Last updated on: December 3, 2024
Queen Latifah was born Dana Elaine Owens on March 18, 1970, in Newark, New Jersey. A force in the universe of rap, music, and acting, she is the first female rapper to crack the mainstream. She chose the name “Latifah” at age eight, a name that translates from Arabic to mean “delicate.”.
Having been brought up by a mom who taught school and a father who was a cop, music was something she learned to love very early; by high school, she had joined an all-girl rap group. By 18, she had recorded a demo that got her signed to Tommy Boy Records and, before long, she dropped her debut album All Hail the Queen in 1989, complete with gems like “Ladies First.” Her unique mix of hip-hop with soul, reggae, and jazz inspired a whole generation of female rappers.
Some of her hits include Black Reign (1993), whose Grammy-winning anthem “U.N.I.T.Y.” she wrote about sexism and violence. She continued her music career with albums like The Dana Owens Album (2004), where she explored jazz and soul.
Latifah also shook things up in Hollywood, starting down with roles in Jungle Fever (1991) and the sitcom Living Single. This comes from starring roles in films like Chicago (2002), Hairspray (2007), and Girls Trip (2017), hosting The Queen Latifah Show, and so much more.
She is the first hip-hop artist to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Definitely built her name in the history record to inspire others and make a difference in the world through her music, as well as in various roles.
As of December 2024, Queen Latifah is 54 years and 9 months old, her estimated net worth is $70 million, and she stands at a height of 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm or 1.78 m) tall.
Bio / Wiki
Full Name
Dana Elaine Owens
Nickname
Queen
Profession
American rapper
Career
Debut
Unknown
Best Known for
Queen Latifah is best known for her groundbreaking contributions to hip-hop as a rapper and for her acclaimed roles in films like Chicago and Girls Trip.
Awards
Personal Profile and Background Details
Date of Birth
18 March 1970
Age
As of today, Queen Latidah is 54 years, 9 months, and 3 days old.
Zodiac sign
Pisces
Signature
Nationality
American
Birth Place
Newark, New Jersey, United States
Residence
East Orange, USA
School / College / University
She attended Catholic school in Newark and then graduated from Irvington High School. She later pursued college coursework following high school through Borough of Manhattan Community College. She is recognized with an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts in Rutgers University as a thank you for all that she has done for the arts community and humanitarian in 2018.
Religion
Queen Latifah was raised in a Baptist household, went to Catholic school, and now claims herself as a non-denominational Christian. God greatly occupies her life; she feels comforted by a personal relationship with God, referring to God as “my homeboy.” She believes prayer and is comfortable in any church atmosphere, focusing on more spiritual practices rather than the denomination itself.
Race / Ethnicity
She is African-American with a touch of European ancestry, as her family tree includes a white great-great-grandmother. She’s curious about her roots and has even wondered about possible Native American heritage, though this hasn’t been confirmed.
Food Habits
Latifah has completely transformed her diet on the weight loss front, rather than cutting down to wholesome, nutritious food. There are lots of colorful fruits and vegetables, lean proteins such as fish and chicken, whole grains, as well as healthy fats such as olive oil and avocado. She exercises portion control and mindful eating and cuts down on processed foods and sugary treats, but she occasionally indulges in things like apple pie or pound cake. She also prepares healthy meals at home-cooked sautéed veggies with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a balance and enjoyable diet.
Hobbies
She has some really cool hobbies that keep her balanced and happy. For fun, she bowls, cooks healthy food, and spends time in nature to recharge. Her passion in life is music which is her escape. Keeping herself fit with hiking, yoga, and weights keeps her pumping and full of life.
Physical Attributes and Measurements
Height
- In feet: 5′ 10″
- In Centimetres: 178 cm
- In meters: 1.78 m
Weight
- In kilograms: 91 kg
- In Pounds: 200 lbs
Body Measurements
45-43-45 inches
Shoe size
9 US
Dress size
7 US
Bra size
38D
Eye color
Black
Hair Color
Blond
Family
Queen Latifah born in Newark, New Jersey, has a family history filled with both love and loss.
Her father, Lancelot Amos Owens Sr., was a police officer, and her mother, Rita Lamae Bray, was a dedicated school teacher. Her parents divorced when she was ten, and her mom faced health challenges for many years, eventually passing away in 2018 due to heart failure brought on by scleroderma, an autoimmune disease.
Latifah also had an older brother, Lancelot Owens Jr., who tragically died in a motorcycle accident in 1992. She had gifted him that motorcycle and now honors his memory by wearing the key around her neck.
In her personal life, Queen Latifah has been in a long-term relationship with choreographer Eboni Nichols since around 2013. They welcomed their son, Rebel, in 2019. Latifah first publicly acknowledged her son during her 2021 BET Lifetime Achievement Award acceptance speech.
Even with this much fame, Queen Latifah keeps her private life close to her heart, valuing family and relationships above her public image.
Partner
Father
Mother
Rita Owens is Queen Latifah’s mother. Her life was made significant by Rita Owens. She was born on 8th March 1950 in Newark, New Jersey. Raised in a school-going culture, Rita maintained an immense interest in the values of education and cultivated it as a devoted teacher in Irvington High School. She had two children named Queen Latifah and her elder brother Lancelot Jr with her husband Lancelot Owens Sr, who is a police officer. With Lancelot, she divorced in 1978; he was addicted to drugs, and Rita had raised the children on her own; later, they would look back over many tough moments, but also resilience and talk about hard work.
After a diagnosis of scleroderma in 2013, an autoimmune disease that would eventually cause heart failure, Rita was also supported in raising awareness over the disease by Queen Latifah until Rita’s death on March 21, 2018. She often credits her mother for her guidance and sacrifice but now honors Rita through her work and advocacy.
Siblings
Lancelot Owens, Jr. (Brother)
Children
Rebel (Son) (Born in 2019)
Relationship & More
Marital Status
In a relationship with Ebony Nicholas
Marriage Date
None
Dating History
Ebony Nicholas (2013–Present)
Queen Latifah and Eboni Nichols have been in a love relationship for over ten years, although not publicly.
Although they met in 2009 on the set of Dancing with the Stars, being friends soon blossomed into a romance. Though they have kept most intimate details private, they declared their relationship official in 2013. In one of the public declarations, Queen Latifah at the 2021 BET Awards revealed her love for Eboni and their son, Rebel. In the declaration, she said, “Eboni, my love. Rebel, my love. Happy Pride!” That moment was touching to fans.
Eboni has choreographed for pop stars like Rihanna and Beyoncé, along with her work on shows such as Jane the Virgin. She graduated from Chapman University with a B.F.A. in Theatre and Dance. Eboni will be choreographing at numerous prestige events including the Oscars.
Queen Latifah and her partner were able to welcome their first child boy named Rebel in 2019. They enjoy family time and take proper care of him while maintaining the utmost privacy in his life. Queen Latifah has always valued her private personal life. She concealed her relationships because of a lack of confidentiality about them.
Even though they lead private lifestyles, they still make appearances occasionally at these public functions. Some recent sightings include the Met Gala in 2024 and the amfAR Gala.
Jeanette Jenkins (2002–2011)
Favorite Things
- Favorite Food – Moghlai
- Music – Pop
- Favorite Sports – Tennis
Net worth 2024
$70 million
As of December 2024, it’s estimated that Queen Latifah has a net worth of about $70 million, based on information from different reliable sources. She earns from multiple sources, including music, acting, production, endorsements, and real estate investments. Here’s a closer look at how she’s built her wealth over the years, with some specific figures where available:
1. Music Career
Queen Latifah first made her mark in hip-hop in the late 1980s. She was one of the pioneering female rappers, and her debut album, All Hail the Queen (1989), which featured the hit “Ladies First,” became a cornerstone of her career. She followed up with Nature of a Sista (1991) and Black Reign (1993), which won her a Grammy for the single “U.N.I.T.Y.” Although her exact earnings from music are undisclosed, her success in rap and R&B helped establish her early income streams and fame, enabling her to branch into other ventures.
2. Acting and Film Career
Queen Latifah transitioned into acting seamlessly, landing prominent roles in movies and TV that have significantly boosted her earnings:
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Chicago (2002): Her role as “Mama” Morton earned her an Academy Award nomination, and her critical success led to more high-paying film roles.
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Bringing Down the House (2003): Queen Latifah earned a cool $1 million for this comedy alongside Steve Martin.
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Beauty Shop (2005): She was paid an impressive $10 million for this starring role, marking one of her highest earnings per film.
In recent years, Queen Latifah has taken on the lead role in CBS’s The Equalizer (2021-present), where she stars as Robyn McCall, a vigilante justice-seeker. While exact numbers aren’t public, starring roles on network TV can easily command salaries in the range of hundreds of thousands per episode for a star of her caliber, which can add up to millions over a season.
3. Production and Business Ventures
Queen Latifah isn’t just a performer; she’s also a producer. She co-founded Flavor Unit Entertainment, a production company that produces films and TV shows. Some notable projects include:
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Just Wright and The Perfect Match: Both films were produced under Flavor Unit, allowing her to take on more control and profit from these projects.
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Audible Deal (2021): Her production company signed a first-look deal with Audible, Amazon’s audiobook arm, to create audio-only content, opening up another revenue stream.
As a producer, Queen Latifah not only earns from the projects’ success but also benefits from rights and royalties, which can provide consistent earnings.
4. Endorsements and Brand Partnerships
Queen Latifah has landed lucrative endorsement deals that extend her influence beyond entertainment:
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CoverGirl: Since 2001, she’s been a spokesperson for CoverGirl, even launching the Queen Collection in 2006 to focus on inclusive beauty products. This deal not only aligns with her brand but also earns her substantial income annually.
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Jenny Craig and Pizza Hut: She has also endorsed brands like Jenny Craig and Pizza Hut, which paid well for her reach and relatability with a broad audience.
Endorsements can bring in six to seven figures annually, depending on the terms and brand scope, and for Queen Latifah, these deals have contributed significantly to her overall wealth.
5. Real Estate and Investments
Queen Latifah’s investments in real estate add another solid layer to her income. She’s invested in various properties, including:
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Affordable Housing in Newark, New Jersey: In 2019, she co-invested in a $14 million affordable housing project in her hometown of Newark. This investment not only aligns with her commitment to community betterment but also adds to her asset portfolio.
Beyond real estate, she’s likely invested in other areas, though specifics aren’t widely publicized. Investments like these provide long-term financial security and passive income, allowing her wealth to grow over time.
6. Television Hosting and Public Appearances
Queen Latifah has also hosted two talk shows, The Queen Latifah Show (1999-2001, 2013-2015). Hosting can be a lucrative gig, with networks offering substantial salaries for the success and ratings potential of a talk show with a major star. Though her shows had limited runs, hosting still contributed to her income and increased her public presence, leading to more opportunities.
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