Makayla Jenay Martin (née Crawford; born April 2, 1993) is a former American child actress and model[1][2] who is well-known for portraying Kami in the children's television series Barney & Friends.
Career[]
Barney & Friends[]
Prior to Barney & Friends, Martin was a child model for OshKosh[1][2], but had no acting experience. Following her modeling career, she and her parents decided to sign with an agency in Dallas, Texas. Through the agency, Martin appeared in a few commercials. Eventually, an agent notified Martin's parents that a children's television series is holding auditions for a home video. Her parents had made sure Martin was well-prepared for the audition. Eventually, Martin and her parents received a call informing them that she booked the role of "Kami". At the age of eight in 2001, Martin began portraying "Kami" for the video Barney's Christmas Star.
After Barney's Christmas Star was filmed, season seven of Barney & Friends began production. Martin continued to portray "Kami" until season nine, but later returned to portray Little Miss Muffet in season ten of Barney & Friends, in the episode "Mother Goose".
Personal Life[]
Barney & Friends[]
Despite being aware of what Barney was as a child, Martin never watched the show growing up. Martin admitted that a few of her classmates teased and made of her for acting in a show aimed at preschooler while some admired for her acting role. Martin faced challenges in transitioning between her regular life and her acting career because she was unable do the things that normal kids would do, such as going to birthday parties or being involved in any activities at regular school.
Gallery[]
Barney[]
Behind the scenes[]
Trivia[]
- Martin's favorite episode was "All Aboard!" (due to it revolving around her character "Kami").