Imani Dia Smith was a former Broadway child star best known for playing Young Nala in The Lion King. She performed in the show during her early years and grew up around theater and live performance. Her work on Broadway placed her in the public eye at a young age.In December 2025, news broke that Smith had died at the age of 26 after being fatally stabbed. The incident led to widespread attention on her life, career, and family background. Many people wanted to learn more about her parents and the environment she was raised in.Smith’s family has a strong connection to the arts. Her upbringing was shaped by Broadway culture and creative work. Her parents and close relatives have since been central figures in honoring her memory and caring for her young son.Imani Dia Smith’s parents and background View this post on Instagram Instagram PostImani Dia Smith’s parents are Monique Rance-Helper and Rawni Helper. Her mother, Monique Rance-Helper, works in the theater industry. She is a Broadway hair and wig stylist with many years of experience.Monique has worked on major stage productions such as The Lion King, In the Heights, Once on This Island, and Pose. She has also contributed to more than 25 film and television projects since 2010. These include movies like Smile and The Housemaid. Her work placed her behind the scenes but closely connected to performers.Little public information is available about Smith’s father, Rawni Helper. His profession has not been widely reported. Both parents supported Smith during her early career. The family lived in a creative environment, which allowed Smith to spend much of her childhood around Broadway theaters and performers.Read More: What costume did Celine Dion wear for Christmas? Music legend drops hilarious holiday parodySiblings, child, and extended familyImani Dia Smith was the only daughter of two younger sisters. They live through her and her mother, and her father. Family members have not told much about the siblings in their personalities, though it is reported that they belonged to her close circle of family.Imani Dia Smith was also a mother. At the time of her death, she had a son aged 3. Her parents intervened to take care of the child after the tragedy. His daily care and well-being are in the hands of the grandparents.The extended family is another factor that has contributed to the aftermath. Her aunt, Kira Helper, set up a GoFundMe campaign soon after her death (Smith). The fundraiser was established to assist with the funeral costs, trauma treatment, legal fees, and long-term care of Smith's son and dog. More than 46,000 dollars were raised through the campaign, indicating that the community strongly supported the campaign.Read More: Who is Pat Finn’s wife? Family explored as ‘The Middle’ actor dies at 60