Angelique Bates Claims Kianna Underwood’s Death Could Have Been Prevented — ‘All That’ Cast and Nickelodeon Did Nothing

The death of former Nickelodeon star Kianna Underwood has left fans and former colleagues heartbroken.

Angelique Bates, an original cast member of the hit sketch comedy show All That, spoke out about Underwood’s passing and criticized Nickelodeon and the show’s community for not helping her sooner. Bates says Underwood’s death could have been avoided if someone had stepped in.

Bates told TMZ over the weekend that warning signs about Underwood’s struggles were clear as early as 2023. Videos had surfaced online showing the former Season 10 cast member living on the streets and dealing with homelessness. “Her pleas for help mostly fell on deaf ears, and little was done for Kianna,” Bates said.

She also suggested that racial bias played a role in the lack of support. Bates noted that when a white former child star faced similar hardships, help arrived quickly. “Part of the underwhelming response has to do with Kianna being a minority,” she explained. While she did not name the other actor directly, she appeared to reference Tylor Chase from Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide.

Bates expressed frustration with both the show and the network. She argued that Nickelodeon, which benefited financially from the show’s success, had a responsibility to care for its former child stars. “We were done dirty by the network,” she said, hoping that this tragedy would lead to better support for young performers.

Bates also revealed that she had been in contact with Underwood’s father, Anthony, in 2023. They explored ways to help Kianna find stable housing, but financial and logistical challenges made it impossible without outside help.

Tragically, Underwood died after being struck by a vehicle in Brooklyn, New York. The incident, in which she was reportedly dragged two blocks, has intensified anger over the perceived failure to help her.

All That, which aired in the 1990s and early 2000s, was a groundbreaking sketch comedy show for kids. It helped launch the careers of stars like Kenan Thompson, Amanda Bynes, and Nick Cannon. Bates was part of the first cast in 1994 and stayed until 1996, becoming a fan favorite for her energy and comedic timing. Underwood joined in the 10th season in 2005, the show’s final season before a later reboot.

Bates’ statements add to the ongoing discussion about how child actors are treated after leaving the spotlight. Recent documentaries, including Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV, have highlighted toxic work environments and the lack of protection for minors in Hollywood.

So far, Nickelodeon has not issued a statement regarding Underwood’s death or Bates’ comments. The network now faces growing pressure to provide better support for former stars. Meanwhile, fans and peers continue to mourn Underwood and call attention to the systemic problems that contributed to her struggles.

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