Have you ever wondered about the incredible young talent bringing some of your favorite characters to life, both on screen and through their voice? Well, it's almost time to learn about Laya DeLeon Hayes, a remarkably gifted actress who has truly made a name for herself in the entertainment world. She's the kind of performer who captures your attention, whether she's voicing a beloved animated character or starring in a gripping drama. Her journey, in a way, shows just how much dedication and passion can achieve at a young age, and it's quite inspiring to see.
Laya DeLeon Hayes, a name that's increasingly familiar to many, has carved out a special place in Hollywood. She's widely recognized for her significant role as Delilah Fulton on CBS's popular series, "The Equalizer," where she shares the screen with a true icon. But that's not all; she also lent her voice to a groundbreaking animated character, becoming a part of television history in the process. Her work, you know, spans different kinds of projects, showcasing a wide range of abilities.
This young woman's path in acting, from her early days to working alongside legendary figures, is a fascinating story. She's received notable recognition for her contributions, and it's clear she's just getting started. So, if you're curious about her career, her experiences, or what makes her such a compelling presence, you're in the right place. We're going to explore what makes Laya DeLeon Hayes a truly special talent.
Table of Contents
- The Early Spark: Laya DeLeon Hayes's Beginnings
- A Voice for the Ages: Doc McStuffins and Beyond
- Breaking Ground on Screen: The Equalizer and More
- Beyond the Script: Music, Awards, and Influence
- The Road Ahead: What's Next for Laya DeLeon Hayes
- Frequently Asked Questions About Laya DeLeon Hayes
The Early Spark: Laya DeLeon Hayes's Beginnings
Every impressive career, you know, starts with a first step, and for Laya DeLeon Hayes, that initial spark happened quite early in her life. She's an actress, a musician, and a performer who began honing her craft when she was very, very young. It's truly amazing to consider how much she's accomplished already, especially since she's been performing for most of her life.
Roots and Early Dreams
Laya DeLeon Hayes was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, on June 22, 2004. So, that makes her 20 years old in 2024, which is just incredible when you think about her extensive resume. From a very young age, she had a clear passion for the arts. She actually started performing when she was just five years old, which is quite remarkable. Her family, it seems, supported her dreams, and that early encouragement definitely played a big part in her development. You know, it's often those first few years that shape what someone will do later on.
Her childhood also included some lovely experiences that helped shape her. She would spend her summer holidays with her Filipino cousins and grandparents, often cooking together. These moments, in a way, offer a peek into her personal life, showing a connection to her heritage and family traditions. This background, you know, might even contribute to the warmth and authenticity she brings to her roles.
Stepping into the Spotlight
To really pursue her acting career, Laya DeLeon Hayes made a big move from her home in North Carolina to Los Angeles. This decision, you know, is a common one for aspiring performers, and it shows her determination even as a young girl. It wasn't long after that move that she began to land significant roles, starting what would become a very impressive acting journey. Her dedication, it's pretty clear, paid off quickly, and she was able to secure a very important part when she was just nine years old.
That particular role, as we'll explore more, was a significant milestone. It set the stage for her to become a widely recognized voice and face in entertainment. Her early start, combined with her obvious talent, really helped her gain momentum in a competitive industry. It's almost as if she was destined for the spotlight, given how naturally she took to it from such a tender age.
A Voice for the Ages: Doc McStuffins and Beyond
One of the most impactful parts of Laya DeLeon Hayes's career has been her work as a voice artist. It's a field that requires a unique kind of talent, where you bring characters to life purely through sound. She has, in some respects, truly mastered this craft, becoming the voice behind some very memorable animated figures.
Becoming Doc McStuffins
Laya DeLeon Hayes is perhaps best known for voicing the titular role in the animated series "Doc McStuffins." This was a truly significant part, as she voiced the first Black character to lead a show on Disney Junior. That's a pretty big deal, you know, for representation in children's television. She took over the role from Kiara Muhammad starting in Season 3, making the character her own and endearing Doc McStuffins to a whole new generation of young viewers.
Her performance as Doc McStuffins earned her considerable recognition and love from audiences around the globe. It's a role that requires warmth, intelligence, and a comforting tone, all of which Laya, you know, delivered beautifully. The show itself, with its focus on health and empathy, became a beloved staple for many families, and Laya's voice was central to its success. It’s a role that truly cemented her place as a prominent voice actress, and it's still something many people associate with her.
Venturing into Video Games and Animation
Beyond Doc McStuffins, Laya DeLeon Hayes has also lent her voice to other exciting projects, demonstrating her versatility. She has appeared in other animated shows and even video games. For example, her voice can be heard in "Kung Fu Panda," adding another popular franchise to her resume. She also contributed to "League of Legends," a widely popular video game, which is quite different from her work in children's animation.
One of her most significant voice acting achievements came in 2023 when she received a BAFTA Game Award. This prestigious award was for her supporting role as Angrboda in "God of War Ragnarök." Winning a BAFTA, you know, is a huge accomplishment in the entertainment industry, and it highlights her exceptional talent in the world of video game voice acting. This award, in a way, showed her ability to perform in a wide variety of genres and for different audiences, which is really impressive for someone her age.
Breaking Ground on Screen: The Equalizer and More
While her voice work is certainly notable, Laya DeLeon Hayes has also made a very strong impression with her live-action roles. She currently stars in a major network television series, which puts her in front of millions of viewers each week. Her ability to transition seamlessly between voice acting and on-screen performances really speaks volumes about her acting range.
Delilah Fulton: A Teenager on a Mission
Laya DeLeon Hayes currently stars opposite the legendary Queen Latifah on the CBS series "The Equalizer." She plays Delilah Fulton, who is Robyn McCall's teenage daughter. This role, you know, places her in a very prominent position on a hit drama that airs on Sunday nights. Her character, Delilah, lives with her mother and her wise paternal aunt, Aunt Vi, who is played by Lorraine Toussaint. Aunt Vi, it seems, moved from Milwaukee to help out the family, adding a layer of family dynamics to the show.
Delilah's character, as a teenager, navigates various challenges, and Laya brings a lot of authenticity to the part. In the show, Delilah has a boyfriend named Cameron, portrayed by Nathaniel Logan McIntyre. This aspect of her character, in a way, adds to the relatability for younger viewers. Working alongside an acclaimed actress like Queen Latifah must be an incredible learning experience, and Laya, it's clear, holds her own in their scenes together. Her performance as Delilah has really helped her gain widespread recognition and admiration from a broad audience.
Memorable Appearances Across Television
Before her significant role on "The Equalizer," Laya DeLeon Hayes had already made appearances on several other popular television shows. She's been seen on "Grey's Anatomy," a long-running medical drama, which is a pretty big platform for any young actor. She also played Naomi on "Chicago Fire," another well-known series, showing her ability to fit into different narrative styles and ensembles.
Her filmography also includes a role on "Liv and Maddie," a Disney Channel sitcom, which further highlights her range from drama to comedy. These earlier roles, you know, helped build her experience and prepared her for the larger parts she would eventually secure. You can find her complete list of movies and TV shows on sites like TV Insider and Rotten Tomatoes, which really showcases the breadth of her career so far. It's quite impressive to see how many different projects she has been a part of, even at a relatively young age.
Beyond the Script: Music, Awards, and Influence
Laya DeLeon Hayes is more than just an actress; she's a multi-talented performer with interests that extend into music and a growing influence online. Her career, you know, is a testament to her diverse abilities and her thoughtful approach to her craft.
Acknowledged Excellence
As mentioned earlier, Laya received a BAFTA for her supporting role as Angrboda in "God of War Ragnarök" at the 2023 BAFTA Game Awards. This award is a significant mark of excellence and shows that her talent is recognized across different mediums. It's not every day, you know, that a young performer earns such a prestigious award, especially for voice work in a video game. This achievement really highlights her dedication and skill as a voiceover artist, adding a unique feather to her cap.
Her ability to bring depth to characters, whether they are animated, in a video game, or on a live-action set, is clearly a strong point. This kind of recognition, in a way, confirms her status as a rising star who is making a real impact in the entertainment industry. It's truly exciting to think about what other accolades might come her way in the future.
The Power of Representation
Laya DeLeon Hayes has also spoken about her feelings regarding representation on television. As the voice of the first Black character to lead a Disney Junior show, and playing a prominent role opposite Queen Latifah, she's no stranger to groundbreaking parts. She, in some respects, follows in the footsteps of other trailblazers, like Vice President Harris, in occupying spaces where representation is vital.
Her work contributes to a more diverse and inclusive media landscape, which is really important for young viewers to see themselves reflected on screen. This aspect of her career, you know, goes beyond just acting; it's about making a difference and inspiring others. It's clear that she understands the significance of her roles and the impact they can have on audiences, which is a very mature perspective for someone her age.
A Glimpse into Her World
Beyond her professional life, Laya DeLeon Hayes also shares glimpses of her personality and interests through social media. She has a strong presence, with hundreds of thousands of followers on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Her TikTok account, @layahayes22, has garnered over 813.8k likes, where she shares content related to her "My strange little world." This includes posts about "angryblackgirlfilm," which is streaming now, suggesting her involvement in other creative projects.
Her social media presence, you know, allows fans to connect with her on a more personal level, seeing her interests outside of acting. While her parents monitor her official Facebook page, she seems to maintain a vibrant online presence that reflects her youthful energy and creative spirit. It's a way for her to engage with her audience and share more about who she is, beyond the characters she portrays. Regarding her personal relationships, while her character Delilah has a boyfriend on "The Equalizer," Laya herself hasn't publicly shared if she's in a relationship, which is, you know, her personal choice.
The Road Ahead: What's Next for Laya DeLeon Hayes
Laya DeLeon Hayes has already built an incredibly impressive career at a young age, but it's widely believed that she's just getting started. Her dedication, talent, and the range of her work suggest a very bright future. Many believe she is yet to achieve even greater success, and with the same level of commitment, she could very well become a global icon in the near future. It's an exciting prospect, you know, to watch her career continue to unfold.
Her ability to move between different genres and mediums, from voice acting in children's shows and video games to starring in prime-time dramas, really positions her for long-term success. She has proven herself to be a versatile performer, capable of taking on diverse roles and making them her own. As she continues to grow and take on new challenges, there's no telling how far her talent will take her. We can certainly look forward to seeing what incredible projects she'll be a part of next, and it's almost certain they will be compelling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laya DeLeon Hayes
Here are some common questions people ask about Laya DeLeon Hayes:
How old is Laya DeLeon Hayes?
Laya DeLeon Hayes was born on June 22, 2004, which makes her 20 years old in 2024. She started performing at a very young age, which is pretty incredible when you think about it.
What is Laya DeLeon Hayes best known for?
She is perhaps best known for voicing the titular role in the animated series "Doc McStuffins," where she voiced the first Black character to lead a Disney Junior show. She also currently stars as Delilah Fulton on CBS's hit drama "The Equalizer," opposite Queen Latifah. Her role as Angrboda in "God of War Ragnarök" also earned her a BAFTA Game Award, which is a very big achievement.
Where was Laya DeLeon Hayes born?
Laya DeLeon Hayes was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, in the United States. She later moved to Los Angeles to pursue her acting career, which is a common path for those in the entertainment industry, you know, looking for opportunities.
Learn more about rising stars on our site, and for more details about her career, you can check out her official profile on Rotten Tomatoes.
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