Overview

Zulay Henao (born March 22, 1979) is a Colombian-American film and television actress. She was born in Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia, and later emigrated to New Jersey with her family. After high school, Henao served three years in the U.S. Army. Following her military service, she pursued her passion for acting at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. Henao initiated her acting career in the 2005 independent film ‘Film 101’. She has since appeared in various films and television series, securing series regular roles in ‘Love Thy Neighbor’ (2013) and ‘If Loving You Is Wrong’ (2014–2020). She also had a recurring role in ‘The Oath’ (2019). Some of her film credits include ‘Feel the Noise’ (2007), ‘Fighting’ (2009), ‘Takers’ (2010), and ‘The Single Moms Club’ (2014).

What Is Zulay Henao’s Net Worth?

Zulay Henao, a Colombian-American actress renowned for her roles in both film and television, has established a noteworthy presence in the entertainment industry. As of 2025, Zulay Henao’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. This financial standing reflects her diverse acting career, encompassing roles in films like “Fighting” and television series such as “If Loving You Is Wrong,” and the accumulation of assets and financial investments.

Early Career and Acting Roles Contributing to Zulay Henao’s Net Worth

Zulay Henao’s journey into acting began after her service in the U.S. Army for three years. Following her military service, she pursued formal training at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, a decision that proved pivotal in shaping her career trajectory. Her early acting credits include appearances in “Film 101” and “Clearview” in 2005, marking the initial steps in her professional acting career. In 2007, Zulay secured guest-starring roles in television series such as “Army Wives” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” broadening her exposure and laying the foundation for future opportunities. These early roles provided invaluable experience and contributed to her growing presence in the industry.

The subsequent years saw Zulay Henao actively involved in various film and television projects. Notable film appearances include roles in “Illegal Tender” (2007), “Feel the Noise” (2007), and “Grizzly Park” (2008), which allowed her to showcase her acting abilities in diverse genres. In 2009, she starred in “Fighting,” alongside prominent actors like Channing Tatum and Terrence Howard. This project offered increased visibility and exposure, further enhancing her reputation as a versatile actress. Additionally, Zulay ventured into television with guest-starring roles in “Fear Itself” (2008) and “The Unusuals” (2009), diversifying her portfolio and reaching wider audiences.

In 2010, Zulay Henao took on a significant role in the film “Takers,” alongside established actors such as Matt Dillon, Paul Walker, and Idris Elba. This film garnered nominations for Best Movie at the BET Awards and Best Ensemble at the Black Reel Awards, underscoring its impact and Zulay’s contribution to its success. Her involvement in “Takers” significantly boosted her profile and opened doors to more prominent roles in the industry. The following year, Zulay expanded her repertoire with appearances in “Boy Wonder,” “Havana Heat,” and “Hostel: Part III,” demonstrating her versatility and commitment to exploring different genres. These diverse roles and projects further contributed to Zulay Henao’s net worth and solidified her position as a working actress in Hollywood.

Breakthrough Roles and Continued Success Enhancing Zulay Henao’s Net Worth

In 2013, Zulay Henao landed a starring role as Marianna Perez in the Oprah Winfrey Network sitcom “Love Thy Neighbor,” created by Tyler Perry. This role marked a turning point in her career, offering greater visibility and recognition among audiences. The series, a spin-off of Perry’s Madea series, provided Zulay with a consistent platform to showcase her comedic talents and establish herself as a leading actress. The following year, Zulay continued her collaboration with Tyler Perry, taking on the role of Esperanza in both the film “The Single Moms Club” and the television adaptation “If Loving You Is Wrong,” which also aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network. These roles further solidified her presence in the industry and expanded her fanbase.

Throughout the mid-2010s, Zulay Henao maintained a steady stream of film and television projects, contributing to her continuous growth as an actress and adding to Zulay Henao’s net worth. She appeared in films such as “White Space” (2014), “Destined” (2015), and “True Memoirs of an International Assassin” (2016), showcasing her ability to adapt to different genres and characters. In 2016, she played Lorena Black in “Meet the Blacks,” a role she reprised in “The House Next Door: Meet the Blacks 2” (2021). These projects, while varying in scale and genre, collectively contributed to her consistent presence in the industry and helped maintain her visibility among audiences and industry professionals. Furthermore, her recurring role as Carmen Velasquez in Crackle’s “The Oath” in 2019 added another dimension to her acting portfolio, demonstrating her range and versatility.

In addition to her film and television work, Zulay Henao also made guest appearances on various television series, further expanding her reach and audience. She appeared in episodes of “MacGyver” (2017), “Kevin Can Wait” (2018), “Star” (2019), and “Stumptown” (2019), showcasing her ability to seamlessly integrate into established series and contribute to their storylines. These guest appearances not only provided additional income but also allowed her to network with other industry professionals and explore new opportunities. Her diverse acting roles in both film and television, coupled with her consistent work ethic, have played a significant role in Zulay Henao’s net worth and solidifying her position as a respected actress in the entertainment industry.

Recent Projects and Future Prospects Impacting Zulay Henao’s Net Worth

Zulay Henao continues to actively pursue acting opportunities in both film and television, demonstrating her commitment to her craft and contributing to her ongoing financial success. While specific details of her most recent projects may not be publicly available, her track record suggests a continued involvement in diverse roles and genres. Her past success in both film and television positions her well for future opportunities, whether in leading roles, supporting characters, or guest appearances. Her established reputation and versatility make her a sought-after actress in the industry, increasing her chances of securing lucrative projects and further growing Zulay Henao’s net worth.

Beyond acting, Zulay Henao has also explored other avenues within the entertainment industry, such as producing. In 2021, she produced the short film “When Devils Play,” showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and expanding her skillset beyond acting. This foray into producing not only demonstrates her versatility but also provides additional income streams and opportunities for creative control. As she continues to develop her career, Zulay may explore other aspects of filmmaking, such as directing or writing, further diversifying her income and influence in the industry.

Looking ahead, Zulay Henao’s career trajectory suggests continued success and financial growth. Her established presence in the industry, coupled with her talent, versatility, and entrepreneurial spirit, positions her well for future opportunities. As she takes on new projects and explores different avenues within the entertainment industry, Zulay Henao’s net worth is expected to continue to rise, reflecting her ongoing contributions and achievements.

Personal Life and Relationship

Since 2019, Zulay Henao has been in a relationship with former “Entourage” star Kevin Connolly. The couple welcomed a daughter, Kennedy Cruz, in June 2021.

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