At a Glance
- Actress Kianna Underwood was struck and killed by a black Ford SUV in Brooklyn at 6:50 a.m. on Friday, January 16.
- The driver fled, dragging her body nearly a block; no arrests have been made.
- Underwood voiced Fuschia Glover on Little Bill for five years and appeared on All That.
- Why it matters: A beloved child star’s sudden death leaves fans grieving and police searching for the driver.
A hit-and-run in Brooklyn has claimed the life of actress Kianna Underwood, 33, best known for her roles on Nickelodeon’s All That and as the voice of Fuschia Glover on Little Bill. Police say the driver sped off after impact and remains at large.
The Crash
Underwood was crossing the intersection of Watkins Street and Pitkin Avenue in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn around 6:50 a.m. when a black Ford SUV struck her, according to footage obtained by The New York Post.
- The SUV continued driving with Underwood beneath it for nearly a block.
- Her body was discovered at Osborn Street and Pitkin Avenue.
- Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene.
Sources told The New York Post that surveillance video captured the entire sequence, but the license plate was not clearly visible. Investigators have asked nearby businesses for additional camera angles.
Career Highlights
Underwood’s career began in 1999 when she started voicing Fuschia Glover on Little Bill. She remained with the animated series for 23 episodes through 2004.
In 2005, she joined the cast of All That, Nickelodeon’s sketch-comedy show, alongside future Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson. Clips of her characters, including a sardastic pop-culture reporter and an overconfident child magician, still circulate on fan accounts.
Other screen credits include:
- The 24 Hour Woman (1999) – starred opposite Rosie Perez, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, and Patti LuPone
- Death of a Dynasty (2003) – satirical hip-hop comedy featuring Kevin Hart
- National tour of Hairspray (2006-2007) – performed as Little Inez for a full year
Investigation Status
The NYPD has not released a description of the suspect or the SUV’s exact model year. Officers canvassed the area on Friday, handing out flyers with Underwood’s photo and a plea for witnesses.
- No arrests have been made.
- Police have not disclosed speed or intoxication as potential factors.
- News Of Losangeles has reached out to the NYPD for updates; no response has been received by publication time.
Traffic-safety advocates note that Pitkin Avenue is a designated “Vision Zero” corridor, yet pedestrian injuries on the roadway have risen 18% since 2022, according to city data.
Remembering Kianna
Friends describe Underwood as “the kind of person who lit up every room,” wrote fellow All That alum Christy Knowings on social media. Fans have left flowers and handwritten notes at the intersection where she died.
Underwood was born in New York City and later divided her time between the East Coast and Los Angeles, pursuing both stage and screen roles. She recently wrapped an independent short film and was scheduled to appear at a nostalgic panel for Little Bill next month.
Key Takeaways
- Kianna Underwood, 33, was killed in a Brooklyn hit-and-run on January 16.
- The driver fled; police continue to search for leads.
- She entertained millions through Little Bill, All That, and national stage tours.
- Anyone with information is urged to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
