Alyson Stoner Explains Why They Don’t ‘Still Talk’ to Missy Elliott, 23 Years After ‘Work It’ Music Video

Alyson Stoner, the talented performer who shot to fame for their role as a dancer in Missy Elliott’s iconic “Work It” music video, recently opened up about why they are not in touch with the hip-hop legend. Despite their memorable collaboration, Alyson Stoner explained the lack of continued friendship with Missy Elliott in a now viral TikTok video. Stoner, now 32 years old, gained popularity for their work as a child dancer in several of Elliott’s music videos, alongside starring in projects like “Camp Rock,” “Step Up,” and “Phineas and Ferb.”

In the TikTok video shared on August 9, set to the tune of creator Lewky’s “I Have One Daughter,” Stoner addressed a commonly asked question: “Do you still talk to Missy Elliott?” Stoner’s response highlighted the passage of time since the collaboration, emphasizing that they were merely 9 years old during the filming of the video, which was 23 years ago. The light-hearted video continued with Stoner playfully responding to questions from a curious fan, showcasing their wit and sense of humour.

Despite the jovial nature of the TikTok video, the underlying message conveyed by Alyson Stoner resonated with fans worldwide. The video garnered over 5 million views and more than 435,000 likes, drawing attention to the enduring impact of their work with Missy Elliott. Stoner’s involvement in Elliott’s music videos, including “Gossip Folks,” “Pass That Dutch,” and “I’m Really Hot,” solidified their status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry from a young age.

In addition to their accomplishments as a dancer, Alyson Stoner diversified their career by delving into acting and voice acting. They appeared in popular television shows such as “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody,” “Drake & Josh,” and “That’s So Raven,” while also starring in hit movies like “Cheaper by the Dozen,” “Step Up,” and “Camp Rock.” As a voice actor, Stoner lent their talents to animated series like “Phineas and Ferb,” showcasing their versatility and dedication to their craft.

The culmination of Stoner’s experiences and reflections is encapsulated in their upcoming memoir, “Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything,” scheduled for release on August 12. Through their memoir, Alyson Stoner aims to share intimate details of their personal journey, including struggles with mental health and self-development, shedding light on aspects previously undisclosed to the public. The memoir promises to be a poignant exploration of Stoner’s life, resonating with readers on a deeper level.

Beyond their creative pursuits, Alyson Stoner has ventured into podcasting as the host of the award-winning Dear Hollywood podcast, and established themselves as the CEO of Movement Genius, a mental health company. Their involvement in the documentary “Child Stars” alongside former Disney Channel co-star Demi Lovato highlights Stoner’s commitment to raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals in the entertainment industry.

Reflecting on their collaboration with Missy Elliott, Alyson Stoner expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with the legendary artist. Stoner acknowledged the significance of featuring children in the “Work It” music video as a means of bridging diverse backgrounds and lifestyles through music—a message that remains pertinent to this day. As they continue to evolve in their career and personal endeavours, Alyson Stoner’s impact on the entertainment industry remains enduring and inspirational.