Shahadi Wright Joseph plays Little Inez in NBC's upcoming production of "Hairspray Live!," set for Wednesday, December 7 at 8/7c.

Little Inez is Seaweed J. Stubbs' younger sister, who tries to audition for "The Corny Collins Show" but is at first turned away because she is African-American.

Wright Joseph is an American singer, actor and dancer who at age nine made history as the youngest actor to play Young Nala in Disney's Broadway production of "The Lion King." She began her career as a Fisher Price print model and started dance training with Purelements: An Evolution in Dance at age two.

In fall 2015, Wright Joseph joined the original Broadway cast of "School of Rock," playing the role of Madison, and understudied the role of Tomika, with performances recognized by the Audelco Theater Committee and earning her the 2016 Audelco Rising Star Award. Her 12-month experience with "School of Rock" also helped Wright Joseph discover her interest in mentoring young aspiring actors by facilitating musical theater workshops with A Class Act NY.