Last Updated on September 13, 2024
Who Is Wesley Snipes?
Wesley Trent Snipes, popularly known as Wesley Snipes, is an American film producer, actor, and martial artist widely recognized for his role as Blade, the vampire hunter in the 1998 action movie Blade.
Although he was born in Orlando, Florida, Wesley grew up in New York City, attended performing art classes, and even spent some time in Los Angeles, where he attended college. While performing in a competition at age 23, Wesley was scouted by a talent agent and was soon thrown into the world of acting.
In 1986, he made his debut film appearance in “Wildcats,” which automatically set the ball of his career rolling. A year later, he played an iconic role in the Michael Jackson music video for the single Bad. Wesley’s youth and talent caught the eyes of Spike Lee, a movie film director who offered him roles in his movie.
With Spike Lee’s aid, Wesley was able to win roles in movies such as Jungle Fever, Sugar Hill, and Mo’ Better Blues. Before long, he began to make appearances in action movies as they allowed him to show off his martial arts skill.
Wesley Snipes is an award-winning actor, awarded a fifth dan Black Belt in Shotokan Karate and a second dan black belt in Hapkido.
Quick Facts
| Full Name: | Wesley Trent Snipes |
| Popular Name: | Wesley Snipes |
| Gender: | Male |
| Birth Date: | July 31, 1962 |
| Age: | 60 years |
| Parents: | Marian Snipes (mother) and Wesley Rudolph Snipes (father) |
| Siblings: | Brigitte Snipes-Register (sister), Wesley Quintin Rudy Snipes (half-brother), Trudy Snipes Baylock (half-sister), Sherrie Snipes-Williams (half-sister), Genita Snipes (half-sister) |
| Birth Place: | Orlando, Florida, United States of America |
| Nationality: | American |
| Ethnicity: | African American |
| Education: | State University of New York, Southwest College, Los Angeles |
| Marital Status: | Married |
| Sexual Orientation: | Straight |
| Wife/Spouse: | April DuBois (1985-1990), Nakyung Park (2003-date) |
| Children: | Jelani Asar Snipes, Iset Jua-T Snipes, Akhenaten Kihwa-T Snipes, Allafia Jehu-T Snipes, Alimayu Moa-T Snipes |
| Dating: | N/A |
| Net Worth: | $10 million |
| Source of Wealth: | Acting |
| Height: | 5ft9 (1.75m) |
| Weight: | 82kg (181lbs) |
Early Life And Career Information
On July 31, 1962, Wesley Trent Snipes was born to Marian and Wesley Rudolph Snipes in Orlando, Florida.
While growing up, Wesley was keenly interested and intrigued by two things: performing arts and the art of fighting. He began taking martial arts classes when he was only 12 and even attended a performing arts high school in New York but dropped out and moved back to Florida before he completed his studies.
After graduating from Jones High School, Wesley returned to New York to obtain a college degree and then traveled to Los Angeles to attend Southwest College. When he was 23, Wesley caught a big break when he was scouted by a talent agent who was deeply impressed by his performance in a competition.
Wesley began booking roles and made his debut film appearance as Trumaine in Wildcats, an American sports comedy film that aired in 1986. His success in the film helped him secure a role in “Miami Vice” that same year. In 1987, he starred as Michael Jackson’s nemesis in the music video for the single “Bad.”
His youthful appearance and charisma attracted the attention of Spike Lee, a movie director who offered Wesley roles and opportunities to keep appearing on screen. With his aid, Wesley secured the lead role as Flipper Purify in “Jungle Fever.” Wesley’s skillful representation in the movie received multiple accolades and helped him win roles in other movies.
Wesley slowly became a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. His love for martial arts, combined with his phenomenal acting, soon helped him secure roles in action movies and allowed him to show off his martial arts skills.
In 1998, Wesley achieved his greatest commercial success for his role as Blade, the vampire hunter in the action movie Blade, which grossed over $150 million. This encouraged the producers to create two sequels, and thus, Blade was made into a series.
However, Wesley was not able to fully enjoy his success. Two years after the Blade trilogy was released, Wesley was arrested and charged for failing to file tax returns. He was found guilty in 2008, was sentenced to prison for three years, and began his prison sentence in 2010.
After being released from prison, Wesley immediately returned to the entertainment world. He continued taking roles in movies to make up for the time he had been absent from the industry.
In 1985, Wesley married April DuBois. They were married for five years and had a son together before they divorced. In 2003, he married Nakyung Park, and they have had four children together.
Wesley Snipes’ Net Worth
With several decades of experience in the entertainment industry, a precise knowledge of martial arts, and phenomenal acting skills, Wesley Snipes was undoubtedly one of the most successful actors in the 90s.
As of 2023, Wesley’s net worth was about $10 million.
Lessons From The Life Of Wesley Snipes
Know Your Worth
“There are so few guys who do action and do it well. Even fewer who are African-American. Even fewer who have classical-theater training. So a cat like me coming in, I’m bringing all of that to an action movie.” ~ Wesley Snipes.
A great lesson that can be learned from Wesley is how important it is to use all the advantages life has thrown at you and the different qualities that make you distinct to rise to your fullest potential. Pay attention to your strengths, groom them, and know your worth.
The Sky Is Your Starting Point
“Certain roles are more challenging than others, but I haven’t come across one yet that I can’t tackle.” ~Wesley Snipes
Another amazing lesson that can be learned from Wesley’s life is that there is nothing you cannot achieve if you put your mind to it. There will always be things that you might not be able to do as easily as others. However, if you put in the work and are ready to face the challenge, there will be nothing impossible for you to handle.
