Overview

Rosa Maria “Rosie” Perez, born on September 6, 1964, is an accomplished American actress, choreographer, community activist, and talk show host. Her career began as a dancer on Soul Train in the early 1980s. Rosie’s breakthrough came when Spike Lee noticed her at a dance club, leading to her role as Tina in “Do the Right Thing” (1989). She gained further recognition in films like “White Men Can’t Jump” (1992) and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in “Fearless” (1993). Beyond acting, Rosie is an accomplished choreographer, working with artists like Janet Jackson and LL Cool J. She also choreographed for the Fly Girls on “In Living Color.” Perez has also appeared on Broadway, including “The Ritz” and “Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune.” Rosie is also known for her activism, particularly for Puerto Rican rights and HIV/AIDS awareness, even being appointed to The Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. She directed the documentary “Yo Soy Boricua, pa’que tu lo sepas!” showcasing her Puerto Rican pride.

What Is Rosie Perez’s Net Worth?

Rosie Perez, a multifaceted American actress, community activist, and talk show host, has accumulated a net worth of $12 million. This financial standing reflects her successful career spanning film, television, and stage, as well as her work as a choreographer.

Early Career and Rise to Fame

Born on September 6, 1964, in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, Rosie Perez’s early life was marked by challenges. She is one of ten siblings, with her parents being first-generation immigrants from Puerto Rico. Her mother’s intermittent incarcerations led to Rosie spending time in foster care and group homes. She attended Grover Cleveland High School in Queens. Before achieving fame in acting, Perez started her professional career in the early 1980s as a dancer on the television program “Soul Train.” She initially attended Los Angeles City College with aspirations of becoming a biochemistry major, but her passion for dancing led her to drop out and focus on her entertainment career.

Breakthrough Role and Film Career

Perez’s breakthrough came in 1988 when she was noticed by director Spike Lee at a dance club called Funky Reggae. This encounter led to her debut film role in Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” (1989), where she played Tina, the girlfriend of Lee’s character Mookie. This role launched her into the spotlight, leading to a series of well-received film roles throughout the 1990s. Some of her notable films include “Night on Earth,” a comedy directed by Jim Jarmusch, and “White Men Can’t Jump,” a sports comedy co-starring Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson. In 1993, she starred in “Fearless,” alongside Jeff Bridges, for which she received both Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress. Other films during this period include “It Could Happen to You” with Nicolas Cage and Bridget Fonda, “Somebody to Love,” “A Brother’s Kiss,” the Spanish/Mexican film “Perdita Durango” with Javier Bardem, and “The 24 Hour Woman.” Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Perez continued to appear in films such as “King of the Jungle,” “Riding in Cars with Boys,” “The Take,” “Pineapple Express,” “The Other Guys,” “Small Apartments,” “Fugly!,” “The Dead Don’t Die,” and “Birds of Prey.” These roles have collectively contributed to Rosie Perez’s net worth of $12 million.

Television Appearances and Choreography

Rosie Perez’s television career began in 1990 with an appearance on the police procedural series “21 Jump Street.” In addition to her acting roles, she served as a choreographer for the Fox television series “In Living Color” for four years. Her choreography work on “In Living Color” earned her three Emmy Award nominations. She also starred in the television movie “Criminal Justice,” and appeared on episodes of CBS’s “WIOU,” the animated series “Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child,” and the NBC sitcom “Frasier.” In the 2000s, Rosie appeared on the British crime drama “Widows,” and provided the voice of Click the camera on the Nick Jr. animated kids show “Go, Diego, Go!” In 2004, she played the role of Bertha in the critically acclaimed made-for-television drama film “Lackawanna Blues.” Later, she had recurring roles on NBC’s “Lipstick Jungle,” the animated series “Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero,” the dark comedy “Search Party,” and the British series “Bounty Hunters.” In 2018, she landed a main role on the short-lived musical drama “Rise,” and in 2020, she starred on HBO Max’s “The Flight Attendant.” Her multifaceted television career has solidified her status as a versatile performer and contributed to her financial success.

“The View” and Other Media Work

In 2014, Rosie Perez joined the ABC talk show “The View” as a co-host. She appeared alongside moderator Whoopi Goldberg, returning cohost Rosie O’Donnell, and newcomer Nicolle Wallace. During her one-year tenure on the show, she received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host. Beyond her work in film and television, Perez has also contributed to the music industry as a choreographer. She choreographed music videos for notable artists such as Bobby Brown, Janet Jackson, Diana Ross, and LL Cool J. Additionally, she has showcased her talent on Broadway, starring in productions like Terrence McNally’s “Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune” and Larry David’s “Fish in the Dark.” In 2014, Perez released an autobiography titled “Handbook for an Unpredictable Life: How I Survived Sister Renata and My Crazy Mother, and Still Came Out Smiling…” In this book, she shares her experiences with child abuse and discusses its impact on her mental health, including her struggles with anxiety and depression.

Personal Life and Activism

In 1998, Rosie Perez married playwright and filmmaker Seth Zvi Rosenfeld; they divorced in 2001. In 2013, she married artist Eric Haze in Las Vegas, the night after the two attended a boxing match at the MGM Grand Hotel. They reside in Brooklyn’s Clinton Hill neighborhood. Perez is a dedicated advocate for Puerto Rican rights, disease prevention, and social equality. In 2000, she participated in a rally in Manhattan to protest US Navy weapons training on an island off the coast of Puerto Rico. She also directed and starred in “Join the Fight,” a Spanish PSA campaign against AIDS. In 2010, Barack Obama appointed her to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, she serves as the chair of the artistic board of Urban Arts Partnership, an arts education nonprofit based in New York City. Rosie Perez’s net worth of $12 million is a result of her dedication to her craft and her commitment to making a difference in the world.

Choreography Career

Rosie Perez’s impact on the entertainment industry extends beyond acting; she is also a renowned choreographer. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, she choreographed music videos and concerts for some of the biggest names in music, including Janet Jackson, Bobby Brown, and LL Cool J. Her work on Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814 tour helped to solidify Jackson’s status as a pop icon and set a new standard for concert choreography. Perez’s choreography for Bobby Brown’s “My Prerogative” music video was equally influential, blending street style with high-energy dance moves. One of her most significant contributions to the world of dance was her work as the choreographer for the Fly Girls on the hit television series “In Living Color.” The Fly Girls were a diverse group of dancers who brought a unique blend of hip-hop, street, and contemporary dance styles to the show. Perez’s choreography for the Fly Girls was innovative and groundbreaking, and it helped to launch the careers of several notable dancers, including Jennifer Lopez, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Laurieann Gibson. Her choreography career has not only contributed to her net worth of $12 million, but has also left a lasting impact on the world of dance and entertainment.

Real Estate Investments and Assets

While specific details of Rosie Perez’s real estate holdings are not publicly available, it is known that she and her husband, artist Eric Haze, reside in the Clinton Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Clinton Hill is a vibrant and historic neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets, brownstone houses, and thriving arts scene. It is home to a diverse community of artists, writers, and professionals, and it offers a mix of residential and commercial properties. Rosie Perez’s choice to live in Clinton Hill reflects her commitment to supporting the arts and her desire to be part of a creative and diverse community. While the exact value of her Brooklyn home is not known, real estate prices in Clinton Hill are relatively high, with brownstones and apartments commanding significant sums. It is likely that her home represents a substantial asset within her overall net worth of $12 million. In addition to her primary residence, Rosie Perez may have other real estate investments or assets that contribute to her financial portfolio. However, these details are not publicly available, and it is not possible to provide a comprehensive overview of her real estate holdings.

Personal Investments and Philanthropy

While specific details regarding Rosie Perez’s personal investments are not publicly available, it is known that she is a strong advocate for Puerto Rican rights, disease prevention, and social equality. Her commitment to these causes suggests that she may have made financial contributions to organizations and initiatives that support these goals. In 2000, she participated in a rally in Manhattan to protest US Navy weapons training on an island off the coast of Puerto Rico. Her involvement in this protest demonstrates her willingness to use her platform to raise awareness about important social and political issues. She also directed and starred in “Join the Fight,” a Spanish PSA campaign against AIDS. Her work on this campaign reflects her commitment to promoting public health and preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS. In 2010, Barack Obama appointed her to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. Her appointment to this council highlights her expertise and dedication to addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Furthermore, she serves as the chair of the artistic board of Urban Arts Partnership, an arts education nonprofit based in New York City. Her involvement with this organization reflects her commitment to supporting arts education and providing opportunities for young people to express their creativity. While the specific amounts of her financial contributions to these causes are not known, it is clear that Rosie Perez is committed to using her resources and influence to make a positive impact on the world. Her philanthropic activities and social activism are an important part of her overall persona and legacy, and they contribute to her reputation as a compassionate and engaged citizen.

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