Teyonah Parris Net Worth

What is Teyonah Parris' Net Worth?

Teyonah Parris is an American actress who has a net worth of $4 million. Teyonah Parris has steadily risen through the ranks of Hollywood with standout performances in both independent films and blockbuster franchises. Known for her powerful screen presence, classical training, and commitment to meaningful storytelling, Parris made an early impression on television in AMC's "Mad Men" and has since become a recognizable figure in pop culture through her role as Monica Rambeau in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With credits that include "Dear White People," "Chi-Raq," "If Beale Street Could Talk," and "WandaVision," she has proven herself one of the most versatile and compelling actresses of her generation.

Early Life and Education

Teyonah Parris was born on September 22, 1987, in Hopkins, South Carolina. She attended Lower Richland High School before transferring to the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts & Humanities, a specialized public boarding school for gifted arts students. After high school, she enrolled at the Juilliard School in New York City, where she received classical training and honed her craft through rigorous study in acting, voice, and movement.

Early Career and Breakthrough Roles

Parris made her television debut in 2010 with a guest role on "The Good Wife." Her breakout came in 2012 when she joined the cast of "Mad Men" as Dawn Chambers, the first major Black character on the show. Her performance as the poised and ambitious secretary navigating race and gender in the 1960s workplace was widely praised.

In 2014, she starred as Coco Conners in the satirical film "Dear White People," which tackled issues of race and identity on a predominantly white college campus. The role showcased Parris's ability to balance vulnerability and sharp commentary, earning her widespread recognition.

She followed that success with the lead role in Spike Lee's "Chi-Raq" in 2015, playing Lysistrata in a modern-day retelling of the classic Greek comedy. The film addressed gang violence in Chicago and marked Parris's first major starring role in a feature film.

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Film Highlights

Throughout the late 2010s, Parris continued to build an impressive filmography. In Barry Jenkins's "If Beale Street Could Talk," she portrayed Ernestine Rivers, the protective and strong-willed sister of the main character. She earned critical acclaim for bringing depth and dignity to a supporting role in the Oscar-winning adaptation of James Baldwin's novel.

In 2021, she starred in the Jordan Peele-produced horror film "Candyman," playing Brianna Cartwright, an art gallery director caught in the haunting mythology of the infamous supernatural killer. The film was a commercial success and further cemented her as a leading actress capable of carrying complex and socially conscious genre films.

Parris also appeared in the sci-fi comedy "They Cloned Tyrone" in 2023, alongside Jamie Foxx and John Boyega, playing the bold and witty character Yo-Yo. The film received strong reviews for its satirical take on government conspiracies and cultural identity.

Marvel Cinematic Universe

Parris made her Marvel debut as Monica Rambeau in the Disney+ series "WandaVision," which premiered in 2021. Her character, the grown-up daughter of Maria Rambeau from "Captain Marvel," became a fan favorite for her emotional depth and eventual transformation into a superhero with energy-based powers. The role introduced Parris to a global audience and showcased her ability to lead in high-concept, visually ambitious storytelling.

She reprised the role in the 2023 theatrical release "The Marvels," sharing the screen with Brie Larson and Iman Vellani. The film expanded Monica Rambeau's storyline and confirmed Parris's place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a central figure moving forward.

(Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic)

Entrepreneurship and Personal Life

In 2024, Parris launched her own beauty brand, blūm by Teyonah, a hair extensions line designed to celebrate texture, versatility, and natural beauty. The product line includes clip-ins, wigs, bundles, and other styling options for women with textured hair. Her entry into the beauty industry reflected her long-standing passion for representation and self-expression.

Parris married her longtime partner, James, and in 2023 they welcomed their first child, a daughter. While she has remained private about much of her personal life, she has occasionally spoken about the importance of balancing motherhood with her career and the values she hopes to pass on to her child.

Recognition and Awards

Parris has earned accolades and nominations for many of her performances. She received a Black Reel Award for "Dear White People" and was nominated for several honors for her work in "Chi-Raq." Her performance in "WandaVision" earned her nominations from the Hollywood Critics Association and MTV Movie & TV Awards.

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