Boris Kodjoe Net Worth

Boris Kodjoe’s Net Worth: A Look at His Career and Life

Introduction

Boris Kodjoe is a multifaceted entertainer, celebrated for his work as an actor, model, and producer. This article delves into Boris Kodjoe’s net worth, exploring his career trajectory, from his early life to his current projects, while also examining his personal life and philanthropic endeavors.

Early Life and Education

Born Boris Frederic Cecil Tay-Natey Ofuatey-Kodjoe on March 8, 1973, in Vienna, Austria, Kodjoe’s diverse heritage has significantly shaped his identity. His mother, Ursula, was a German psychologist of Jewish descent, and his father, Eric Kodjoe, was a Ghanaian physician of the Ga-Adangbe people. His upbringing was marked by the cultural richness of his background, and his early life was spent near Freiburg in Breisgau, Germany. The family relocated to the United States later on, after his parents divorced when he was six. His full name reflects his rich heritage. Kodjoe’s mother had ancestors who were victims of the Holocaust.

He pursued higher education in the United States, attending Virginia Commonwealth University on a tennis scholarship. His athletic abilities were evident, as he was a four-year letterman on the tennis team and still holds records at the institution. He was lucky enough to attend university with his brother, who played basketball. A back injury ultimately ended his tennis aspirations, leading him to explore alternative career paths.

Modeling and Early Acting Career

After his tennis ambitions were cut short, Kodjoe transitioned into the world of entertainment. He began his career as a model, which soon opened doors to acting opportunities. His first significant appearance was in a 1995 music video for the popular group TLC, in “Red Light Special.” This early exposure helped to set the stage for his career.

The late 1990s and early 2000s saw Kodjoe booking guest roles on various television shows and landing minor roles in films. He appeared in an episode of “The Steve Harvey Show” in 1998 and “For Your Love” in 2000. The same year, he also made an appearance in the film “Love & Basketball,” which contributed to his growing recognition. These early roles helped him to gain experience and visibility in the industry.

Breakthrough Roles: Soul Food and Beyond

A significant turning point in Kodjoe’s career came with his role as Damon Carter in the Showtime series “Soul Food.” He became a series regular in 2000, and the role earned him widespread recognition. His performance in the series earned him an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, solidifying his status as a rising star.

During his tenure on “Soul Food,” Kodjoe was named one of “50 Most Beautiful People in the World” by People magazine in 2002, further highlighting his appeal. Concurrently, he appeared in the film “Brown Sugar” in 2002, where he played Kelby Dawson. His rising prominence led to roles in other shows such as “Boston Public,” “Street Time,” and “All of Us.”

Film and Television Success

Kodjoe continued to take on diverse roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor. From 2004 to 2005, he starred in the short-lived series “Second Time Around” alongside his former “Soul Food” co-star, Nicole Parker. The year 2005 saw him appearing as David Taylor in the film “The Gospel,” and in 2006, he had a role in “Madea’s Family Reunion.”

In 2007, Kodjoe appeared in the films “All About Us” and “Alice Upside Down,” with guest roles on “Crossing Jordan,” “Women’s Murder Club,” and “Nip/Tuck.” The following years brought roles in “Starship Troopers 3: Marauder” (2008) and “Surrogates” (2008). He would later star as Luther West in both “Resident Evil: Afterlife” (2010) and “Resident Evil: Retribution” (2012). During this time, he also had a recurring role in the series “Undercovers.” In 2012, he received a Black Reel Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “A Killer Among Us.”