What Is Sonja Sohn’s Net Worth?
Sonja Sohn, an American actress, activist, and filmmaker, has an estimated net worth of $500,000. Her net worth is primarily attributed to her acting career, particularly her role as Detective Shakima Greggs on HBO’s “The Wire,” as well as her other film and television appearances and her work as a filmmaker.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Sonja Denise Williams on May 9, 1964, in Fort Benning, Georgia, to a Korean mother and an African American father, Sonja Sohn’s early life played a significant role in shaping her artistic path. She attended Warwick High School in Newport News, Virginia. A pivotal moment arrived when her poetry performance at a public event caught the attention of American independent film producer and director Marc Levin, leading to her involvement in the film “Slam.”
In 1998, Sohn co-wrote and starred in the independent film “Slam,” playing teacher Lauren Bell. The film received prestigious awards, including the Grand Jury Prize for Dramatic Film at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival and the Camera d’Or Award for Best First Feature Film at the 1998 Cannes Film Festival. Sohn’s performance in “Slam” earned her nominations for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Debut Performance and a Gotham Award for Breakthrough Actor.
Film and Television Roles Contributing to Sonja Sohn’s Net Worth
Sonja Sohn’s acting career features a diverse range of roles, contributing to her net worth over the years. In 1999, she appeared as Kanita in Martin Scorsese’s horror film “Bringing Out the Dead.” The following year, she starred as Alice, alongside Samuel L. Jackson, in the crime thriller “Shaft.” In 2019, she starred as Myra in Steven Soderbergh’s sports drama “High Flying Bird.” In 2023, Sohn portrayed Nancy Foreman in the biographical sports drama “Big George Foreman” and Bonnie in the thriller “Breakwater.” While specific salary details for these roles are not publicly available, these roles have undoubtedly contributed to her overall net worth.
Sohn’s most notable role is that of Detective Shakima Greggs in the HBO crime drama “The Wire,” which aired from June 2, 2002, to March 9, 2008. The series, set in Baltimore, explored the impact of institutions on individuals. Sohn’s portrayal of the capable yet cynical lesbian detective earned her critical acclaim. While the specific salary per episode for Sohn is not publicly disclosed, the show’s popularity and critical acclaim likely resulted in a substantial contribution to her net worth over its five seasons. “The Wire” has consistently ranked among the best television shows of all time, further enhancing Sohn’s reputation and career opportunities.
Following “The Wire,” Sonja Sohn continued to secure roles in television series. She played Samantha Baker in the ABC medical/crime drama “Body of Proof,” which aired from March 29, 2011, to May 28, 2013. She has also appeared in episodes of “Cold Case,” “Brothers & Sisters,” “The Good Wife,” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” In 2016, she played Captain Betty Audrey in “Luke Cage” and Detective Gabriella in “Shut Eye.” She also appeared in “Star Trek: Discovery” and “Utopia.” More recently, Sohn plays Georgia Bureau of Investigation Deputy Director Amanda Wagner in the police procedural drama “Will Trent,” which premiered on January 3, 2023. Again, specific salary figures are not public, but these recurring and guest-starring roles have augmented her earnings and overall net worth.
Filmmaking and Activism
Sonja Sohn expanded her career beyond acting by creating, directing, and co-producing the 2017 HBO documentary “Baltimore Rising.” The film focuses on the death of Freddie Gray Jr. while in police custody. While the financial details of the documentary’s production and Sohn’s compensation are not publicly available, this project showcases her talent as a filmmaker and her commitment to social issues.
In addition to her artistic endeavors, Sonja Sohn founded Rewired for Change, a non-profit organization in Baltimore. The organization aims to empower at-risk youth to make better choices. While the financial details of Rewired for Change are not directly linked to Sohn’s personal net worth, her dedication to this initiative highlights her commitment to community activism and social change.
Personal Life Details
In 2003, Sonja Sohn married Australian musician and composer Adam Plack. The couple divorced in 2011. She has two children: Sophia and Sakira. In July 2019, Sohn was arrested in North Carolina on felony cocaine possession charges and misdemeanor charges for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The arrest occurred after a vehicle in which she was a passenger was searched. While this event is a part of her personal history, it does not directly impact the calculation of her net worth.