- This article is about the character in Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B. For the real-life counterpart, see Aaliyah.
Aaliyah is an American singer. She is portrayed by Alexandra Shipp.
Biography[]
Aaliyah Haughton performed "My Funny Valentine" on Star Search at the age of 10. She then performed with Gladys Knight, who had previously divorced her uncle Barry Hankerson and impressed R. Kelly with her singing. During production her first album, she develops a friendship with him, which leads to a romance and eventually a marriage. After she and R. Kelly tell her parents of the marriage, they force her to cut off professional and personal ties with him.
After becoming interested in an acting career, she made a name for herself releasing singles for the films Dr. Dolittle and Anastasia. During this time, she performed at the 1998 Academy Awards ceremony and was well-received. She began her acting career with the 2000 film Romeo Must Die and in the following months, developed a relationship with Damon Dash. Over the next year, 2001, she became more successful. In August of that year, she departed for Abaco Island, The Bahamas to film the music video for the single "Rock the Boat", dying in a plane crash shortly after its completion while returning home.
Differences to real-life counterpart[]
- It is unknown if Aaliyah was ever confronted by her brother Rashad Haughton over the relationship, as depicted in the film or what her parents' reactions were to learning of the marriage.