Here Are 11 Halle Bailey Facts So You’re Not Underwater When “The Little Mermaid” Comes Out

Halle Bailey’s rise to stardom has been meteoric. Fame found the Atlanta-born triple threat early. Bailey was only 11 when she and her sister launched their YouTube channel, and by that time she’d already acted in a feature film. Since then, she’s starred in TV shows, adopted a cat, signed on to Beyoncé’s record label, and oh yeah…became a Disney princess.

Bailey just keeps moving up in the world. Except when she’s swimming under the sea. Whether you’ve been a Chloe x Halle fan since day one, or are excitedly anticipating the new live-action Little Mermaid movie, we’re sure you’ll be charmed (and impressed) by these Halle Bailey facts.

 

11 Halle Bailey Facts So You’re Ready for The Little Mermaid

1. She’s an Aries.

That’s right, astrological girlies. Bailey’s birthday is March 27, 2000, and she was born in Atlanta, Georgia. So, that means (let us calculate her chart real quick)… she’s also a Capricorn moon and Gemini rising. We see it – she’s breaking barriers and generally being amazing. Pop off, queen.

 

2. She’s vegan.

Bailey told Complex that it all started when her mom wanted to go vegetarian for a week just to try it out. Clearly, something stuck! She said it also helps with her singing, since dairy means less mucus build up. Thank goodness our shower singing performances aren’t dependent on whether or not we’ve eaten an entire cheese pizza.

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3. She, like, really loves her cat.

It’s official: Halle Bailey is a cat person. The best part? Her beloved kitty’s name is Poseidon! You know, the ancient Greek god of the sea…and also Ariel’s grandfather!

She adopted this cutie in 2021, and posts about him often. He even keeps her company in the recording studio. Think he’ll make his debut performance soon?

https://www.instagram.com/p/COlf_3FhOGS/

 

4. This isn’t her first acting role.

Bailey’s first big role was in 2006 alongside the iconic Queen Latifah in Last Holiday. When Georgia (Queen Latifah) calls her sister to tell her about her terminal illness, her sister has her hands full with three kids, one of which is Halle! More recently, she and her sister Chloe Bailey played twins Sky and Jazz Forster on Grown-ish.

Next up, Disney princess! Wait, is that acting? Or just her real life?

 

5. She is NOT a twin.

If you’re scratching your head at this Halle Bailey fact, you’re not the only one. Halle and Chloe are often mistaken as twins (especially when they were younger). And, they play twins on TV.

But Chloe is actually two years older and was born in 1998. And even though they didn’t share the womb, the two are still incredibly close. That is, until it comes to sharing clothes, if they’re anything like most siblings.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CfdVNtLrm-u/

 

6. She is one half of the Grammy-nominated pop duo Chloe x Halle.

This is Bailey’s claim to fame! She and sister Chloe launched a YouTube channel in 2011 (at ages 11 and 13 respectively) with a rendition of Beyoncé’s “Best Thing I Never Had.” Two years later, their cover of Beyoncé’s “Pretty Hurts” went viral, which led to a record deal with Bey’s label, Parkwood.

Not even Disney could have written a better story.

 

7. Her and Chloe are Beyoncé proteges.

The duo opened for Beyoncé on not one, but two tours (in 2016 and 2018), and even had a cameo in her visual album, Lemonade. If we’re sticking with the Disney theme, does this make Beyoncé their fairy godmother?

 

8. She’s making history.

Halle Bailey is the first Black actress to play Ariel. Unfortunately, when the news dropped that Bailey was the new Ariel, racism reared its ugly head in comments sections across the Internet. When asked about the backlash, Bailey has simply repeated her gratitude and excitement about the role.

However, there were far more messages of support. When the teaser trailer was released, many people of color shared videos of their kids being surprised and excited by the news. Who started cutting onions in here?

 

9. She’s visited the White House multiple times.

The White House clearly has Bailey’s number on speed dial. Bailey has visited a few times, most recently for Easter when she read Disney’s new Little Mermaid storybook (featuring a Black Ariel!) to children.

The book is titled “Make a Splash,” but she just did a cannonball into our hearts. 10/10 form.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq39GaVMLbW/

 

10. Halle has her own doll.

Move over, Barbie, there’s a new Disney princess doll in town! Bailey teared up when sharing the news on Instagram, and pointed out that the new Ariel mermaid doll even includes the small mole Bailey has above her eye. This is already way better than any of those creepy wax figures.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CpdEwLSJTZO/

 

11. She is starring in Oprah’s movie adaptation of the musical, The Color Purple.

If this list of facts is any indication, Bailey’s star power has been rising for a long time and isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Bailey plays Nettie, Celie’s younger sister, who runs away from their abusive household. The Color Purple is set to premiere in December 2023. We’ll meet you there with popcorn to share.

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