Tia Mowry Biography: Age, Height, Ex-Husband Cory Hardrict, Boyfriend Javone Williams, Children, Net Worth & 2026 Updates
Tia Mowry is the American actress, author and entrepreneur who rose to fame as one half of the iconic Mowry twin duo on the hit 1990s sitcom Sister, Sister and later became a TV star in her own right as Melanie Barnett on BET’s The Game. At 48, Mowry is in a major personal and professional chapter: she hard-launched her new relationship with Javone Williams in May 2026 — three years after divorcing actor Cory Hardrict — stars in the 2026 TV film Single Black Tenant, and continues to build her business empire with her 4u by Tia haircare line and cookbook brand. She remains one of the most recognizable faces in American television, more than 30 years after her career began.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Tia Dashon Mowry |
| Nick Name | Tia |
| Profession | Actress, Author, Entrepreneur, Television Personality, Producer |
| Birth Date | July 6, 1978 |
| Age | 48 years 3 months old |
| Birth Place | Gelnhausen, Hesse, West Germany (born on a U.S. military base) |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Sister, Sister (1994–1999) as Tia Landry; The Game (2006–2015) as Melanie Barnett; Twitches; Family Reunion |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (African American, Irish, English) |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 121 lb (55 kg) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Qualification | BS in Psychology, Pepperdine University (studied abroad in Florence, Italy, 2001) |
| Marital Status | Divorced (from Cory Hardrict, 2008–2023); in a relationship with Javone Williams (since 2026) |
| Children | Two — Cree Taylor Hardrict (born June 28, 2011) and Cairo Hardrict (born May 5, 2018) |
| Family | Twin sister Tamera Mowry-Housley (actress/host); brothers Tahj Mowry and Tavior Mowry; parents Timothy and Darlene Mowry |
| Hobbies | Cooking, fitness, interior design, writing, basketball (coaches a celebrity league team) |
| Current Work | Acting (Single Black Tenant, 2026); entrepreneur (4u by Tia haircare); author; podcast host |
| Years Active | 1990–present (36 years) |
| Religion | Christian |
| Net Worth | Estimated $4 million (reported) |
In the landscape of 1990s teen television, Tia Mowry stands alongside her twin sister Tamera Mowry, Raven-Symoné, Kirstie Alley and Taj Mowry as one of the defining faces of a generation. Her decades-long career spans sitcoms, dramas, reality TV, cookbooks, podcasting and entrepreneurship — a versatility that has kept her relevant across three decades of changing media.
Early Life & Education
Tia Dashon Mowry was born on July 6, 1978, in Gelnhausen, Hesse, West Germany, at a U.S. military base. Her father, Timothy John Mowry, was serving in the U.S. Army at the time; her mother, Darlene Renée Mowry, worked as a security guard. Tia is the eldest of four children — her identical twin sister Tamera was born two minutes later, and they have two younger brothers, Tahj (also an actor, known for Smart Guy) and Tavior.
The family relocated to Harvard, California (later settling in the Los Angeles area) when the twins were young, to support their performing ambitions. Tia attended Birmingham High School in Van Nuys, California, and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Pepperdine University, spending the summer of 2001 studying abroad at Pepperdine’s Italian campus in Florence. She and Tamera began entering talent shows and performing competitions as children, booking their first professional roles by the early 1990s.
Career Journey
Sister, Sister and Disney Fame (1994–2000)
Tia’s breakout came in 1994 when she was cast as Tia Landry on the ABC/WB sitcom Sister, Sister, which she co-starred in with her twin sister Tamera. The show — about twin sisters separated at birth who reunite as teenagers — ran for six seasons (1994–1999) and became a cultural phenomenon. During this era, Tia also starred in Disney Channel original movies Twitches (2005) and Twitches Too (2007) alongside Tamera, and appeared in the film Seventeen Again (2000).
The Game and Adult Stardom (2006–2015)
After Sister, Sister ended, Tia successfully transitioned to adult roles. Her most significant post-twins role was as Melanie Barnett on the BET sports drama The Game, which she starred in for five seasons beginning in 2006. The role earned her Teen Choice and NAACP Image Award nominations. She left the show in 2012 to focus on other projects.
During this period, Tia also:
- Published her first book, Oh, Baby: Pregnancy Tales and Advice from One Hot Mama to Another (2012)
- Starred in the NickMom series Instant Mom (2013–2015)
- Hosted the Cooking Channel series Tia Mowry at Home (2015–2017)
- Launched a podcast on PodcastOne called Mostly Mom with Aunt Mowry (2016)
Netflix, Books and Business (2019–2023)
From 2019 to 2022, Tia starred as Cocoa McKellan on the Netflix family comedy Family Reunion, which was nominated for Outstanding Children’s Program at the NAACP Image Awards three consecutive years — winning in 2020 and 2021. She released her second cookbook, The Quick Fix Kitchen, in September 2021, and partnered with Gibson to launch a homeware collection called Spice! by Tia Mowry in 2021. In 2023, she launched her haircare line, 4u by Tia.
Reality TV and New Chapters (2024–2026)
In October 2024, Tia debuted her WE tv reality series Tia Mowry: My Next Act, documenting her life after divorce — co-parenting, rediscovering herself and navigating new beginnings. In 2026, she starred in the TV film Single Black Tenant as Esme Williams. Her personal life also made headlines when she hard-launched her relationship with Javone Williams on Instagram in May 2026, following months of teasing a new romance.
Career Stats
- TV Series: Sister, Sister (6 seasons), The Game (5 seasons), Instant Mom, Family Reunion (3 seasons), Tia Mowry: My Next Act
- Films: Seventeen Again, Twitches, Twitches Too, The Hot Chick, Single Black Tenant (2026)
- Books: Oh, Baby (2012), The Quick Fix Kitchen (2021)
- Businesses: 4u by Tia (haircare, launched 2023); Spice! by Tia Mowry (homeware with Gibson, 2021)
- Awards: NAACP Image Award winner (Family Reunion, 2020 & 2021); Teen Choice and NAACP Image Award nominations
Personal Life
- Current relationship: Dating Javone Williams — hard-launched on Instagram in May 2026, three years after her divorce
- Ex-husband: Cory Hardrict — actor; married April 20, 2008; separated October 2022; divorce finalized April 2023 (14 years of marriage)
- Children: Cree Taylor Hardrict (born June 28, 2011) and Cairo Hardrict (born May 5, 2018) — joint physical and legal custody with Hardrict
- Twin sister: Tamera Mowry-Housley — actress and TV host (married to Adam Housley since 2011; they have two children, Aden and Ariah)
- Custody update (July 2026): Modified custody agreement — neither parent enters the other’s home except by invitation or scheduled exchange; Hardrict drops off kids by 9 p.m. during custody switches
- Sister relationship: Tia has spoken openly about growing apart from Tamera after her divorce: “We have different lives now” — Tamera lives in Napa, California
Relationships and Dating History
Tia met Cory Hardrict in 1999 on the set of the film Hollywood Horror. Their relationship was initially platonic before turning romantic, and they married on April 20, 2008. After 14 years of marriage, they announced their separation in October 2022, citing irreconcilable differences; the divorce was finalized in April 2023. Tia has said Hardrict was “my first everything” — she lost her virginity to him at age 25. Following the divorce, she spent a prolonged period of solitude focused on self-discovery before entering a new relationship. In March 2026, she told People she “manifested” her new romance after learning to be intentional about dating. In May 2026, she hard-launched boyfriend Javone Williams in a photo dump from a vacation at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, Mexico. She has said she is “very happy” and “at peace.”
Controversies
Tia Mowry’s career has been largely free of major scandals, but she has addressed several public controversies head-on:
- “Single mom” backlash (July 2025): Tia faced criticism after calling herself a “single mom.” She responded on Instagram: “Being a ‘single mom’ doesn’t always mean a mom doing it all alone without the father present in their kids’ lives… For me, in my household, I am SINGLE. I don’t have a partner, so I’m holding it down for everyone at home. I’m the only parent present day to day.”
- Divorce from Cory Hardrict (2022–2023): The split after 14 years generated significant media attention, with public speculation about reconciliation rumors throughout 2025–2026 — including a February 2026 Instagram photo fans believed showed Hardrict’s ring. Tia clarified she was dating someone new.
- Weight loss and health: Tia has spoken openly about her health journey, clarifying it was about well-being rather than trends.
- Twin sister estrangement: On Tia Mowry: My Next Act, Tia revealed that distance from Tamera was “the most challenging part of my divorce” — a candid admission that drew both sympathy and scrutiny.
Awards & Achievements
- NAACP Image Award winner: Outstanding Children’s Program (Family Reunion, 2020 and 2021)
- Teen Choice Award nomination: For The Game
- NAACP Image Award nomination: Best Actress in a Comedy (The Game)
- Bestselling author: Two books — Oh, Baby (2012) and The Quick Fix Kitchen (2021)
- Entrepreneur: Founder of 4u by Tia haircare line (2023) and Spice! by Tia Mowry homeware collection (2021)
- 36-year career: Active in entertainment since 1990 — one of the longest-running child-star-to-adult-success stories in Hollywood
Physical Statistics
- Height: 5 ft 5 in (165 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 121 lb (55 kg)
- Hair Color: Black
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
- Build: Athletic and toned — an avid fitness enthusiast who coaches a celebrity basketball team
Quotes
“I have always been honest with my fans, and today is no different. I wanted to share that Cory and I have decided to go our separate ways. These decisions are never easy, and not without sadness.”
Tia Mowry on her divorce from Cory Hardrict, Instagram (October 2022)
“I’ve been in a place of solitude for a very long time, and there, I was really able to learn who I am, what it was that I wanted, and what it was that I needed. And I manifested this. I really did.”
Tia Mowry on her new relationship, People interview (March 2026)
Favorites
- Favorite City: Los Angeles, California — where she built her career
- Favorite Role: Melanie Barnett on The Game — the role that proved she could thrive beyond her twin-sister image
- Favorite Food: Healthy home-cooked meals — she is a trained cook and published two cookbooks
- Favorite Hobby: Basketball — she coaches the Entertainment Basketball League celebrity team’s Atlanta squad
- Favorite Quote: “It’s okay to chase your joy. It’s okay to live your truth.”
Earnings
Net worth: estimated $4 million. Tia’s wealth comes from decades of acting paychecks (Sister, Sister, The Game, Family Reunion), book royalties from two cookbooks, her 4u by Tia haircare line, the Spice! homeware collection, podcast income, reality-TV earnings and brand partnerships. Her peak earning years were during The Game and Family Reunion.
- Acting: Six seasons of Sister, Sister; five seasons of The Game; three seasons of Netflix’s Family Reunion
- Books: Oh, Baby (2012) and The Quick Fix Kitchen (2021) — both successful releases
- Business ventures: 4u by Tia (haircare, 2023); Spice! by Tia Mowry (homeware with Gibson, 2021)
- Reality TV: Tia Mowry: My Next Act (WE tv, 2024); Tia & Tamera (Style Network, 2011–2013)
Interesting Facts
- She was born on a U.S. military base in West Germany — her father was serving in the Army at the time.
- Her twin sister Tamera was born two minutes after her — the two have been performing together since childhood.
- She earned a BS in Psychology from Pepperdine University and studied abroad in Florence, Italy, in 2001.
- She and Cory Hardrict were together for 22 years total (1999–2022) — she lost her virginity to him at age 25.
- She coaches the Atlanta team of the Entertainment Basketball League celebrity squad.
- Her cookbook The Quick Fix Kitchen includes “mealtime hacks, tips to bring joy and balance to the kitchen” — reflecting her philosophy of practical family wellness.
Did You Know Already?
- Did you know Tia Mowry was born in West Germany on a U.S. military base — not in the United States?
- Did you know her twin sister is Tamera Mowry (not “Kyra”) — and Tamera was born two minutes after her?
- Did you know she and Cory Hardrict were together for 22 years before their 2023 divorce?
- Did you know she hard-launched her new boyfriend Javone Williams on Instagram in May 2026, three years after her divorce?
- Did you know she has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Pepperdine University?
Social Media Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How old is Tia Mowry?
A1: Tia Mowry is 48 years 3 months old — she was born on July 6, 1978, in Gelnhausen, West Germany.
Q2: Who is Tia Mowry’s husband?
A2: Tia Mowry is not currently married. She was married to actor Cory Hardrict from 2008 until their divorce was finalized in April 2023. As of 2026, she is in a relationship with Javone Williams, which she hard-launched publicly in May 2026.
Q3: What is Tia Mowry’s net worth?
A3: Tia Mowry’s net worth is estimated at approximately $4 million, earned from acting, two bestselling cookbooks, her 4u by Tia haircare line, reality TV and brand partnerships.
Q4: What is Tia Mowry’s most famous role?
A4: She is best known for playing Tia Landry on the hit sitcom Sister, Sister (1994–1999) and Melanie Barnett on BET’s The Game (2006–2015).
Q5: Does Tia Mowry have children?
A5: Yes — Tia has two children with ex-husband Cory Hardrict: son Cree (born June 28, 2011) and daughter Cairo (born May 5, 2018). They share joint physical and legal custody.
Q6: Is Tia Mowry still close with her twin sister Tamera?
A6: Tia has spoken candidly about growing apart from Tamera following her divorce, saying on Tia Mowry: My Next Act that the distance was “the most challenging part of my divorce.” Tamera lives in Napa, California, with her family. Tia has said: “We have different lives now.”
Conclusion
Tia Mowry’s story is one of resilience, reinvention and authenticity — from a military-base childhood in Germany to teen stardom on Sister, Sister, from BET’s The Game to Netflix’s Family Reunion, from a 14-year marriage to a hard-won new chapter of love and independence. At 48, she is raising two children, building businesses, starring in new projects and — by her own account — happier than she has ever been. Her journey from child star to single mom to empowered entrepreneur continues to inspire millions of fans who grew up with her. If you found this biography helpful, please share it with fellow Sister, Sister and The Game fans!
