Tim Reid Net Worth

What is Tim Reid's net worth?

Tim Reid is an American actor, comedian, and director who has a net worth of $2 million. Best known for his roles on the sitcoms "WKRP in Cincinnati," "Frank's Place," and "Sister, Sister," Reid has been a consistent presence in American entertainment since the 1970s. Over the years, he has earned a reputation for breaking racial barriers in Hollywood, portraying intelligent, dignified, and multidimensional Black characters at a time when such roles were still rare. Beyond acting, Reid has been a pioneering force behind the camera, co-founding one of the first Black-owned film studios in the United States and devoting much of his career to promoting diversity and opportunity in media production.

Early Life and Education

Timothy Lee Reid was born on December 19, 1944, in Norfolk, Virginia. He was raised in a working-class family and learned the values of perseverance and education early on. Reid attended Norfolk State College (now Norfolk State University), where he earned a degree in business administration. After graduating, he worked for DuPont as a marketing representative, but his interest in performing and comedy began to take shape in his spare time.

Early Career and The Comedy Duo "Tim and Tom"

Reid's entertainment career began when he teamed up with Tom Dreesen to form the stand-up comedy duo "Tim and Tom" in the late 1960s. The pair became one of the first—and few—biracial comedy teams in America, performing in clubs across the country during a period of significant racial tension. Their act tackled race relations and cultural differences with humor and empathy, breaking barriers in both the comedy circuit and mainstream entertainment.

Though their partnership eventually ended, their groundbreaking collaboration was later chronicled in the 2008 documentary "Tim and Tom: An American Comedy in Black and White." The experience deeply influenced Reid's later work, particularly his commitment to creating television that reflected real life with honesty and nuance.

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Television Success

Reid's acting career took off in the late 1970s when he was cast as the smooth, sharp-witted disc jockey Venus Flytrap on "WKRP in Cincinnati." Airing from 1978 to 1982, the series became a cult classic, and Reid's portrayal of a stylish, thoughtful radio host helped redefine how African American characters could be depicted on network television.

In the mid-1980s, Reid co-created and starred in the CBS series "Frank's Place," a dramedy set in New Orleans that earned critical acclaim for its sophisticated storytelling and cultural authenticity. Reid played Frank Parrish, a college professor who inherits a Creole restaurant and reconnects with his Southern roots. The show was praised for its writing and depth, earning Reid an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.

He continued to work steadily through the 1990s, appearing as Ray Campbell—the adoptive father of Tia and Tamera Mowry's characters—on the hit sitcom "Sister, Sister." The show, which ran from 1994 to 1999, introduced him to a new generation of viewers and solidified his reputation as one of television's most beloved father figures. Reid also appeared on shows such as "Simon & Simon," "That '70s Show," and "Touched by an Angel," as well as in films like "Gremlins" and "Harlem Nights."

Producing, Directing, and Entrepreneurship

In addition to his work in front of the camera, Reid made significant contributions as a producer, director, and advocate for Black ownership in entertainment. In 1997, he and his wife, actress Daphne Reid, founded New Millennium Studios in Petersburg, Virginia. The facility became one of the first full-service film studios in the United States owned and operated by African Americans. It hosted numerous film and television productions and helped bring movie industry jobs and training to the region.

Reid has also directed several television episodes and independent films, including "Once Upon a Time… When We Were Colored" (1995), an adaptation of Clifton Taulbert's memoir about growing up in the segregated South. The film earned critical praise for its sensitive portrayal of African American family life and history. Throughout his career, Reid has worked to expand the range of stories told on screen and to provide opportunities for underrepresented voices in the industry.

Personal Life and Legacy

Tim Reid married actress and model Daphne Maxwell Reid in 1982, and the couple has remained one of Hollywood's most admired long-term partnerships. Together, they have collaborated on numerous creative projects, including television productions and community initiatives aimed at nurturing young filmmakers and artists.

Beyond entertainment, Reid is known for his activism and philanthropy. He has supported educational programs, arts organizations, and efforts to increase diversity in media. He has also taught master classes and spoken at universities about storytelling, cultural representation, and the importance of creative ownership.

Tim Reid's legacy is defined by both artistic excellence and social impact. As one of the first African American actors to transition from comedy into serious dramatic work and independent production, he helped open doors for countless others. Whether as a performer, producer, or mentor, Reid has consistently used his platform to challenge stereotypes and inspire change, earning his place as one of the most respected and influential figures in modern American television.

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