Alana Thompson
Alana Thompson is an American reality star and actress widely known by the nickname Honey Boo Boo. She became a television personality as a child through Toddlers & Tiaras and her family series Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, and later pursued acting, dance competition television, and nursing studies.
Toddlers & Tiaras and Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
Alana first appeared on TLC's Toddlers & Tiaras as a child beauty-pageant competitor. At five, she delivered the phrase "A dollar made me holler, honey boo boo!" during an interview, helping establish the nickname that became central to her public identity.
In 2012, Alana and her family became the focus of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo. The series followed Alana, her mother June Shannon, her sisters Anna Cardwell, Jessica Shannon, and Lauryn "Pumpkin" Efird, and her father Mike "Sugar Bear" Thompson. The show became a major pop-culture phenomenon while also drawing criticism over its portrayal of a working-class Southern family.
Growing up as Honey Boo Boo
Alana has distinguished the television persona associated with her childhood from her adult identity. She has emphasized that Honey Boo Boo was a nickname and that her name is Alana, while describing the catchphrases and mannerisms from her early television years as belonging to her "Honey Boo Boo days."
Her public upbringing exposed her appearance, personality, and family life to sustained scrutiny. Alana has spoken about body shaming and about setting boundaries when people treat her as a character rather than a person. She has also described Lauryn "Pumpkin" Efird and Lauryn's husband, Josh, as important sources of support during a difficult period in the family.
Dancing with the Stars: Juniors
Alana competed on the inaugural season of Dancing with the Stars: Juniors in 2018. She was partnered with Tristan Ianiero, with Artem Chigvintsev serving as their mentor.
The pair performed salsa, cha-cha-cha, foxtrot, and jazz. Alana and Tristan were eliminated in the fourth week and finished in eighth place.
I Was Honey Boo Boo and nursing studies
Alana narrated the 2025 biographical film I Was Honey Boo Boo, a Lifetime project based on her life and childhood in reality television. The film marked a more reflective phase of her public career, with Alana presenting her own account of growing up on camera.
She graduated from high school in 2023 and attended Regis University in Colorado as a nursing student. Her stated goal has been to become a nurse, while continuing selected television work and building a life beyond reality television.
Quick facts
- At age five, Alana Thompson said, "A dollar made me holler, honey boo boo!" during an interview on Toddlers & Tiaras.
- Her 2012 reality series Here Comes Honey Boo Boo followed her family after her appearance on Toddlers & Tiaras made her widely known.
- The pilot episode of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo attracted 2.2 million viewers.
- Alana competed on the inaugural season of Dancing with the Stars: Juniors in 2018.
- She and dance partner Tristan Ianiero finished eighth on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors.
- Artem Chigvintsev mentored Alana Thompson and Tristan Ianiero on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors.
- Alana graduated from high school in 2023.
- She narrated the biographical film I Was Honey Boo Boo in 2025.
- Alana attended Regis University in Colorado as a nursing student.
- She has described Lauryn "Pumpkin" Efird and Josh Efird as important sources of support during a difficult period in her family life.
FAQs about Alana Thompson
What is Alana Thompson's real name?
Her real name is Alana Thompson. She has also been identified by the birth name Alana Frances Thompson, while Honey Boo Boo is her best-known nickname.
How tall is Alana Thompson?
Alana Thompson is listed as 4 feet 6 inches tall, or 1.37 metres.
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