Overview

Karyn Parsons Rockwell (born October 8, 1966) is an American actress, author, and comedian. She is widely recognized for her role as Hilary Banks on the NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996). Karyn began her acting career in the late 1980s, appearing in television shows such as ‘The Bronx Zoo’, ‘Hunter,’ and ‘CBS Summer Playhouse’. Beyond acting, Parsons is the founder of the Sweet Blackberry Foundation, which produces animated films and books about unsung Black heroes. More recently, Parsons has continued to make her mark with the publication of her debut novel. Her ability to juggle acting, writing, and philanthropic efforts illustrates her multifaceted career and dedication to impacting the cultural landscape.

Sweet Blackberry Foundation

Founder

What Is Karyn Parsons’ Net Worth?

As of 2024, Karyn Parsons, the American actress, model, and producer best known for her role as Hilary Banks on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million. This figure reflects her earnings from a diverse career spanning television, film, and her work as a producer and author.

Early Career and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”

Karyn Parsons began her professional acting career in the late 1980s, securing guest-starring roles in television shows such as “The Bronx Zoo,” “Hunter,” and “CBS Summer Playhouse.” However, it was her role as Hilary Banks on the hit NBC sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” from 1990 to 1996 that catapulted her to fame. While specific salary details from her time on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” are not publicly available, the show’s success undoubtedly contributed significantly to her early wealth accumulation. Parsons’ portrayal of the fashion-conscious and often comedic Hilary Banks made her a household name and a key part of the show’s enduring appeal. It’s important to note that leading roles in successful network sitcoms typically command substantial salaries, often increasing over the show’s run, reflecting the actor’s growing value and the show’s continued popularity.

Ventures Beyond Acting: Sweet Blackberry and Authorship

Beyond her acting career, Karyn Parsons has made significant strides as a producer and author. In 2005, she founded Sweet Blackberry, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing little-known stories of African American achievement to children through animated films and books. The foundation has produced several animated shorts, including “The Journey of Henry ‘Box’ Brown,” “Garrett’s Gift,” and “Dancing in the Light: The Janet Collins Story,” featuring narrations by Alfre Woodard, Queen Latifah, and Chris Rock, respectively. While Sweet Blackberry is a non-profit, Parsons’ role as founder and Executive Director involves considerable effort and dedication, reflecting her commitment to education and cultural awareness.

In addition to her work with Sweet Blackberry, Parsons has also ventured into authorship, publishing a middle-grade novel, “How High the Moon” (2019), inspired by stories of her mother’s childhood in the Jim Crow South. She has also authored two Sweet Blackberry picture-book biographies: “Flying Free” (2020) about Bessie Coleman, and “Saving the Day” (2021) about Garrett Morgan. Her upcoming YA debut novel, Blue Beach, is scheduled to hit shelves in the summer of 2026.

Real Estate and Personal Life

Karyn Parsons added a significant element to her life in March 2008 when she bought a lovely 2720 sq ft home in Los Angeles with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. This home, which was purchased for more than 1 million, is a sophisticated and comfortable home that strikes the ideal mix between contemporary conveniences and classic style. The home is described as having a front porch with double doors that lead to a large light-filled room as you go closer to the house.

Born on October 8, 1966, in Los Angeles, California, Karyn Parsons’s personal life includes two marriages. Her first marriage was to Randy Brooks in 1987, which ended in divorce in 1990. She later married Alexandre Rockwell in 2003, and they have two children together: Lana and Nico Rockwell.

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