Boris Kodjoe

Veteran model turned actor, Boris Kodjoe is known for his good looks and acting chops. The “Love & Basketball” star has been acting for well over two decades and has amassed a considerable following. But did you know that Kodjoe is also a successful entrepreneur and is active in philanthropy as well?

Let’s take a deeper look at Boris’ more personal life, including how he got into acting, found the love of his life while filming his first movie, and how this big man, also has a big heart.

Boris Kodjoe’s Early Life

Boris Kodjoe was born on the 8th of March, 1973 as Boris Frederic Cecil Tay-Natey Ofuatey-Kodjoe in Vienna, Austria. The model-turned-actor has a diverse heritage. His father, Eric, is from Ghana, and his mother, Ursula, is of German Descent. Kodjoe was raised in Germany alongside his siblings Patrick and Nadja.

Standing at 6’3”, Boris is a towering figure who graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University on a tennis scholarship. It was around the same time that a modeling scout discovered him and introduced him to the world of fashion and entertainment.

Kodjoe’s Success In Modeling

Boris was signed for the Ford Modeline Agency and became a well-known male model. He graced several campaigns for world-renowned brands like Ralph Lauren, Perry Ellis, Yves Saint Laurent, and The Gap.

Kodjoe's aesthetic athletic appearance, and striking good looks also landed him on the list of the “50 Most Beautiful People in the World” by People Magazine.

Transitioning to Acting

Boris made a notable transition into the realm of acting when in 2000, he made his big-screen debut in “Love & Basketball” alongside Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps. Kodjoe continued to build upon his big-screen repertoire with roles in movies such as “Brown Sugar,” “The Gospel,” and Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Family Reunion.

Boris also starred in a TV show called “Soul Food”. His portrayal of Damon Carter in the show earned him critical acclaim, securing three NAACP Image Award Nominations. 

Besides his forte in movies and television, Boris Kodjoe’s acting prowess also extends to Broadway, where he starred alongside legends like James Earl Jones and Phylicia Rashad in the play, “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” The model-turned-actor also boasts roles in action-thrillers like “Surrogates” with Bruce Willis.

Love and Family

Boris found his Juliet on the set of “Soul Food” where he fell in love with his co-star, Nicole Ari Parker., and the pair have been inseparable ever since. The loving pair decided to tie the knot in 2005 in Boris’s hometown in Germany. They welcomed two children, Sophie Tei-Naaki Lee Kodjoe and Nicolas Neruda Kodjoe.

Despite being Hollywood celebrities and a power couple, they have chosen to live a quiet life away from the limelight. The couple settled in Atlanta for the sake of cultural compatibility and family connections.

Boris had previously dated Sanaa Lathan in the early 1990s, appearing together in multiple events as a pair. The duo was together for less than a year before they decided to go their ways.

Recent Health Struggles

Boris has been candid about his health challenges related to his sciatic nerve. He had undergone a double laminectomy ten years ago, and recently shared updates about a second surgery to address the persistent sciatic pain. 

In his Instagram post from the 19th of April, 2023, he further elaborated that he had a partial laminectomy in two places. Many of his celebrity friends and family wished him a speedy recovery. 

Despite the setback, Boris remains positive and steadfast, and if his recent post is any indication of his progress, he seems to have left the worst part behind him.

Boris Is Active On Social Media

Boris Kodjoe is very active on social media. He has amassed a decent following of 1.5M followers. The heartthrob occasionally shares pictures with his wife and children, pictures from his travels, and stills from social events and awards that he has been invited to. 

At 50 years of age, he is still in tremendous shape, which is evident in his posts that focus on working out.  Boris also doesn’t seem to shy away from posting about his geo-political stances as he expressed his support for Ukraine in the ongoing battle.

Boris’ Entrepreneurial Venture

Beyond the limelight of his entertainment career, Boris is also an established entrepreneur. Smartly using his background in fashion to his advantage, Kodjoe co-founded the clothing company ALFA with his brother, Patrick.

Boris’s Fascination With Language And His Philanthropical Ventures

Boris is fluent in German, French, English, and Spanish. His family’s decision to expose his children to multiple languages reflects his commitment to embrace diversity. Boris, himself was exposed to the Jewish heritage from his mother’s side.

The actor is also engaged in philanthropy, with a special emphasis on raising funds for Sophie’s Voice Foundation. The foundation was established by Boris and his wife, Nicole in honor of their daughter, Sophie, who was diagnosed with spina bifida (a condition that affects the spine) when she was born. The foundation aims to contribute to the well-being of those who were affected by the condition.

You might also want to read about another celebrity child, Everly Tatum who is the daughter of another model-turned-actor, Channing Tatum. 

What Kodjoe’s Has Been Up To Lately

Despite his health challenges, Kodjoe remains active in the entertainment industry. His recent involvement in the TV show “Station 19” where he plays the role of Robert Sullivan was renewed for an impressive seventh season. 

This shows how he still has a loyal fanbase who are committed to supporting him in the long run. As he navigates his recovery from his surgery, the actor continues to receive unwavering support from his fanbase.

Boris Kodjoe’s Net Worth

While specifics of Boris Kodjoe's net worth can vary across sources, estimates place it in the range of $8 million to $10 million. This accumulation stems from his successful modeling career, acting roles in films and TV series, entrepreneurial ventures, and various endorsements.

The exact details about the actor-turned-model’s net worth vary from one source to another. However, Celebrity Net Worth has his net worth at approximately $5 million. 

Kodjoe's successful modeling career, acting roles in movies and television, successful entrepreneurial ventures, network, and various endorsements contribute to his success.

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