What Is Gabrielle Union’s Net Worth?
Gabrielle Union, a prominent American actress and former model, has cultivated a substantial net worth of $40 million. This financial success stems from a multifaceted career encompassing film, television, and endorsements. Her marriage to NBA player Dwyane Wade has further contributed to her overall financial standing, though prenuptial agreements are in place to protect individual assets.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Gabrielle Monique Union was born on October 29, 1972, in Omaha, Nebraska. She laid the foundation for her career in the 1990s, initially securing minor roles in popular television series such as “Family Matters” and “Sister, Sister.” These early appearances provided valuable on-set experience and exposure to the entertainment industry. In 1997, she played a Klingon in an episode of “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” showcasing her versatility even in smaller roles.
Union’s career began to gain significant momentum around the turn of the century. In 1999, she landed her first notable film role in “She’s All That,” a teen romantic comedy. That same year, she also appeared in “10 Things I Hate About You,” a film that has since become a cult classic. In 2000, she starred in “Love & Basketball.” Her breakthrough role came with “Bring It On” (2000), where she starred opposite Kirsten Dunst. The film grossed $90 million at the box office, solidifying Union’s status as a rising star. Her success in “Bring It On” opened doors to numerous acting opportunities in both film and television.
In 2001, Union appeared in “The Brothers” and “Two Can Play at That Game.” She also secured a recurring role on CBS’s “City of Angels” as Dr. Courtney Ellis. That same year, she made a guest appearance on the hit sitcom “Friends.” 2003 was a pivotal year for Union as she landed her first leading film role in “Deliver Us From Eva.” Critics lauded her performance. She followed this with a role in “Bad Boys II,” playing the girlfriend of Will Smith’s character. Union has acknowledged that this role significantly “elevated” her career.
Film and Television Successes
Gabrielle Union’s career continued to flourish with a diverse range of roles in film and television. In 2004, she appeared in films such as “Something the Lord Made” and “Breakin’ All the Rules” alongside Jamie Foxx. In 2005, she played a woman in “Neo Ned,” winning an award for Best Actress at the Palm Beach International Film Festival. She also starred in the family-friendly film “The Honeymooners” that year. Additionally, she secured a recurring role on the TV show “Night Stalker.”
In 2007, Union starred in “Daddy’s Little Girls” and the Christmas movie “The Perfect Holiday.” In 2008, she appeared in three episodes of “Ugly Betty,” playing “Renee Slater.” She also took on a role in “Cadillac Records,” with critics praising her acting range. She finished 2008 by playing Eddie Murphy’s love interest in “Meet Dave.” From 2009 to 2010, she appeared in shows such as “Life” and “Flash Forward.” In 2010, she appeared on the show “Army Wives.” In 2012, she appeared in “Think Like a Man” and “Good Deeds.”
In 2013, Gabrielle Union secured the lead role in BET’s new show, “Being Mary Jane.” The series ran for five seasons, spanning from 2013 to 2019. Despite drawing millions of viewers, Union later sued BET for withholding compensation. In 2014, she appeared in “Think Like a Man Too,” although the sequel was not as successful as the original. In 2015, Union voiced the character of Nala in Disney’s “The Lion Guard.” In 2016, she appeared in “The Birth of a Nation” and “Almost Christmas.” In 2019, she started appearing in “L.A.’s Finest,” a spin-off TV series based on the “Bad Boys” films.
Real Estate Holdings
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade possess a substantial real estate portfolio that significantly contributes to their combined net worth. In February 2020, they acquired a $20 million mansion in Hidden Hills, California. This 22,000 square-foot property features amenities such as a home theater, poolside cabana, infinity pool, and a 12-car garage with an automatic turntable. They also own a property in Sherman Oaks, purchased in 2018 for $6 million. The couple also owns a $10.7 million waterfront mansion in Miami that Dwyane bought in 2010 while he was playing for The Heat. In 2019, they listed this property for sale with an asking price of $32.5 million, later reducing it to $29 million, but it remains unsold.
Personal Life and Prenuptial Agreement
Gabrielle Union’s personal life has also played a role in her financial decisions. She married NFL player Chris Howard in 2001, but they divorced in 2006. In 2008, she began dating NBA player Dwyane Wade, and they married in 2014. Upon their marriage, Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade signed a prenuptial agreement to protect their respective assets. This agreement ensures that their individual financial holdings remain separate in the event of a divorce.