Raised in a creative household in Decatur, Georgia, by their parents, music producer Michael McClain and songwriter/television writer Shontell McClain, the siblings thrived in an artistic environment. Their first daughter, Sierra, was born on March 16, 1994, followed by Lauryn on January 9, 1997, and then China on August 25, 1998.
In 2005, after China starred in her first film, *The Gospel*, the three sisters formed a girl group. They went through various rebrands before settling on the name Thriii in 2020.
In 2021, the trio re-released China's popular Halloween track "Calling All the Monsters." China told Buzzfeed she knew from the start that if the song was to be remade, it had to involve her siblings, as it "made so much sense" to revamp it together. However, Sierra and Lauryn admitted they were nervous about the remix, not wanting to tarnish its legacy.
“We think everyone except China was nervous,” they shared. “This is a big song for her around this time of year, and we didn’t want to agree unless we could do it justice.”
From their entertainment careers to their strong sibling bond, here’s everything to know about China Anne McClain’s sisters, Lauryn and Sierra McClain.
Growing up in Decatur, Georgia, with their parents deeply rooted in the music industry, the McClain sisters were naturally influenced. Sierra told Entertainment Weekly in April 2023, “We grew up in music and in the studio with our parents, because they met doing music.”
As China's acting career took off, the family moved from Georgia to Los Angeles. Taking on the role of Chyna Parks in *A.N.T. Farm* brought China significant success, though she shared with Patch in 2011 that Hollywood's atmosphere was more "brutal" compared to her Southern hometown.
“In Georgia, everybody knew everybody. It was a fun place to be. Everybody was so sweet,” China said. “But in Los Angeles, it's more brutal. It's the place where everything happens.”
Fortunately, Michael and Shontell taught China to “have tough skin and to let stuff roll off [her] back,” helping her navigate the industry.
Passionate about entertainment from a young age, the sisters created songs and choreographed dances together. Inspired by their father, they pursued careers in entertainment. Michael helped China land her first audition with Rob Hardy for his 2005 film *The Gospel*, where she secured the role of Alexis. The same year, the sisters formed their girl group, initially named 3mcclaingirls.
Starring in Tyler Perry’s 2007 film *Daddy’s Little Girls*, they later signed with Hollywood Records in 2011, rebranding as the McClain Sisters. They opened for Big Time Rush during their 2011 Better with U Tour before rebranding again to McClain in 2014.
After a hiatus, they returned in 2020 with the single “My Sanity” and rebranded once more to Thriii. In 2021, they released the remixed version of China’s hit “Calling All the Monsters” as “Calling All the Monsters (2021 Version) (feat. Messenger).”
The McClain family is deeply rooted in music. Their father, Michael McClain, produced Solange Knowles’ debut album, *Solo Star*. Shontell McClain is a songwriter and television writer, contributing to *Meet the Browns* and *House of Payne*.
With their parents' support, the sisters began their musical journey, releasing their first track, “Silly Games,” in 2005. Produced by Michael’s production company and co-produced and written by their mother, the song marked their debut.
China's career took off with her starring role in Disney Channel’s *A.N.T. Farm* in 2011, thanks to her parents' guidance. The sisters have credited Michael and Shontell for keeping them "grounded," as they shared in a 2012 interview with Clever Housewife.
“From the very beginning, they always taught us to stay humble and remember what we were taught and have faith in what we believe in,” they said.
Sierra and Lauryn have also acted in various projects. They sang in the children's choir in China's first film, *The Gospel*, and received their first on-screen credits in Perry’s *Daddy’s Little Girls* in 2007. Lauryn appeared in an episode of *A.N.T. Farm*, Holly Sorenson’s *Step Up: High Water*, and the *Descendants* spin-off series *Hidden Secrets*.
Sierra is known for her roles as Nessa Parker in *Empire* and Grace Snyder in *9-1-1: Lone Star*. Lauryn and China reunited with Sierra on-screen in *9-1-1: Lone Star*, where they recorded Charlie Chaplin's “Smile.” Sierra described the experience as “emotional” and a “staple moment in [her] life and career.”
Beyond their personal bond, the sisters have professional aspirations. In a 2021 *Teen Vogue* profile, China revealed plans to create a production company with her family, inspired by the passing of her friend Cameron Boyce to focus on meaningful storytelling.
“I have a lot of stories that I want to tell that I think are going to help a lot of these kids,” she said.
While working together professionally, it's clear that China, Sierra, and Lauryn share a deep sisterly bond. To celebrate her love for her sisters, China posted a heartfelt Instagram photo of the three recreating a childhood picture.
“There’s nothing quite like having sisters. ♡,” she wrote. Lauryn echoed her sentiments, writing, “Built-in, God-given diaries, protectors, supporters, best friends, nightlights... what on God’s beautiful green earth would I do or who would I be without my sisters.”
China celebrated National Sister’s Day in 2023 with a witty Instagram post highlighting their sisterly bond by “attacking Lauryn while simultaneously annoying Sisi.”