Overview

Robin Simone Givens, born on November 27, 1964, is an American actress and model. She began her career with modeling gigs for magazines like Seventeen and Mademoiselle, before transitioning into acting. She is best known for her role as Darlene Merriman in the ABC sitcom “Head of the Class,” which she starred in for its entire five-year run from 1986 to 1991. Givens has also appeared in numerous films, including “Boomerang” (1992), “A Rage in Harlem” (1991) and “Blankman” (1994). In addition to her acting career, Givens is also a pre-med graduate who attended Sarah Lawrence College. Beyond acting, she is an advocate, speaking out about domestic abuse, and urging men, women, and the African American community to educate themselves about domestic violence. She co-chairs the Women Who Care organization. Her journey includes a successful stint on Broadway, where she played the leading role of Roxie Hart in the production of “Chicago.”

What Is Robin Givens’ Net Worth?

Robin Givens, a multifaceted American actress and model, has amassed a considerable fortune over her career. As of 2025, Robin Givens’ Net Worth is estimated to be around $1 million. This Robin Givens’ Net Worth stems from her extensive work in television, film, and other ventures. Her journey began in New York City, where she honed her skills and pursued early opportunities in entertainment.

Early Career and Education

Born on November 27, 1964, in New York City, Robin Simone Givens was raised primarily by her mother following her parents’ divorce when she was just two years old. Her upbringing in a Catholic household in Mount Vernon and New Rochelle, New York, laid the foundation for her future endeavors. During her teenage years, Givens ventured into the modeling world, securing gigs with magazines such as “Seventeen” and “Mademoiselle.” These early experiences provided her with initial exposure and a foothold in the entertainment industry.

Academically gifted, Robin Givens graduated early from a private school at the age of 15. She then enrolled at Sarah Lawrence College, initially pursuing a pre-med major, demonstrating her commitment to both intellectual and artistic pursuits. During her college years, she balanced her studies with acting roles in various daytime dramas. Robin Givens graduated from Sarah Lawrence at the age of 19 in 1984. Furthering her education, she attended Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences but eventually left to focus on her burgeoning acting career. This decision marked a pivotal moment, fully committing her to the entertainment industry.

Breakthrough in Acting

Robin Givens’ career gained significant momentum after a guest appearance on “The Cosby Show.” This led to a mentorship with Bill Cosby, who encouraged her to fully commit to acting. Cosby promised to support her tuition if she didn’t find success in two years. Following roles in “Diff’rent Strokes” and “Beverly Hills Madam,” her breakthrough arrived in 1986 with a central role in the ABC sitcom “Head of the Class.” For five years, Robin Givens portrayed Darlene Merriman, a wealthy and stylish student, which significantly boosted her profile. While on “Head of the Class,” she also appeared in projects such as “The Women of Brewster Place” and the Eddie Murphy film “Boomerang,” further solidifying her presence in Hollywood.

Continued Career and Notable Roles

After “Head of the Class” concluded, Robin Givens experienced a period of relative quiet before reemerging in the mid-1990s. In 1994, she posed nude for Playboy, which generated substantial media attention. In 1996, her career saw a resurgence with the TV movie “The Face” and a starring role in the sitcom “Sparks.” She also made a notable appearance on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” In 2000, she appeared in a Toni Braxton music video and hosted the talk show “Forgive or Forget.” Despite her efforts, many subsequent projects did not achieve the same level of success. However, in 2007, Robin Givens released her autobiography, “Grace Will Lead Me Home,” reflecting on her life experiences, including her marriage to Mike Tyson and her advocacy against domestic violence.

In 2008, she appeared in the film “The Family that Preys” and secured a recurring role in the CW comedy-drama “The Game.” Further television roles followed in “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” and “Burn Notice,” marking a significant comeback in her career. Additionally, Robin Givens ventured into Broadway, appearing in productions such as “The Vagina Monologues,” “Chicago,” and other plays. In 2011, she had a three-episode stint on “Chuck.” More recently, she has been recognized for her roles in popular shows such as “Riverdale” and “Katy Keene,” showcasing her enduring appeal and versatility as an actress.

Marriage to Mike Tyson and Personal Life

At the age of 16, Robin Givens met Eddie Murphy and dated him for a year in the early 1980s. She also briefly dated Michael Jordan in the late 1980s. In 1987, she began a relationship with Mike Tyson, marrying him despite previous incidents of domestic abuse. The marriage began to deteriorate after she miscarried in 1988, and she later described the marriage as “torture” and “pure hell.” Tyson has stated that he was “severely traumatized” by the experience. Despite rumors of a $10 million divorce settlement, Robin Givens claimed she “didn’t receive one dime” after their breakup. In 1988, she filed for divorce and obtained a restraining order after alleging spousal abuse. Robin Givens faced criticism from the media, particularly in the sports world, following the divorce. After her marriage to Tyson ended, she dated Brad Pitt, Howard Stern, and several tennis players.

Real Estate and Assets

During their marriage, Robin Givens and Mike Tyson acquired a home in Bernardsville, New Jersey. The expansive 18,000-square-foot residence, set on 14 acres, featured stone gothic architecture. The former couple purchased the property for $4 million. The property has since been sold. Details of Robin Givens’ current real estate holdings are not publicly available. However, this initial investment provides a glimpse into the scale of assets once managed during her marriage to Tyson. The lack of publicly available information on her current real estate assets makes a precise assessment challenging. It is reasonable to infer that Givens has made further investments in real estate throughout her career. Her strategic investments in properties could have significantly influenced Robin Givens’ Net Worth over the years. Further specifics on real estate owned or disposed of by Givens are not available in public records.

Outside of real estate, details about Robin Givens’ specific investments are scarce. It’s reasonable to suggest that she has diversified her portfolio with investments in stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. These typical investments might contribute to the overall stability and growth of her assets. Further precise details about these investments are not publicly accessible. The presence of diversified investments would underscore Robin Givens’ financial acumen. The absence of specific details on these investments doesn’t detract from the likelihood of their existence.

Financial Milestones and Income Sources Contributing to Robin Givens’ Net Worth

Robin Givens’ early modeling career provided a foundational income source that established her presence in the entertainment world. Her breakthrough role in “Head of the Class” marked a significant milestone, offering a steady income stream for five years and considerably boosting her visibility. During this period, her salary per episode remains unspecified in public records, but the show’s popularity suggests a substantial earning potential. This role likely marked a considerable increase in her overall Robin Givens’ Net Worth. The continued roles in notable films and TV series following “Head of the Class,” such as “Boomerang,” “The Women of Brewster Place,” and “Sparks,” contributed further to her earnings, although specific salary figures are not available. Her appearances on talk shows, including hosting “Forgive or Forget,” likely provided additional income, even though the exact figures are undisclosed. Furthermore, her stage performances in “The Vagina Monologues,” and “Chicago” would have added to her earnings through ticket sales and performance fees.

The release of her autobiography, “Grace Will Lead Me Home,” provided another income stream through book sales and related publicity events. Specific sales figures are not publicly available. More recently, her roles in popular shows like “Riverdale” and “Katy Keene” continue to contribute to her ongoing earnings, further bolstering Robin Givens’ Net Worth. The lack of detailed financial records makes it impossible to precisely quantify the exact income generated from each project. Taken as a whole, her diverse acting roles and related ventures have been instrumental in accumulating her current Robin Givens’ Net Worth, solidifying her status in the entertainment industry.

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