Gabrielle Union Then and Now

Gabrielle Union Then 

Gabrielle Union, born on October 29th, 1972, in Omaha, Nebraska, grew up in a Roman Catholic household. 

Her upbringing was significantly influenced by her father, who served in the military, and her mother, who instilled in her the values of independence and resilience. 

Despite a strong family bond, her parents’ marriage ended in divorce after thirty years. Union’s family had a deep passion for football, a shared enthusiasm that added a unique dimension to her childhood.

During her early years, Union faced significant self-esteem issues and described herself as having a “mean” disposition. 

This internal struggle was compounded by a traumatic event at the age of 19 when she was raped by a robber while working at a Payless Shoes store. 

This harrowing experience led her to sue Payless Shoes for negligence, highlighting the company’s failure to ensure employee safety. 

Despite these challenges, Union persevered, demonstrating remarkable strength and resilience.

Gabrielle Union’s academic journey took her to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she pursued a bachelor’s degree in sociology.

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Her educational background provided her with a profound understanding of social structures and human behavior, which has informed her perspectives and advocacy work. 

Union’s experiences and education have shaped her into a resilient and influential figure, known for her candid discussions about personal challenges and her commitment to social justice.

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Gabrielle Union Acting Career

Gabrielle Union’s career began in the 90s with various television roles that showcased her versatility and talent. 

She made early appearances in popular shows like “Saved by the Bell,” “Family Matters,” and “7th Heaven,” and had a notable recurring role in three episodes of “Sister, Sister.” 

In 1997, she demonstrated her range by portraying a Klingon in an episode of “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.” These roles laid the foundation for her future success in the entertainment industry.

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At the turn of the century, Union’s career began to gain significant momentum. 

In 1999, she landed her first major film role in “She’s All That,” quickly followed by an appearance in the cult classic “10 Things I Hate About You.” Her breakthrough came in 2000 with the film “Love & Basketball.”

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However, it was her role in “Bring It On,” opposite Kirsten Dunst, that truly established her as a Hollywood actress. 

The cheerleading movie grossed $90 million at the box office and became a cult favorite, opening doors to numerous acting opportunities in both film and television.

Union’s success with “Bring It On” led to a series of notable roles. In 2001, she appeared in “The Brothers” and “Two Can Play That Game,” and secured a recurring role as Dr. Courtney Ellis on CBS’s “City of Angels.”

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She also made a memorable guest appearance on the hit sitcom “Friends.” Her career continued to flourish in 2003 with her first leading film role in “Deliver Us From Eva,” earning critical acclaim for her nuanced performance. 

That same year, she elevated her career further with her role in “Bad Boys II,” playing the girlfriend of Will Smith’s character.

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Union also appeared in “Cradle 2 the Grave,” co-starring with Jet Li and DMX.

The mid-2000s saw Union in various film projects, showcasing her range and talent. In 2004, she starred in “Something the Lord Made” and “Breakin’ All the Rules” alongside Jamie Foxx. 

She won the Best Actress award at the Palm Beach International Film Festival for her performance in “Neo Ned” in 2005 and starred in the family-friendly film “The Honeymooners.”

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She continued to take on diverse roles, including a recurring part on the TV show “Night Stalker” in 2007 and roles in the films “Daddy’s Little Girls” and “The Perfect Holiday.”

Union’s career remained dynamic in the late 2000s and early 2010s. She appeared in three episodes of “Ugly Betty” in 2008 and received praise for her role in “Cadillac Records.” She also starred alongside Eddie Murphy in “Meet Dave.” 

Her television appearances included roles in “Life” and “Flash Forward.” In 2010, she guest-starred on “Army Wives,” and in 2012, she appeared in the romantic comedies “Think Like a Man” and “Good Deeds.”

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Union impressed critics with her performance in the dramatic film “In Our Nature” and then landed the lead role in BET’s new series “Being Mary Jane,” which ran for five seasons from 2013 to 2019. 

Despite the show’s success, Union faced challenges, including a lawsuit against BET for withholding compensation.

Union continued to expand her repertoire with various projects. She appeared in the 2014 sequel “Think Like a Man Too,” although it did not perform as well as its predecessor. 

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In 2015, she showcased her voice acting talent by voicing Nala in Disney’s “The Lion Guard.” 

The following year, she took on a challenging role in “The Birth of a Nation,” playing a black slave who is raped by a white man. She ended 2016 with a major role in “Almost Christmas.” 

In 2019, Union starred in “L.A.’s Finest,” a spin-off TV series based on the “Bad Boys” films, further solidifying her status as a versatile and accomplished actress.

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Gabrielle Union Movies

• She’s All That (1999) 
• 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) 
• Love & Basketball (2000) 
• Bring It On (2000) 
• The Brothers (2001) 
• Two Can Play That Game (2001) 
• Welcome to Collinwood (2002) 
• Abandon (2002) 
• Deliver Us from Eva (2003) 
• Cradle 2 the Grave (2003)
• Bad Boys II (2003) – Syd Burnett
• The Honeymooners (2005) 
• Neo Ned (2005) 
• Running with Scissors (2006) 
• Daddy’s Little Girls (2007) 
• The Perfect Holiday (2007) 
• Meet Dave (2008)
• Cadillac Records (2008) 
• The Box (2009)
• Think Like a Man (2012) 
• Good Deeds (2012) 
• In Our Nature (2012) 
• Think Like a Man Too (2014)
• Top Five (2014) 
• The Birth of a Nation (2016) 
• Almost Christmas (2016) 
• Sleepless (2017) 
• Breaking In (2018) 
• The Public (2018) 
• L.A.’s Finest (2019)
• Fearless (2020)
• Cheaper by the Dozen (2022)
• The Inspection (2022)
• Strange World (2022)
• The Perfect Find (2023)
• Space Cadet (2024)
• The Idea of You (2024)

Gabrielle Union Personal Life

Gabrielle Union’s personal life has been marked by significant relationships that have shaped her journey. In 1999, Union met NFL player Chris Howard. 

Their relationship quickly blossomed, leading to their marriage in 2001. However, despite their strong connection, the marriage faced challenges, and the couple decided to part ways. 

By 2006, their divorce was finalized, marking the end of this chapter in Union’s life.

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In 2008, Union began a new and highly publicized relationship with NBA player Dwyane Wade. 

Their bond deepened over the years, and in 2014, they were married in a beautiful ceremony. 

With this marriage, Union became the stepmother to Wade’s three children from previous relationships, embracing her role with dedication and love.

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Union and Wade’s blended family became a significant part of their lives, reflecting their commitment to each other and their children.

The couple faced struggles with infertility, a challenge that Union has been open about, sharing her experiences to support others going through similar situations.

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In 2018, their perseverance and hope were rewarded when they welcomed their first child together via a surrogate mother. 

This joyful event marked a new beginning for Union and Wade, further solidifying their bond and bringing immense happiness to their family. 

Union’s journey through relationships and motherhood showcases her resilience, love, and unwavering commitment to her family.

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Gabrielle Union Now

Gabrielle Union, now 51 years old, continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. 

An American actress whose career began in the 1990s, Union first made her mark with numerous appearances on popular television sitcoms. 

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These early roles showcased her talent and versatility, leading to supporting roles in the 1999 teen films “She’s All That” and “10 Things I Hate About You.”

These films were pivotal in establishing her presence in Hollywood and set the stage for her subsequent success.

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Over the years, Union’s career has evolved significantly. She has demonstrated her ability to take on a wide range of roles in various genres, from comedy to drama and action. 

Some of her most notable films include “Bring It On,” “Bad Boys II,” and “Deliver Us from Eva.”

Her performances have consistently garnered praise for their depth and authenticity, solidifying her reputation as a versatile and talented actress.

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Recently, Gabrielle Union has continued to take on exciting new projects, further expanding her impressive filmography. 

In 2024, she has been cast in two highly anticipated movies: “Space Cadet” and “The Idea of You.”

These roles are expected to showcase her continued relevance and adaptability in the ever-changing entertainment landscape. 

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“Space Cadet” promises to be an engaging addition to her body of work, while “The Idea of You” is likely to captivate audiences with its compelling storyline and Union’s performance.

Beyond her professional achievements, Gabrielle Union is also known for her advocacy and activism.

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She has been vocal about issues such as racial equality, women’s rights, and mental health, using her platform to raise awareness and drive positive change. 

Her personal experiences and challenges have shaped her into a strong advocate for various causes, making her a respected and influential figure both on and off the screen.

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As she continues to take on new and diverse roles, Gabrielle Union remains a dynamic force in Hollywood. 

Her dedication to her craft, combined with her passion for advocacy, ensures that she will continue to be a significant and inspiring presence in the entertainment industry for years to come.

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Gabrielle Union Net Worth

Gabrielle Union, an accomplished American actress and former model, has amassed a net worth of $40 million.

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Her career, spanning over three decades, has been marked by significant roles in film and television, as well as successful ventures in modeling and business. 

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