Amber Riley Biography: Ex-Boyfriend, Age, Net Worth, Broadway, Glee, Height

Amber Patrice Riley, famously known as Amber Riley, is an American actress and singer best recognized for her role as Mercedes Jones in the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee (2009–2015), earning her a Screen Actors Guild Award as part of the cast and critical acclaim for her powerful vocals.

With a career spanning television, film, and Broadway, she won an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Effie White in Dreamgirls (2016–2017) in London’s West End.

Profile

• Full Name: Amber Patrice Riley
• Stage Name: Amber Riley
• Born: 15, February 1986
• Age: 39 years old
• Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actress, Singer, and Songwriter
• Height: 1.60m
• Parents: Elvira Riley, Andrew Riley
• Siblings: Toyia Barnes, Ashley Riley
• Spouse: None
• Boyfriends: DeSean Black (ex)
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $2 million

Early Life and Education

Amber Patrice Riley was born on February 15, 1986, in Los Angeles, California, to Elvira Riley and Andrew Riley. She grew up with two older sisters, Toyia Barnes and Ashley Riley, in a close-knit family that encouraged her musical talents. Riley began singing in church choirs and performed in local theater as a child.

Amber Patrice graduated from La Mirada High School in 2004, where she participated in school musicals and choir. Although she auditioned for American Idol at age 17, she was not selected, prompting her to focus on acting and stage performance. Her ethnicity is African-American, and she was raised in a Christian household, though her current religious beliefs are not publicly detailed.

Career

Amber Riley began her career with small roles, including a guest appearance on The Bold and the Beautiful in 2006. Her breakthrough came in 2009 when she was cast as Mercedes Jones in Glee, a role that showcased her powerhouse vocals in songs like “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” and “Ain’t No Way”.

Her performance earned her nominations for Teen Choice and NAACP Image Awards, and she contributed to Glee’s chart-topping albums, with hits like “Somebody to Love” reaching the Billboard Hot 100. The cast won a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2010, cementing her place in television.

Riley’s career expanded to the stage in 2016 when she debuted as Effie White in Dreamgirls at London’s Savoy Theatre, earning the 2017 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical and a WhatsOnStage Award. She reprised the role in Los Angeles in 2017 and performed at the 2017 Olivier Awards.

Her film credits include Straight Outta Compton (2015) and The Wiz Live! (2015) as Addaperle, showcasing her versatility. She released her debut EP, RILEY, in 2020 under her stage name RILEY, featuring soul and R&B tracks. In 2021, she starred in the TV movie Single Black Female and competed on The Masked Singer season 8 as Harp, winning the competition with her rendition of “Gravity”.

Riley continues to thrive in both acting and music, with recent roles in Christmas Déjà Vu (2021) and Single Black Female 2: Simone’s Revenge (2024). She performed at Glee’s 15th-anniversary concert in London’s Dominion Theatre in 2024 and is developing a music career with plans for new releases.

Her advocacy for body positivity, mental health, and diversity, including her 2020 public comments on Glee’s workplace challenges, has amplified her influence. Riley’s vocal talent and commitment to authentic representation ensure her lasting impact in entertainment.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @msamberpriley
• Facebook Handle: Amber Riley
• Twitter Handle: @MsAmberPRiley

Personal Life

Amber Riley is single and has no children. She was previously engaged to DeSean Black from 2020 to 2022, announcing their split on social media. Riley maintains a private personal life but is open about her journey with body image and mental health, advocating for self-love and therapy.

Based in Los Angeles, she enjoys cooking and spending time with family and friends. In 2020, she addressed allegations of unprofessional behavior on the Glee set, prompted by co-star Samantha Marie Ware, and has since focused on fostering positive industry environments. Riley supports organizations like GLAAD and the Trevor Project, reflecting her commitment to social causes.

Filmography

• The Bold and the Beautiful (2006, guest role)
• Glee (2009–2015)
• Straight Outta Compton (2015)
• The Wiz Live! (2015)
• Single Black Female (2021)
• Christmas Déjà Vu (2021)
• The Masked Singer (2022, season 8)
• Single Black Female 2: Simone’s Revenge (2024)

Net Worth

Amber Riley has an estimated net worth of $2 million, primarily earned through her role in Glee, which included acting and contributions to bestselling cast albums. Her stage work in Dreamgirls, television movies like Single Black Female, and her EP RILEY add to her income.