You remember the hair, right? That perfectly coiffed, Disney-approved look China Anne McClain rocked for years?
Then, one day, it was gone. She shaved it all off.
It wasn't just a style choice; it was a signal. A "bat-signal" of sorts to the industry that the girl from A.N.T. Farm wasn't playing the game anymore. But China isn't the only one in that house with a story. If you’ve been following China McClain and sisters—Sierra and Lauryn—you know their journey is less about "making it" and more about "getting out" with their souls intact.
They were the "it" girls. The McClain Sisters. The trio that seemed destined to be the next Destiny's Child but with a Disney pedigree. And then, they just... shifted.
The Rise of the McClain Dynasty
Let’s be real: most child stars burn out or fade into the "where are they now" listicles. The McClain sisters avoided that by being incredibly tight-knit. They literally started in the womb together (well, almost). Their dad, Michael McClain, was a music producer who worked with Solange Knowles. Their mom, Shontell, was a songwriter.
The industry didn't find them; they were born into it.
The 2007 movie Daddy’s Little Girls was the big bang. All three sisters played, well, sisters. It was authentic because it wasn't acting—the chemistry was just their Tuesday afternoon. After that, China exploded on Disney Channel, Sierra landed a breakout role on Empire, and Lauryn was everywhere from Descendants 2 to major voice acting gigs.
But behind the scenes, things were getting heavy.
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Why the McClain Sisters Pivot Shocked Everyone
For a long time, the world expected a full-length album. They signed with Hollywood Records in 2011. They toured with Big Time Rush. They had the "it" factor. Then, in 2013, they walked away from the label.
No drama. No messy lawsuits. They just left.
They rebranded as Thriii in 2020, but by then, the goals had changed. They weren't chasing a number one hit on the Billboard 200 anymore. They were chasing "My Sanity"—which, funny enough, was the title of their comeback single.
Honestly, the biggest shock came in late 2020. China Anne McClain announced she was leaving the CW’s Black Lightning. Not because of a contract dispute. Not because of "creative differences" (the usual Hollywood code for I hate my boss). She left to do "God’s work."
"All this is an illusion," China said in an Instagram video that went viral. "This industry for what it is and everything people look to and praise, it's not important."
That wasn't just China talking. That was the collective vibe of the sisters. They realized that the "glitz and glam" were essentially a high-budget distraction.
Where Are the Sisters Now? (2026 Update)
If you're looking for them on a red carpet every weekend, you're going to be disappointed. They’ve become very selective.
Sierra McClain: The Emotional Anchor
Sierra is often the one people point to as the "serious" actress. Her run as Grace Ryder on 9-1-1: Lone Star was legendary, but her exit from the show in 2024 left fans reeling. The showrunners had to write her character off by saying she went on a missionary trip.
Life imitating art? Kinda.
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Sierra has always been the foundation. In 2026, she’s leaning more into production and independent projects that don't require her to be away from her family for 16 hours a day on a soundstage in Austin.
Lauryn McClain: The Versatile Voice
Lauryn has always been the "chameleon." She’s voiced characters for The Lion Guard and Spider-Man, but she’s also the one most likely to be found in the studio. She recently collaborated with her sisters on a few Thriii tracks that focus heavily on mental health and faith.
China Anne McClain: The Visionary
China is the face of the brand, whether she likes it or not. After her "retirement" from mainstream superhero TV, she didn't just disappear. She started her own production company.
The goal? To create content that actually helps people.
She’s been vocal about the passing of her close friend Cameron Boyce in 2019 being a massive turning point. It made her realize how short life is and how much time she was wasting on projects that didn't matter to her spirit. In 2026, she is focused on "the babies"—the projects she’s developing that focus on self-identity for young people.
What Most People Get Wrong About Them
People think they "fell off."
That’s the biggest misconception. In Hollywood, if you aren't visible, people assume you're failing. But for China McClain and sisters, invisibility was a choice. They chose peace over a paycheck. They chose Atlanta over Los Angeles.
They are still working, but they are "working for the Spirit," as China puts it.
How to Follow Their Journey Today
If you want to actually see what they're up to, skip the tabloids. They don't leak stories to TMZ. Instead:
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- Check their YouTube (Thriii): They still post occasionally, and it’s usually very raw—no fancy lighting, just them singing or talking.
- Follow China’s TikTok: This is where she gets the most personal about her mental health journey and her faith.
- Support Independent Releases: When Thriii drops a single, it’s usually independent. They aren't backed by the Disney machine anymore, so every stream actually goes to them.
The McClain sisters represent a new era of celebrity: the one that realizes the "hustle" is often a trap. They’ve shown that you can be talented, successful, and still say "no" to the things that cost you your peace.
If you're looking to find your own "alignment" like they did, start by auditing what you spend your time on. Are you doing it for the "illusion," or are you doing it for your soul? The McClains made their choice, and by all accounts in 2026, they've never been happier.
Stream "My Sanity" if you need a reminder that it's okay to step back. It’s not a retreat; it’s a realignment.