Mikayla Sofia Abdalla (born May 13, 2000) is an American actress. She is best known for her starring roles in the Netflix series Project Mc² (2015–2017) and the Amazon Prime Video series Off Campus (2026–present). Her other notable films include the Hulu comedy Sex Appeal (2022) and Snack Shack (2024).
Early life and education Mikayla Sofia Abdalla was born in Plano, Texas, on 13 May 2000 and raised in Dallas. A first-generation American, Abdalla is of Bulgarian, Lebanese, Greek, Italian, and German descent.
From the age of five, Abdalla wanted to act and perform. In an interview with Rollacoster magazine, Abdalla described what made, "I loved the attention I got doing print work [modelling or still photo work] in Dallas, so I was like obsessed with continuing to be on set." Abdalla attended Spring Creek Academy, which allowed her to complete schoolwork at odd hours and accommodated her acting schedule. After graduating from high school a year early, she considered Texas A&M University, University of Texas at Austin, and Southern Methodist University, before ultimately deciding to attend University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She graduated with a bachelor's degree in philosophy.
Career 2008-2025: Early work and subsequent roles Abdalla made her acting debut in 2008, performing as Jill on the television show Barney & Friends at the age of 8. She made an appearance in the film An American Girl: Saige Paints the Sky, where she played Dylan Patterson. She also appeared in films such as The Fandango Sisters (2012), Departure (2012), and Summer's Shadow (2014).
In 2015, Abdalla gained wider attention for her role as Mckeyla McAlister in the Netflix original series Project Mc². The show was aimed at promoting STEM education among young girls. During the filming of the show, Abdalla was in high school. She would spend 11 hours a day on set for five days a week and fit schoolwork around her scenes. The series ran for six seasons before concluding in 2017, the year Abdalla graduated from high school.
After Project Mc² ended, Abdalla's acting career stalled. In her interview with Rollacoster magazine, she stated that, "when I was around 18, my career went through a lull that sucked so bad." Despite the break, she continued, "I feel like the yearning for expression made me realize how much I really want to do this forever." During the break, she attended college at UCLA.
In 2022, Abdalla starred alongside Jake Short as Avery Hansen-White in the Hulu original film Sex Appeal, a teen comedy exploring themes of sexuality and self-discovery. Later that year, she played Tinya Wazzo in The Flash.
Abdalla next performed in the coming-of-age film Snack Shack (2024), directed by Adam Carter Rehmeier. The film is set in Nebraska City in 1991 and follows two best friends navigating adolescence. Abdalla described her character as "the most similar" to herself that she has portrayed. 2025-present: Breakthrough In 2025, Abdalla had roles in The Pitt and Suits LA.
In 2026, Abdalla starred as Allie Hayes in Off Campus, an Amazon Prime Video series based on Elle Kennedy's novel series. The series reached 36 million viewers in its first 12 days of streaming, making it the third most-watched series launch in Prime Video's history. Abdalla received critical praise for her performance. Amazon Prime Video renewed the series for a second season ahead of the series premiere and announced that the central couple of the second season is set to be Allie and her love interest Dean.
Personal life As a child, Abdalla participated in competitive ballroom dancing and equestrianism.
Abdalla has credited Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio as her primary influences on her acting. "She’s not afraid to speak her mind or share her opinion," she stated of Lawrence, while DiCaprio "puts so much into every role and researches a lot to prepare."
Abdalla became engaged to actor Jake Short in 2025. The two met on the set of the Hulu comedy Sex Appeal. In June 2026, a representative confirmed that the couple had ended their engagement.
In mid-2026, it was confirmed by a representative that Abdalla was in a relationship with Australian co-star Josh Heuston. The two met on the set of Off Campus.
Filmography Film YearTitleRoleNotes2010The Fandango SistersLil' Jackie2012TinselYoung SarahDepartureEvelynShort filmA Woman's WorthSade ThomasHemera's EclipseHemeraShort film2013An American Girl: Saige Paints the SkyDylan PattersonTelevision film2014Summer's ShadowVanessa2015Shattered ReflectionsYoung KaitlinShort film2017The VioletOona2019Warpaint for the Teenage SoulLaylaShort film2022Sex AppealAvery Hansen-White2024Snack ShackBrooke
Television YearTitleRoleNotes2008Barney & FriendsJillEpisode: "A Game for Everyone: A Sports Adventure"2010Fun to Grow OnSelf3 episodes2015–2017Project Mc²McKeyla McAlisterMain role, 26 episodes2020S.W.A.T.ZoeyEpisode: "Hopeless Sinners"2022Tinya Wazzo5 episodes2025The PittJenna4 episodesSuits LASierra Carson2 episodes2026–presentOff CampusAllie HayesMain role, 8 episodes
Audio Year Title Role Notes 2026Rent Free Nora Main role
Accolades AwardsYearCategoryWorkResultYoung Artist Award2016Best Performance in a TV Series – Leading Young Actress (14–21)Project Mc²Outstanding Young Ensemble Cast in a Web or VOD Series
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