What Is Regina King’s Net Worth?
Regina King, a celebrated actress and director, has accumulated a net worth of $16 million. This figure reflects her successful career spanning over three decades in Hollywood, with diverse roles in television and film, complemented by her forays into directing.
Regina King’s Journey to a $16 Million Net Worth
Regina King’s journey began in Los Angeles, California, where she was born on January 15, 1971. Her early life involved attending Westchester High School before enrolling at the University of Southern California. These formative years laid the groundwork for her future career. King began her professional acting career at the age of 14.
King’s career took off in 1985 with the NBC sitcom “227,” where she played Brenda Jenkins for 116 episodes until 1990. Although specific financial details from this early role are unavailable, it provided a stable start and recognition, leading to further opportunities in the entertainment industry.
Following “227,” King transitioned to film with a supporting role in John Singleton’s “Boyz n the Hood” (1991). She continued to collaborate with Singleton in “Poetic Justice” (1993) and “Higher Learning” (1995). During this time, she also appeared in “Friday” (1995), expanding her portfolio and increasing her visibility.
In 1996, King’s career gained momentum with roles in “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate” and “Jerry Maguire.” Her role in “Jerry Maguire,” although a supporting one, significantly raised her profile. While specific salary details for these roles are not publicly available, they contributed to her growing income and established her as a versatile actress.
The late 1990s saw King in films like “How Stella Got Her Groove Back,” “Enemy of the State,” and “Mighty Joe Young,” solidifying her presence in Hollywood. While precise earnings from these films remain undisclosed, they represent a steady stream of income and growing industry recognition.
In the 2000s, King appeared in comedies such as “Down to Earth,” “Daddy Day Care,” and “Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde.” Although generally not as critically acclaimed as her later work, these films provided consistent income and kept her active in the industry.
A notable dramatic role during this period was in the 2004 biopic “Ray,” where she portrayed Margie Hendrix. While the exact salary for this role is unknown, it was a significant part that showcased her acting range. The film grossed over $124 million worldwide, indicating its success and potential financial benefit to its cast.
King’s television career continued alongside her film work. In 2005, she began voicing Riley and Huey Freeman on the animated series “The Boondocks,” which ran for several seasons. Voice acting can provide a steady income stream, and the longevity of “The Boondocks” likely contributed to her financial stability.
In 2007, King joined the cast of “24” for its sixth season, playing Sandra Palmer. While specific salary details are not available, a main role in a popular series like “24” would command a substantial income.
King’s role as Detective Lydia Adams in “Southland” (2009-2013) was another significant television role. Police procedural dramas like “Southland” often pay well, and the show’s run over several seasons would have contributed to her earnings. While the specific numbers are not public, it’s fair to assume her salary was commensurate with her experience and the show’s budget.
From 2015 to 2017, King appeared in “American Crime,” winning two Emmy Awards for her performances. Awards recognition can lead to increased earning potential. While the exact figures are not disclosed, her Emmy wins would have significantly boosted her market value for future roles. The acclaim she received for her roles on “American Crime” demonstrates her versatility and ability to tackle complex characters.
King also had roles in “The Leftovers” and “Shameless” during this period, further diversifying her television work. These roles, while not always lead roles, add to her overall income and industry presence.
In 2018, King won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for “If Beale Street Could Talk.” This was a pivotal moment in her career, significantly increasing her visibility and earning potential. While the precise financial gain from this award is hard to quantify, it undoubtedly led to more lucrative opportunities. The movie itself had a budget of $12 million and grossed over $20 million, proving to be a financial success.
Following her Oscar win, King starred in the 2019 series “Watchmen,” for which she won another Emmy. Lead roles in high-profile series like “Watchmen” typically command substantial salaries. Though the specific figures are not available, it’s reasonable to assume her compensation was in the high six or even seven figures for the season. She won a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series for “Watchmen”. This win tied Alfre Woodard for the most acting Emmys won by a black performer.
In 2020, King made her feature film directorial debut with “One Night in Miami…,” which received critical acclaim. Directing can be a lucrative career move, and while initial directorial efforts may not yield massive profits, they often lead to more opportunities and higher pay in the future. The movie was nominated for several awards, including a Golden Globe nomination for King for Best Director, making her only the second black woman to be nominated for that award.
King’s forays into directing have added another dimension to her career and potential income streams. She directed episodes of various television shows, including “Southland,” “Being Mary Jane,” “Scandal,” “This is Us,” and “Insecure.” Directing fees can vary widely, but directing multiple episodes of successful shows contributes to overall earnings. The exposure from directing high-profile series like “This is Us” and “Insecure” also increases her value as a director.
Real Estate Investment
In July 2020, Regina King purchased a home in the Beachwood Canyon area of Los Angeles for $4.5 million. Real estate is a common investment for high-income individuals, and this purchase represents a significant asset contributing to her overall net worth. Beachwood Canyon is known for its affluent residents and scenic views, suggesting this property is both a personal residence and a valuable investment.
Personal Life and Financial Implications
King was married to Ian Alexander in 1997, and they divorced in 2007. Divorce can have financial implications, including the division of assets. However, the specifics of their settlement are not public. While details regarding any settlement or spousal support are private, it’s important to acknowledge that these life events can affect one’s financial status.
In summary, Regina King’s $16 million net worth is the result of a long and successful career in acting, complemented by her work as a director. Her roles in television series like “227,” “Southland,” and “Watchmen,” along with films such as “Jerry Maguire” and “If Beale Street Could Talk,” have all contributed to her financial success. Her real estate investment in Los Angeles further bolsters her financial portfolio.