African-Americans have been doing great in Hollywood scene with excellent and remarkable performances. They are not only among the best in the business but among the most talented. Actor Michael Ealy is one in what seems to be a very long list of successful actors in Hollywood. Prominent for his role in Fast & Furious 2, Barber Shop, About Last night and more, the actor is one of the most sought-after stars in the industry. Read his full story below.
Michael Ealy’s Bio
Just like his Fast & Furious co-star Laz Alonzo, Michael was born in Washington DC. His birth name was Michael Brown but he is professionally Michael Ealy. His ethnic ancestry is African-American and he is American by nationality. Growing up, Michael lived in Silver Spring Maryland, United States. He had his high education in Spring High School and had his tertiary education in the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland.
Does He Have A Brother?
The actor was raised by his mother who worked for International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) and his father who served in the grocery business. No much details about his family background, childhood days, family members and siblings could be found as Michael is known to b uptight when it comes to revealing things concerning his personal life.
Facts About His Wife, Son and Daughter
Michael Ealy has tried as much as possible to stay away from relationship dramas that come with fame. Despite this, the star has some past relationships. He once dated American actress, author and singer Taraji P. Henson and also his co-star in Their Eyes Were Watching God, Halle Berry from 2004 to 2005. He had also dated rap singer, Eve before he got married to his wife.
The actor married Khatira Rafqzada since 2012. The Secrets and Lies actor dated his wife, Khatira for four years before their marriage. Together, they have a son named Elijah and a daughter whom they recently welcomed. As mentioned earlier, Michael has a protective love for his family and kids. For this reason, he keeps things about them under the radar.
What To Know About His Career
Michael Ealy began his acting career in the late 1990s after he moved to New York. His debut was performances in several off-Broadway stage productions. Then roles in Bad Company and Kissing Jessica Stein followed. His role in Barbershop in 2002 skyrocketed him to prominence. In 2013, he starred in the second part of American action film series Fast& Furious as Slapjack.
He also played a part in Never Die Alone and repeated his Barber Shop role two years later in the sequel of the film (Barbershop 2: Back in Business). As his fame grew at rapid rates, he drew the attention of Mariah Carey who considered him for the music video of her hit single Get Your Number, a track from her 2005 album The Emancipation of Mimi.
This caused more big names to take notice of him including the media mogul Oprah Winfrey’s who included him in her TV film version of Their Eyes Were Watching God along with Academy Award-winning actress Halley Berry.
Since then, Michael has starred in over 35 movies and television shows including the following – Miracle at St. Anna Sgt Cummings (2008), The People Speak Himself (2009), Takers (2010), Takers Jake Attica (2010), Margaret Dave the Lawyer (2011), Think Like A Man Too (2014), The Perfect Guy (2015), Underworld: Awakening Detective Sebastian (2012), and numerous others. His recent works include Jacob’s Ladder, Being Mary Jane, and Secrets and Lies.
Michael Ealy also starred in Mark Banning’s movie Jellysmoke and also became a regular face on Sleeper Cell, a Showtime TV series.
Other achievements include; winning the best supporting role in the movie Colored Girls in 2010 and a black reel award in 2005 for Their Eyes Were Watching God. He had also been awarded best performance actor and has been nominated for the award of Golden Globe in 2007.
What Is His Net Worth?
Michael has grown his wealth from working as a waiter to becoming one of the popular stars in Hollywood. Apparently, his struggles over the years have paid off for the attractive salary he earns. Currently, the actor’s net worth is estimated at $3 million.
How Tall Is He?
Michael is 5 feet 10 inches and is noticeably taller than most actors including Sylvester Stallone who despite being a “tough guy” in most of his movies is only 5 feet 7 inches. Plus, he has an athletic body weight (167.5lbs or 76kg) that matches his height perfectly. Other physical charms he possesses include dark brown hair and eyes.