Gabrielle Union Biography: Age, Net Worth, Career, Family, Lifestyle & More (2025 Update) in 2025

Gabrielle Union is a celebrated American actress, author, and activist renowned for her dynamic roles in film and television, as well as her advocacy for social justice. Known for her performances in Bring It On, Being Mary Jane, and L.A.’s Finest, she continues to inspire audiences worldwide with her talent, resilience, and commitment to empowering others.

Quick Facts

Full Name	Gabrielle Monique Union-Wade
Nickname	Gabby
Profession / Occupation	Actress, Author, Activist
Birth Date	October 29, 1972
Age	52 (as of September 2025)
Birth Place	Omaha, Nebraska, USA
Nationality	American
Famous For	Acting, Activism
Known For	Bring It On, Being Mary Jane, L.A.’s Finest
Ethnicity	African-American
Zodiac Sign	Scorpio
Height & Weight	5 ft 7 in (170 cm), Approx. 57 kg (126 lbs)
Hair Color	Black
Eye Color	Dark Brown
Education	University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Religion	Christian
Marital Status/Spouse	Married to Dwyane Wade
Children	Kaavia James Union Wade (daughter), stepchildren
Relatives	Stepchildren: Zaire, Zaya, Xavier Wade
Hobbies	Reading, Traveling, Philanthropy, Fitness
Employer/Organization	Self-employed (Actress, Author), Flawless by Gabrielle Union (Founder)
Years Active	1993–present
Net Worth (Estimated)	$45 million (as of 2025)

Early Life & Education

Gabrielle Union was born on October 29, 1972, in Omaha, Nebraska. Raised in a supportive family, she moved to Pleasanton, California during her youth. Union attended Foothill High School, where she was an active student and athlete. She later enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), earning a degree in sociology. Her early interests included sports, especially soccer and basketball, as well as public speaking and writing. Union’s upbringing fostered a strong sense of confidence and advocacy, which would later define both her career and personal life.

Career Journey

Beginnings

Gabrielle Union’s career began in the early 1990s with small roles in television sitcoms such as Family Matters and Saved by the Bell. Her breakthrough came with a recurring role on 7th Heaven and a memorable appearance in She’s All That (1999).

Major Milestones & Breakthrough

2000: Starred as Isis in the hit teen comedy Bring It On, earning widespread recognition.
2003: Featured in Bad Boys II alongside Will Smith and Martin Lawrence.
2007: Led the cast in Daddy’s Little Girls and appeared in Deliver Us from Eva.
2013–2019: Headlined BET’s acclaimed drama Being Mary Jane, receiving critical acclaim for her portrayal of Mary Jane Paul.
2019–2020: Starred in and executive produced L.A.’s Finest with Jessica Alba.
Author: Published bestselling memoirs We’re Going to Need More Wine (2017) and You Got Anything Stronger? (2021).
Activism: Vocal advocate for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and survivors of sexual assault.

Recent Projects & Current Position

Continues to act in films and TV series, including The Inspection (2022) and various streaming projects.
Runs her haircare brand, Flawless by Gabrielle Union.
Active in philanthropy and social justice campaigns nationwide.

Personal Life

Gabrielle Union married NBA superstar Dwyane Wade in 2014. The couple shares a daughter, Kaavia James Union Wade, born in 2018 via surrogate, and Union is a loving stepmother to Wade’s children from previous relationships. She is passionate about fitness, reading, and advocating for marginalized communities. Union is also known for her candidness about infertility struggles and her openness regarding mental health.

Awards & Achievements

NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special (Being Mary Jane)
BET Award for Best Actress
Black Reel Award for Television
GLAAD Excellence in Media Award
Multiple Teen Choice Award nominations
Listed in TIME’s 100 Most Influential People (2020)

Physical Statistics

Height: 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
Weight: Approx. 57 kg (126 lbs)
Body Measurements: 34-24-36 inches (approximate)
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Hair Color: Black
Shoe Size: US 10
Dress Size: US 4
Sexuality: Straight

Quotes

“Don’t let anyone steal your joy.”

“Your story is yours to tell. Don’t let anyone else write it for you.”

“Success is not about how high you have climbed, but how you make a positive difference to the world.”

Controversies

Gabrielle Union made headlines in 2019 after her departure from America’s Got Talent, citing a toxic work environment and advocating for workplace diversity and inclusion. Her openness about her experiences sparked industry-wide conversations about representation and fair treatment in Hollywood. Union has also been candid about her personal journey with fertility and surrogacy, which has furthered public discourse on women’s health.

Favorites

Favorite Food: Soul food, tacos, and sushi
Favorite Movie: Love & Basketball
Favorite Actor: Denzel Washington
Favorite Book: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Favorite Destination: Paris, France
Favorite Hobbies: Reading, traveling, fitness, philanthropy

Salary & Net Worth

As of 2025, Gabrielle Union’s estimated net worth is $45 million. Her income sources include acting salaries, book royalties, brand endorsements, and her entrepreneurial ventures like Flawless by Gabrielle Union. For her work on Being Mary Jane, she reportedly earned up to $150,000 per episode. Union’s diversified portfolio and business acumen have solidified her as one of Hollywood’s most successful multi-hyphenates.

Interesting Facts

Gabrielle Union is a survivor of sexual assault and has become a prominent advocate for victims’ rights.
She was a star athlete in high school, excelling in soccer and basketball.
Union is a bestselling author with two acclaimed memoirs.
She co-founded the haircare line Flawless by Gabrielle Union.
Union and her husband Dwyane Wade are vocal supporters of LGBTQ+ rights, especially for their daughter Zaya.
She is known for her witty and engaging social media presence.

Social Media Links

Instagram: @gabunion (over 22 million followers)
Twitter/X: @itsgabrielleu
Facebook: Gabrielle Union Official
LinkedIn: Gabrielle Union
YouTube: Gabrielle Union

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gabrielle Union’s age in 2025?
Gabrielle Union is 52 years old as of September 2025.
How did Gabrielle Union become famous?
She rose to fame after starring as Isis in the 2000 film Bring It On and has since appeared in numerous successful movies and TV shows.
What is Gabrielle Union’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is $45 million, thanks to her acting career, books, and business ventures.
Who is Gabrielle Union married to?
Gabrielle Union is married to NBA legend Dwyane Wade.
Does Gabrielle Union have children?
Yes, she has a daughter, Kaavia James Union Wade, and is a stepmother to Dwyane Wade’s children.
What causes does Gabrielle Union support?
She is an advocate for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ equality, racial justice, and survivors of sexual assault.

Conclusion

Gabrielle Union’s journey from Nebraska to Hollywood stardom is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and unwavering advocacy. Her impact extends beyond the screen, shaping conversations around equality, representation, and resilience. As she continues to break barriers, Gabrielle Union remains a role model for millions. Share this biography to inspire others with her story.

Sources: The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Forbes, People, BET, TIME, Los Angeles Times, IMDb, official social media accounts.