Ayaamii Sledge Talks Disney Upbringing And Role In ‘Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead’

A great movie and a great actress!

BET+ took the 90s iconic film ‘Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead’ to a whole other level with its 2024 adaptation. One of the main standouts of the film is rising actress Ayaamii Sledge.

We had the amazing honor of speaking with Ayaami about her moments of being starstruck, her theatre goal, and more!

When did you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in acting?

A: “I have always been animated, and I was very good at playing by myself as a kid, so I was very creative. I would put on a show for my mom and dad. I didn’t really think it was a big deal, but one day, a friend of my parents saw how I was so expressive, and they told my parents they needed to put me in acting class and I needed my own show. Growing up, I used to watch Jessie, and I loved Skai Jackson. I also loved watching KC Undercover with Zendaya; they inspired me, but I didn’t know who to ask to be on TV or even know the possibility.”

Tell us more about your amazing role in‘ Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead’.

A: “I played Melissa, the third kid of the Crandell family. Melissa is into gaming and dark media, and she is beyond her age.”

Do you think you have anything in common with your character Melissa?

A: “I do have something in common: I love watching murder mysteries and murder documentaries. I am also a problem solver among my friend groups, I like to fix problems.”

What was your experience like filming the movie? Any funny/interesting stories you can share?

A: “From day one, I knew this set was going to be fun!! I have so many stories, but after a few scenes, an executive producer asked my Mom “Is she like this in real life” They were concerned, lol. In the scene where we had to stuff the babysitter in the refrigerator, we were trying to be cautious because of respect for our elders, but it was so funny trying to push the leg in there. The scene when we went out to eat, and I had to keep eating that sandwich for each take, it had mushrooms, and I hate mushrooms, but I didn’t tell anyone, so I had to just keep acting like it was something I love. Lastly, when I had to walk down the hill to make sure the car was going to hit the tree, I was wearing boots with thick hills, so I had to ask Mr. Wade to please let me just walk down instead of running like my siblings, I just saw myself literally sliding down the hills lol.”

Have you ever seen the original 90s movie? If so, what did you think about it?

A: “I watched the original after I finished shooting. I believe that Melissa is also very smart and a problem-solver; she helped her siblings get rid of the dead body, and she also helped her sister secure a job with an amazing resume she wrote for her. Without Melissa, I am not sure how the Crandell kids would have survived, lol writer used the original movie and made it more modern and relatable to our culture. It also respects the original movie by using classic quotes, so fans of the original movie would be excited to see the movie keep a lot of its original vibe.”

You have rubbed elbows with so many incredible stars! Who has made you starstruck?

A: “I have been so blessed to meet so many amazing stars, but meeting Hayden Christensen from Star Wars face-to-face was unbelievable; I didn’t even have words to say to him; I just screamed; he came to say hi, and I screamed, lol. During the time I was auditioning for Don’t Tell Mom, I was really into watching “The Simple Life” with Nicole Richie, so when we were on set, I didn’t realize Nicole Richie was THE Nicole Richie from The Simple Life, so I kind of lost it. Ms. Pat had to stop the shooting and ask Nicole to come and say hi to me because I was so starstruck. It was a little embarrassing because everyone was looking at me, but it was worth the embarrassment.”

It is so amazing to talk to young stars now and see their career take off! What are some of your biggest goals for your career?

A: “My acting career goal is to continue working hard and book more movies and serious regulars for TV shows. I am preparing to go to high school, so I want to get into Theater so I can have theater experience on my resume.”

Where can we follow your amazing journey?

A: “Please follow me on IG @ayaamiisledge and check out my IMDb Ayaamii Sledge.”

Make sure to watch Ayaamii in ‘Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead’, available now on BET+!

Photo Credit: Diana Ragland | Stylist: Shelli Bradley | MUA: Rejae Clopton