BLUF: Kiami Davael is a 39-year-old American actress, writer, and producer, born August 21, 1986, best known as Lavender in the 1996 film Matilda. After a brief on-screen career (1996–2000), she moved into directing, screenwriting, and teaching — and in 2025 stepped back into the spotlight with a personal documentary project celebrating Matilda's 30th anniversary.
Who Is Kiami Davael?
Kiami Davael Daugherty is one of those rare child stars who left Hollywood quietly — and came back on her own terms. Most fans remember her as the bespectacled, braids-wearing Lavender, Matilda Wormwood's loyal best friend in Danny DeVito's beloved 1996 classic.
But Lavender was never the whole story.
Behind the character was a Kentucky girl with serious talent, a psychology degree, and a creative drive that never stopped. By 2026, Kiami is a writer, director, producer, motivational speaker, and musician — building a career on her own terms.
Quick Bio:
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Kiami Davael Daugherty |
| Date of Birth | August 21, 1986 |
| Age (2026) | 39 years old |
| Birthplace | Harrodsburg, Boyle County, Kentucky, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed African-American (multiracial) |
| Height | 5 ft (152 cm) |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Religion | Christian |
| Education | BA in Psychology, University of Kentucky (2008); Theatre minor |
| Sorority | Delta Sigma Theta (member since August 2006) |
| Current Residence | Burbank, California, USA |
| Profession | Actress, Director, Writer, Producer, Singer, Model, Acting Coach |
| Net Worth (2026) | $200,000 – $600,000 (estimated) |
| Relationship Status | Single (as of 2026) |
Early Life and Family Background
Kiami Davael grew up in Harrodsburg, a small city in Boyle County, Kentucky. She was the eldest of six siblings — four brothers and one sister — in a close-knit, creatively supportive household.
Her mother, a former military soldier, survived a battle with cancer and remains in remission. Her father passed away in May 2013, a loss Kiami has spoken about openly on social media.
- She reportedly was the only Black child in her classroom during early school years.
- Her family relocated to California specifically to support her growing acting career.
- From childhood, she trained in both dancing and singing, building a performance foundation long before the cameras started rolling.
At age 4, a vocal coach recognized Kiami's natural talent and urged her mother to invest in her gifts. That early nudge changed the course of her life.
Kiami Davael Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Detail |
| Height | 5 ft / 152 cm |
| Weight | Approx. 127 lbs (57 kg) — not publicly confirmed |
| Hair Color | Black/Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown (sometimes described as blue-tinted in certain lighting) |
| Distinctive Feature | Her iconic smile |
Kiami has always kept precise body measurements private. She stands at a petite 5 feet, which made her instantly recognizable as the small but spirited Lavender on screen.
Career:
Her Role in Matilda (1996)
Kiami made her acting debut at age 10 in Danny DeVito's Matilda. She played Lavender, Matilda Wormwood's clever, mischievous best friend — the girl who put the newt in Miss Trunchbull's water jug.
What makes this role culturally significant? The role of Lavender was not originally written for a Black actress. Kiami's audition was so compelling that the casting changed. Director DeVito and the production team embraced the choice fully.
"My agent pushed for me to audition, and once they saw me, they could see the vision." — Kiami Davael, Philadelphia Tribune interview, 2025
Her co-star and real-life friend Mara Wilson (who played Matilda) has maintained their friendship for nearly three decades. Kiami still collects residual cheques from the film every time it streams or airs.
If you enjoy reading about iconic performers who shaped 90s culture, check out this deep-dive biography on Jessi Combs — another woman who refused to be boxed in by a single defining role.
Acting Filmography (Complete List)
| Year | Title | Role | Type |
| 1996 | Matilda | Lavender | Feature Film |
| 1996 | Conan the Adventurer | Keeta | TV Series |
| 1997 | The Pretender | Simone Bien Aime | TV Series |
| 1998 | Promised Land | Lucy | TV Series |
| 1999 | Moesha | Anna | TV Series |
| 1999 | In the House | Guest Role | TV Series |
| 1999 | The Steve Harvey Show | Guest Role | TV Series |
| 1999 | Grown Ups | Guest Role | TV Series |
| 2000 | Bruno | Shawniqua | Feature Film |
Her active on-screen period ran 1996 to 2000. After that, she transitioned behind the camera — which turned out to be where her deepest creative gifts lived.
Writing, Directing, and Teaching
Kiami has never really left the entertainment industry. She just moved to a different part of it.
- In 2012, she wrote and directed her first film, Reckless.
- She has directed and produced several theatre productions.
- She runs acting classes for aspiring young performers, mentoring the next generation.
- She is an active songwriter and has been working on original music, including a new EP as of 2025.
- She describes herself as a motivational speaker in addition to her other roles.
For fans curious about other performers who quietly built powerful second acts, the Romain Dauriac biography on BigWriteHook explores a similar theme — how public figures build careers well beyond their most famous chapter.
2026 Update: The Documentary and What Kiami Is Doing Now
This is the section most articles skip. Here is what is actually happening in Kiami Davael's life right now.
The Story of Kiami Davael Documentary
In 2025, as Matilda approached its 30th anniversary, Kiami announced a major personal project: a one-hour documentary special about her life and career.
Key facts about the documentary:
- Title: The Life of… Kiami Davael (also referred to as Lavender: Life After Matilda)
- Directed by: Jahmar Hill (Jahmar Hill Productions)
- Kiami's role: Executive Producer
- Production began: May 2025
- Expected release: Early 2027
- Format: One-hour special
- Content: Cast interviews from Matilda, behind-the-scenes stories, personal struggles, family dynamics, industry insights
- Status: Interest from networks and streaming platforms already building
Kiami said in an August 2025 Instagram video: "Within a few short weeks, I will be starting production for my documentary. I'm so excited, so blessed, so grateful."
She also confirmed she hesitated before agreeing. "I had to sit with it for a while, because telling your story like that is scary."
Filmmaker Jahmar Hill told BlexMedia: "As Matilda marks 30 years, I'm thrilled to celebrate Kiami's journey and the impact she's had on fans worldwide."
Music: The New EP
Alongside the documentary, Kiami is actively recording music. Collaborators describe her as a naturally expressive songwriter whose lyrics draw from lived experience. No official release date has been confirmed as of May 2026.
Cultural Moment: Viral Recognition in 2025
A post from the Black Geek Squad Instagram account went viral in August 2025, featuring then-and-now photos of Kiami. The caption celebrated Lavender's cultural significance:
"For every little Black girl who was quiet but brilliant, weird but wise, soft-spoken but scheming — Lavender made you feel seen."
The post sparked massive engagement, with fans expressing surprise at how much she had grown and admiration for how she had lived her life privately and purposefully.
Kiami Davael Net Worth (2026)
Estimating Kiami's net worth requires looking at multiple income streams, not just acting.
| Source | Details |
| Acting royalties | Matilda residuals; still active from streaming |
| Theatre production | Directing and producing stage work |
| Acting classes | Private and group coaching sessions |
| Cameo appearances | Paid video messages platform |
| Music | Songwriting and upcoming EP |
| Brand/documentary | Sponsorship and production revenue |
Estimated net worth: $200,000 – $600,000 USD (2026)
Most sources converge around the $600,000 figure. Given the documentary income, music releases, and renewed public profile in 2025–2026, this figure is likely to grow.
Kiami Davael's Boyfriend and Relationship Status (2026)
Kiami Davael is currently single as of 2026.
She has consistently kept her romantic life private. No confirmed boyfriend, partner, or husband appears in verified public records or her social media.
What we do know:
- She has at least one past relationship, though details are not publicly disclosed
- She has no children (confirmed by multiple sources)
- She has never been engaged or married
- Her sexual orientation is straight, as noted by multiple biography sources
- She lives alone in Burbank, California
Kiami appears to prioritise her creative work and family bonds — particularly her closeness with her mother — over public romantic display.
Education and Sorority
Kiami's commitment to education is a lesser-known but important part of her story.
- Attended the University of Kentucky
- Graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Completed a minor in Theatre
- Joined Delta Sigma Theta sorority in August 2006 — a historically Black sorority known for academic excellence and community service
- Used her psychology background in her acting coaching and storytelling work
This is the rare case of a child star who did not drop out of school. She balanced college and entertainment simultaneously — and finished both.
For more profiles of women who built multi-dimensional careers beyond their first act, the Debby Clarke Belichick biography on BigWriteHook traces a similar thread of quiet achievement.
Social Media Presence (2026)
| Platform | Handle | Followers (approx.) |
| @officialkiamidavael | 52,000+ | |
| Twitter/X | @KiamiDavael | 18,200+ |
| TikTok | Active | Growing |
Kiami uses Instagram as her primary platform — sharing personal updates, throwback Matilda content, and promotional material for her documentary and music.
FAQ: Kiami Davael
Q: How old is Kiami Davael in 2026?
A: Kiami Davael turned 39 on August 21, 2025. She will turn 40 in August 2026. She was born in 1986 in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, under the zodiac sign Leo.
Q: What did Kiami Davael look like as a child compared to now?
A: In Matilda (1996), Kiami appeared as a small, braided, glasses-wearing 10-year-old. Now in her late 30s, she is widely described as having a striking adult transformation. A viral Instagram post in August 2025 showed her then-and-now photos, which drew significant fan attention.
Q: What is Kiami Davael doing in 2026?
A: Kiami is producing a documentary about her life and post-Matilda journey, expected in early 2027. She is also working on a music EP, teaching acting, and continues to receive residuals from Matilda, which still airs on streaming platforms globally.
Q: Did Kiami Davael go to college?
A: Yes. She graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2008 with a BA in Psychology, with a minor in Theatre. She joined the Delta Sigma Theta sorority in 2006 during her time there.
Q: Is Kiami Davael married or does she have a boyfriend?
A: As of 2026, Kiami Davael is single and has never been married. She keeps her romantic life private and has no publicly known boyfriend or partner.
Q: What is Kiami Davael's net worth?
A: Her net worth is estimated between $200,000 and $600,000 USD. Her income comes from Matilda residuals, theatre directing, acting coaching, social media, and her upcoming documentary project.
Q: Was Lavender in Matilda always written as a Black character?
A: No. Kiami Davael revealed in a 2025 interview that Lavender was not originally written for a Black actress. Her audition was so strong that the role was recast for her, making her casting a meaningful moment for Black representation in 1990s family films.
Q: What is Kiami Davael's documentary about?
A: The documentary — titled The Life of… Kiami Davael — is a one-hour special covering her journey from child actress to present-day creative. It includes exclusive Matilda cast interviews, personal stories, and behind-the-scenes footage. It began production in May 2025 and is expected for release in early 2027.
Q: Are Kiami Davael and Mara Wilson still friends?
A: Yes. Kiami and Mara Wilson, who played Matilda in the 1996 film, have remained real-life friends for nearly 30 years. Their friendship is one of the more enduring connections to come out of the film.
Q: How tall is Kiami Davael?
A: Kiami Davael stands at 5 feet (152 cm). She has a petite frame and has always kept detailed body measurements private.
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Meta Title: Kiami Davael – Age, Height, Wiki, Bio, Net Worth, and Boyfriend (2026)
Meta Description: Kiami Davael is 39 years old, 5 ft tall, with an estimated net worth of $200K–$600K. Best known as Lavender in Matilda (1996), she is now producing a personal documentary and recording music. Full 2026 biography, relationship status, and career update.
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