold reminder of how quickly a life can be extinguished in the city.
Remembering Kianna Underwood’s Career
Underwood wasn’t just a random name in a news ticker. She was part of the "Golden Era" of Nickelodeon.
Most people recognize her from the tenth and final season of the original run of All That in 2005. She joined a legacy of performers that included the likes of Kenan Thompson and Amanda Bynes. Even though she was only on the show for seven episodes, being an "All That" cast member is a permanent badge of honor in the entertainment world.
But her work started way before that.
- Little Bill: For five years (1999–2004), she was the voice of Fuchsia Glover. If you had kids or were a kid during that window, you heard her voice constantly.
- The 24 Hour Woman: She shared the screen with heavyweights like Rosie Perez and Patti LuPone.
- Medical Excellence: She even had a guest spot on ER during its peak years.
She had range. She had a start that most actors would kill for. But as often happens with child stars, the transition into adult Hollywood is a path filled with shadows.
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The Reality of Life After the Spotlight
In the wake of her death, a video from 2021 has started resurfacing on social media, and it paints a much more complicated picture of her final years. In the clip, she’s seen walking in New York, looking somewhat disoriented, carrying a damaged bag. When asked who she is, she proudly says, "Kianna Underwood from All That on Nickelodeon."
It’s a bittersweet moment.
It highlights a reality we often ignore: Hollywood is a machine that frequently uses up young talent and then leaves them to navigate the "real world" without much of a safety net. While we don't know the full extent of her struggles, the contrast between the polished Nickelodeon star and the woman in the Brooklyn bodega is a lot to process.
Other Notable Losses in Early 2026
While Kianna Underwood is the primary name people are searching for today, the industry has already been reeling from several significant losses this January.
Netsanet Workneh, a massive figure in Ethiopian cinema and a beloved TV host, also passed away today after a long illness. At 49, he was a household name across the globe for his work on EBS TV and films like City Boys.
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We also just learned that the Santa Fe estate of the late Gene Hackman has been put on the market. It’s been nearly a year since he and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, passed away, but the news of their home being sold has brought their legacy back into the cultural conversation today.
And earlier this week, the music world lost John Forté, the Grammy-nominated producer and Fugees collaborator, at the age of 50. It feels like 2026 is starting with a heavy toll on the creative community.
What Happens Next?
The investigation into Kianna Underwood’s death is ongoing. The NYPD is currently reviewing more surveillance feeds from the Brownsville area to identify the license plate of the SUV.
For those who want to honor her memory, the best thing to do is support organizations that help former child actors navigate the complexities of life after fame, such as A Minor Consideration.
If you have any information regarding the hit-and-run in Brooklyn, authorities are urging people to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline. Every detail matters when a driver leaves a scene like that.
The story of Kianna Underwood is a reminder that behind the "where are they now" articles are real people with real lives, often struggling in ways we don't see until it's too late. Rest in peace, Kianna. You were a bright part of a lot of childhoods.
Next Steps for Readers:
Check the latest updates from the NYPD via their official social media channels for suspect descriptions, and if you are in the New York area, keep an eye out for a dark-colored SUV with front-end damage. You can also revisit her work on Paramount+ to remember her at her most vibrant.