Kimberly Elise stands tall as one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses in 2025. At 57 years old, she continues to inspire fans with her powerful movie roles and genuine kindness off screen.This article covers everything about her current life including her net worth of $2 million to $2.5 million, her recent marriage to George McCrary, and her ongoing work in film and television.
You’ll discover her journey from Minneapolis to becoming an NAACP Image Award winner, her family story, and what makes her such a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.Whether you’re curious about her latest projects, her personal life, or her impact on Hollywood, this guide answers all your questions about Kimberly Elise’s remarkable story.
Bio
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Kimberly Elise |
| Date of Birth | April 17, 1967 |
| Age (2025) | 57 years old |
| Birthplace | Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA |
| Height | 5’7″ |
| Profession | Actress |
| Known For | Set It Off, Beloved, John Q., Diary of a Mad Black Woman |
| Net Worth (2025) | $2 million – $2.5 million |
| Marital Status | Married to George McCrary (2023–Present) |
| Past Relationship | Married to Maurice Oldham (Divorced; he passed away in 2007) |
| Children | Yes |
| Career Start | 1990s |
| Key Traits | Emotional depth, versatility, resilience, compassion |
| Passions | Animal advocacy, nature, family-focused living |
| Social Media | Shares personal reflections, nature content, advocacy posts |
What is the story behind Kimberly Elise?
Kimberly Elise discovered her love for acting while growing up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She spent her childhood performing in school plays and dreaming about becoming a professional actress. Her passion wasn’t just a phase but a calling that shaped her entire life.
Her big break came in the 1990s when she started landing roles that showcased her dramatic talent. Movies like Set It Off in 1996 put her on the map as a serious actress who could handle emotional and complex characters. Each role she took proved she wasn’t just another Hollywood star but someone who truly understood the craft of storytelling.
Today, Kimberly Elise has built a career spanning over three decades in film and television. She’s known for picking roles that challenge her and speak to real human experiences. From playing mothers to queens to everyday women fighting for justice, her filmography shows an actress who cares deeply about the stories she tells and the people she represents on screen.
Background and Education
Growing up in Minneapolis gave Kimberly Elise a childhood filled with cold winters and warm family moments. Her parents supported her creative dreams from an early age. She attended local schools where teachers noticed her natural talent for performing and encouraged her to pursue acting seriously.
She took her education seriously and eventually studied film at the University of Minnesota. Later, she honed her craft at the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. This formal training gave her the technical skills to match her natural talent and emotional depth.
Her education wasn’t just about learning lines or hitting marks on a set. She studied human behavior, emotional psychology, and the history of cinema. This deep understanding of her craft shows in how she approaches each character with research and respect.
Family and Relatives
Kimberly Elise grew up in a supportive household with parents who believed in her dreams. Her family provided the foundation that allowed her to take risks and pursue a challenging career in entertainment. She’s often spoken about how their encouragement made all the difference during tough times in Hollywood.
She has siblings who remained close to her throughout her journey to stardom. Family gatherings and staying connected to her roots kept her grounded even as her career took off. These relationships remind her that success means nothing without people to share it with.
Her two daughters born in 1990 and 1998 became her greatest joy and responsibility. Balancing motherhood with a demanding acting career required sacrifice and careful planning. She’s always made it clear that being a mom comes first, and her career decisions reflect that priority.
Partner and Significant Other
Kimberly Elise married Maurice Oldham in 1989 when she was just starting her acting journey. They built a life together and raised their two daughters while she pursued her Hollywood career. Their marriage lasted 16 years before they divorced in 2005.
Tragedy struck in 2007 when Maurice Oldham passed away from a massive blood clot. This loss affected Kimberly deeply as they still co-parented their daughters despite the divorce. She handled this difficult period with grace while protecting her children’s privacy and helping them through their grief.
In August 2023, Kimberly found love again and married George McCrary. This new chapter in her personal life brought happiness after years of focusing solely on her daughters and career. She’s kept details about George McCrary relatively private, showing she’s learned to balance public life with personal boundaries.
Kimberly Elise: Age, Weight, Height, and Physical Attributes
At 57 years old in 2025, Kimberly Elise maintains a vibrant presence both on screen and in public appearances. Born on April 17, 1967, she’s reached an age where Hollywood often sidelines actresses, yet she continues landing meaningful roles. Her longevity in the entertainment industry proves talent and professionalism matter more than youth.
Standing at 5 feet 7 inches tall, she has a commanding presence that works perfectly for the strong characters she portrays. Her height gives her a natural authority on screen without overwhelming her co-stars. She carries herself with confidence that comes from years of experience and self-acceptance.
She maintains a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and mindful eating habits. You won’t find her promoting crash diets or extreme fitness routines. Instead, she focuses on sustainable habits that keep her feeling strong and energized for the demanding work of acting.
Kimberly Elise’s Professional Journey
Kimberly Elise’s acting career took off in the mid-1990s with supporting roles that showcased her dramatic range. Her breakthrough came with Set It Off in 1996 where she played alongside Queen Latifah and Jada Pinkett Smith. This heist drama about four women showed audiences she could handle intense emotional scenes and action sequences.
Her role in Beloved in 1998 working with Oprah Winfrey and Danny Glover proved she belonged among Hollywood’s elite actresses. The film tackled difficult subject matter about slavery and its lasting trauma. Kimberly delivered a performance that critics praised for its depth and sensitivity to the historical context.
John Q in 2002 became her highest grossing film earning over $102 million at the box office worldwide. She starred opposite Denzel Washington in this medical thriller about a father desperate to save his son. The film’s success proved she could carry major studio productions and draw audiences to theaters.
Key Career Highlights:
- Four NAACP Image Award wins recognizing her contributions to Black cinema
- Starring role in Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005) which launched Tyler Perry’s film career
- Featured in The Manchurian Candidate (2004) remake with Denzel Washington
- Lead performance in For Colored Girls (2010) directed by Tyler Perry
- Consistent work in both independent films and major studio productions
- Television roles that expanded her reach beyond movie theaters
Kimberly Elise: Her Journey Before Fame
Before Hollywood knew her name, Kimberly spent her childhood in Minneapolis dreaming about performing. She watched movies constantly and studied how actresses brought characters to life. Her bedroom became a practice stage where she rehearsed scenes and created her own stories.
School plays gave her the first taste of performing for an audience. Teachers recognized something special in how she transformed into different characters. She wasn’t just reciting lines but truly becoming someone else, which is the mark of a natural actor.
Her pre-fame journey included years of training and small roles that didn’t pay much. She worked regular jobs while auditioning and taking acting classes. This struggle taught her resilience and appreciation for every opportunity that came later in her career.
Kimberly Elise’s Online Presence
Kimberly Elise maintains an active social media presence where she connects with fans regularly. Her Instagram engagement shows a woman comfortable sharing parts of her life without oversharing. She posts about her work, her causes, and moments that matter to her personally.
She uses her Twitter activity to comment on social issues and support other artists. Her posts feel authentic rather than managed by a team trying to manufacture a perfect image. Fans appreciate that she’s real and willing to speak her mind on topics she cares about.
Her fan interaction goes beyond just posting content and ignoring comments. She responds to supporters and acknowledges the people who’ve followed her career for decades. This online storytelling approach has built a loyal community that feels connected to her journey.
Kimberly Elise: Net Worth and Accomplishments
Kimberly Elise’s net worth in 2025 sits between $2 million and $2.5 million according to entertainment industry estimates. This wealth comes from her steady work in film and television over 30 plus years. While not as high as some Hollywood stars, her earnings reflect a career built on artistic choices rather than chasing the biggest paychecks.
Her career accomplishments go far beyond money and include recognition from the industry and audiences. Those four NAACP Image Awards represent respect from her peers and acknowledgment of her contributions to Black cinema. She’s opened doors for other actresses and shown that you can have longevity without compromising your values.
Her box office history shows she’s been part of commercially successful projects while also doing smaller independent films. John Q alone brought in over $102 million worldwide, and The Manchurian Candidate earned $96 million globally. These numbers prove she can attract audiences and help studios make profitable movies.
Career Accomplishments:
- Over 30 years of consistent work in Hollywood
- Four NAACP Image Award wins for outstanding performances
- Key roles in multiple films that earned over $50 million each
- Respected by directors who cast her repeatedly
- Maintained relevance across different eras of cinema
- Balanced commercial success with artistic integrity
Kimberly Elise: Legacy and Influence
Kimberly Elise’s Hollywood contributions extend beyond her individual performances to her impact on representation. She’s consistently portrayed Black women with dignity, complexity, and humanity. Her characters aren’t stereotypes but fully realized people dealing with real struggles and joys.
Her inspirational celebrity status comes from staying true to herself in an industry that often pressures people to change. She aged naturally without chasing youth through excessive cosmetic procedures. She chose roles that mattered to her even when bigger paychecks were available elsewhere.
Her industry impact shows in how younger actresses cite her as an influence and role model. She proved you could have a long career in Hollywood without scandal or selling out your values. Directors trust her because she shows up prepared, professional, and ready to elevate every scene she’s in.
Interests
Kimberly Elise finds joy in activities that keep her grounded and connected to what matters most. Her interests reveal a woman who values simplicity and genuine experiences over celebrity excess.
Personal Interests:
- Taking nature walks to clear her mind and stay physically active
- Reading books across different genres from fiction to biographies
- Cooking healthy meals for her family and experimenting with new recipes
- Advocating for animal welfare and supporting rescue organizations
- Spending quality time with her daughters and close friends
- Practicing meditation and mindfulness for mental health
- Supporting emerging artists and creative projects
- Traveling to experience different cultures and perspectives
Her animal lover identity isn’t just talk but backed by real action and donations. She’s used her public influence to raise awareness about animal cruelty and the importance of adoption. This compassion and kindness extend to how she treats everyone from co-stars to crew members on set.
Preferred Activity
When Kimberly Elise has free time, she gravitates toward activities that feed her creativity and imagination. Acting remains her greatest passion even after three decades in the business. She still gets excited reading new scripts and discovering characters she wants to bring to life.
Family bonding ranks at the top of her preferred activities list. She cherishes moments with her daughters whether that’s cooking together, watching movies, or just talking about life. These connections remind her why she works so hard and what success really means.
Her healthy lifestyle includes regular exercise but nothing extreme or obsessive. She prefers activities like walking, yoga, and swimming that feel good rather than punishing. This balanced approach to fitness reflects her overall philosophy of moderation and listening to her body.
Fascinating Details About
Kimberly Elise has some interesting facts that fans might not know from just watching her movies. She actually studied film formally rather than just learning on the job. This academic background gives her a different perspective on acting and storytelling than many of her peers.
Many people assume she’s related to Cicely Tyson because they looked similar and played mother and daughter in Diary of a Mad Black Woman. The truth is they weren’t related at all but shared a special bond from working together. Cicely Tyson’s real daughter was named Joan, not Kimberly.
Her Hollywood representation work goes beyond just the roles she takes. She’s spoken at film schools and mentored young actresses trying to break into the industry. This giving back shows she understands success means lifting others up, not just climbing higher yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Kimberly Elise born and how old is she now?
Kimberly Elise was born on April 17, 1967, making her 57 years old in 2025. She’s maintained an active acting career for over three decades.
What is Kimberly Elise’s net worth in 2025?
Her net worth is estimated between $2 million and $2.5 million based on her earnings from film and television work throughout her career.
What are Kimberly Elise’s most famous movies?
Her most recognized roles include Set It Off (1996), Beloved (1998), John Q (2002), The Manchurian Candidate (2004), Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005), and For Colored Girls (2010).
Is Kimberly Elise married?
Yes, she married George McCrary in August 2023. She was previously married to Maurice Oldham from 1989 to 2005.
What happened to Kimberly Elise’s first husband?
Maurice Oldham, her first husband, tragically passed away in 2007 from a massive blood clot two years after their divorce.
Conclusion
Kimberly Elise’s journey from Minneapolis to Hollywood shows what’s possible with talent, determination, and staying true to yourself. At 57 years old in 2025, she continues working, inspiring, and proving that actresses don’t expire after a certain age.
Her net worth of $2 million to $2.5 million reflects a career built on artistic merit rather than chasing trends. She picked roles that meant something and built relationships in the industry based on respect and professionalism. This approach created longevity that many flashier careers never achieve.
Looking at her legacy and influence, Kimberly Elise matters because she represented Black women with dignity when Hollywood often didn’t. She showed mothers, daughters, and everyday women dealing with real problems. Her work will continue inspiring new generations of actresses and audiences who want to see themselves reflected on screen with honesty and respect.
