- Akira Akbar is basking in the success of her hit Peacock series “Bel-Air” and notes it has opened up more opportunities for her, challenging her with the tough topics the show addresses.
- The actor says she tries to keep her personal and professional lives separate because she doesn’t know what people’s intentions are.
- Akbar hopes the series will dive deeper into Ashley’s activism beyond what’s explored in season two and hopes to see more “fun” moments in the character’s life if “Bel-Air” gets renewed for another season.
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Akira Akbar, the 16-year-old star of the hit Peacock series “Bel-Air,” has shared insights into her experience playing the new Ashley Banks in the nostalgic, dramatized reimagining of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” Akbar has had smaller roles in TV shows and superhero films before landing this official breakout role. She admits that portraying Ashley’s journey exploring her sexuality has pushed her out of her comfort zone, but she’s determined to bring something new to the table that people will still appreciate. Akbar hopes the series will dive deeper into Ashley’s activism in future seasons.
Being a teenager in the entertainment business isn’t the easiest thing to navigate, especially when you’re on a hit TV show. Akbar goes to private school when she’s not filming, and she says she didn’t tell her classmates about her acting career when she first started going to this school.Though her classmates eventually found out about her fame, Akbar tried to keep those two worlds separate, only hanging out with her cousins, who also attend the same school.
Akbar keeps her circle small these days, with family and her “Bel-Air” cast. Ali, who stars opposite of Akbar as Ashley’s teacher Mrs. Hughes in the show, gave her great advice that she should stand her ground and stay humble. Akbar hopes the series will dive deeper into Ashley’s activism beyond what’s explored in season two.
In the Q&A series Last Call, Akira Akbar also shared some of the latest things in her life, such as the last TV show she binge-watched (“You”), the last song she listened to (“Her Way” by PartyNextDoor), and the last thing she did for self-care (a face mask and watching shows by herself). Akbar had a touching last day of filming “Bel-Air” season two with a sad but good scene that she’s excited for people to see.
