Crystal Renee Hayslett is best known for playing Fatima Wilson on Tyler Perry’s hit series Sistas and its popular spinoff Zatima. Her portrayal of the confident, outspoken and loyal Fatima has made her one of the most recognizable stars in Tyler Perry’s television universe.
But Hayslett’s road to becoming an actress wasn’t traditional. Before landing her breakout role, she worked behind the scenes at Tyler Perry Studios as a production assistant, costume designer and stylist.
Here’s everything to know about Crystal Renee Hayslett, including her age, husband, career, height and role as Fatima.
Who Is Crystal Renee Hayslett?
Crystal Renee Hayslett is an American actress, producer, singer and costume designer from Martin, Tennessee.
She was born on October 18, 1982, and attended the University of Tennessee at Martin, where she earned a degree in mass communication and public relations. (TV Insider)
After college, Hayslett briefly worked on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. However, she eventually decided to pursue her creative ambitions in music and acting.
She moved to Atlanta in 2009 and began building a career in entertainment.
How Old Is Crystal Renee Hayslett?
Crystal Renee Hayslett was born on October 18, 1982.
As of 2026, she is 43 years old.
She was born in Martin, Tennessee, and grew up in the small Tennessee community before eventually moving to Atlanta to pursue entertainment. (TV Insider)
How Tall Is Crystal Renee Hayslett?
Crystal Renee Hayslett is listed at 5 feet 5 inches tall (1.65 meters). (IMDb)
Does Crystal Renee Hayslett Have a Husband?
Crystal Renee Hayslett has not publicly confirmed that she has a husband.
The actress has generally kept her romantic life private, and there is no reliable public confirmation of a current husband or marriage.
Because of that, fans should be cautious about online claims that identify someone as Hayslett’s husband without confirmation from the actress herself or a reputable source.
Is Crystal Renee Hayslett Dating Anyone?
Hayslett has kept much of her personal life away from the spotlight, so details about her current dating life have not been widely confirmed.
Much of the public attention surrounding her has focused on her acting career, particularly her roles as Fatima on Sistas and Zatima.
Who Does Crystal Renee Hayslett Play on Sistas?
Crystal Renee Hayslett plays Fatima Wilson-Taylor on Sistas.
Fatima is a confident and outspoken paralegal who works with Andi Barnes, played by KJ Smith. She is known for being direct, independent and fiercely protective of the people she loves.
Hayslett initially appeared in a recurring role before becoming a series regular. (Wikipedia)
Fatima eventually became one of the show’s most popular characters.
Who Is Fatima on Zatima?
Hayslett also stars as Fatima Wilson-Taylor on Zatima, the Sistas spinoff centered on Fatima and Zac Taylor, played by Devale Ellis.
The series follows the couple as they navigate their relationship, family issues, career challenges and the complications that come with building a life together.
The spinoff premiered in 2022 after BET+ ordered the series starring Hayslett and Ellis. (Wikipedia)
Crystal Renee Hayslett and Devale Ellis
Crystal Renee Hayslett stars opposite Devale Ellis in both Sistas and Zatima.
Ellis plays Zac Taylor, Fatima’s love interest and eventual husband on the show.
Their characters’ relationship became popular enough with viewers that Tyler Perry Studios developed Zatima around their story.
Although Hayslett and Ellis play a married couple on screen, they are not married to each other in real life.
How Did Crystal Renee Hayslett Get Her Start?
Hayslett’s career began behind the scenes.
After moving to Atlanta, she eventually landed a position at Tyler Perry Studios as a production assistant. She later transitioned into costume design and worked on several Tyler Perry productions.
Her credits behind the scenes include projects such as The Haves and the Have Nots, The Paynes, Boo! A Madea Halloween, Acrimony, Nobody’s Fool and A Madea Family Funeral. (Wikipedia)
She also became Tyler Perry’s personal stylist.
Her experience at the studio ultimately helped lead her toward the acting career she had been pursuing.
How Did Crystal Hayslett Get the Role of Fatima?
Hayslett had spent years working at Tyler Perry Studios while continuing to pursue acting.
According to Hayslett, she had auditioned for roles at the studio before eventually getting the opportunity to play Fatima.
When Sistas was being developed, she landed the role that would change her career.
Fatima initially appeared as a recurring character, but Hayslett’s performance quickly connected with viewers. She was promoted to series regular for the show’s second season. (Essence)
What Other Movies and Shows Has Crystal Renee Hayslett Been In?
In addition to Sistas and Zatima, Hayslett has appeared in several television and film projects.
Her credits include:
Sistas — Fatima Wilson-Taylor Zatima — Fatima Wilson-Taylor Praise This — Natalie This Time The Choir Director
She has also worked extensively behind the scenes as a costume designer and stylist. (Wikipedia)
Crystal Renee Hayslett’s Career as a Costume Designer
Before audiences knew her as Fatima, Hayslett was already an established part of Tyler Perry’s production world.
She worked in costume and wardrobe on numerous Tyler Perry projects and eventually became Perry’s personal stylist.
Her behind-the-scenes experience gave her an understanding of television production that she later brought into her acting career.
Her story is notable because she successfully moved from working behind the camera to becoming one of the stars in front of it.
Crystal Renee Hayslett Can Also Sing
Hayslett is a multi-talented entertainer who has also showcased her singing abilities.
Her musical talent became particularly noticeable to viewers through Zatima, where Fatima has performed songs during memorable scenes.
BET has highlighted Hayslett’s abilities as an actress, stylist and singer. (BET)
Crystal Renee Hayslett Quick Facts
Full name: Crystal Renee Hayslett
Born: October 18, 1982
Age: 43
Birthplace: Martin, Tennessee
Height: 5 feet 5 inches
Occupation: Actress, producer, singer, costume designer and stylist
Known for: Fatima Wilson-Taylor
TV shows: Sistas, Zatima
Education: University of Tennessee at Martin
Husband: No publicly confirmed husband
Children: No publicly confirmed children
Final Thoughts
Crystal Renee Hayslett’s rise to television stardom is a story of persistence and versatility.
Before becoming Fatima on Sistas, she worked behind the scenes at Tyler Perry Studios as a production assistant, costume designer and stylist. Her eventual transition into acting turned her into one of the breakout stars of the Sistas universe.
Today, she is best known for playing Fatima Wilson-Taylor on both Sistas and Zatima, while continuing to explore her talents as a producer, singer and entrepreneur.
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