Kenya Barris Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Height, Net Worth, Parents, Movies & TV Shows, Black-ish

Kenya Barris is an acclaimed American film and television writer, producer, director, and actor celebrated for creating the groundbreaking sitcom Black-ish (2014–2022), which earned him multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.

Renowned for his sharp wit and authentic storytelling, Barris has become a leading voice in Hollywood, crafting projects like Grown-ish, Mixed-ish, and the film Girls Trip (2017) that explore Black culture, family dynamics, and social issues with humor and heart.

Profile

• Full Name: Kenya Barris
• Stage Name: Kenya Barris
• Born: 9, August 1973
• Age: 51 years old
• Birthplace: Inglewood, California, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Writer, Producer, Director, Actor
• Height: 1.91m
• Parents: Patrick Barris and Tina Barris
• Siblings: 4
• Spouse: Dr. Rania “Rainbow” Edwards Barris (m. 1999)
• Children: 6
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $75 million

Early Life and Education

Kenya Barris entered the world on August 9, 1973, in Inglewood, California, to Patrick Barris, a factory worker at General Motors, and Tina Barris, a real estate agent.

As the second-youngest of four siblings, he grew up in a tight-knit family that influenced his storytelling.

Barris attended Clark Atlanta University, a historically Black college, initially pursuing medicine before switching to mass media arts, a decision that sparked his creative career.

His African American heritage shapes his work, and while he keeps his religious beliefs private, his projects often reflect a deep connection to cultural identity.

Career

Kenya Barris kicked off his career in the late 1990s as a writer for shows like The Keenen Ivory Wayans Show and Soul Food, quickly establishing himself as a talent for sharp, culturally resonant comedy.

His early work included co-creating America’s Next Top Model (2003), showcasing his knack for mainstream appeal.

His breakthrough came with Black-ish (2014), a semi-autobiographical sitcom inspired by his own family life, which tackled race, class, and identity with humor and nuance, earning critical acclaim and a loyal audience.

Barris expanded his influence with spin-offs Grown-ish (2018–present) and Mixed-ish (2019–2021), further exploring themes of identity and generational dynamics.

His film work soared with Girls Trip (2017), a box-office hit grossing over $140 million, and Shaft (2019), blending action and comedy.

As a producer, he secured a lucrative Netflix deal in 2018, leading to projects like You People (2023), which he co-wrote and produced.

His directorial debut, The Witches (2020), showcased his versatility across genres.

Barris continues to shape the entertainment landscape through his production company, Khalabo Ink Society, producing content that amplifies diverse voices.

His recent work includes the documentary Civil and the upcoming Wizard of Oz remake.

Beyond creating, he mentors emerging talent and advocates for authentic representation, leaving a lasting impact on television and film through his bold, culturally significant storytelling.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @kenyabarris
• Facebook Handle: KenyaBarris
• Twitter Handle: @KenyaBarris

Personal Life

Kenya Barris married Dr. Rania “Rainbow” Edwards Barris, a physician, on December 3, 1999, and they share six children.

The couple’s relationship, though private, has inspired much of his work, including Black-ish, which draws from their family dynamics.

Based in Los Angeles, Barris balances his high-profile career with fatherhood, often sharing glimpses of his family life on social media.

Filmography

• Girls Trip (2017) – Writer, Producer
• Shaft (2019) – Writer, Producer
• Coming 2 America (2021) – Writer, Producer
• The Witches (2020) – Director, Writer
• You People (2023) – Writer, Producer

Net Worth

Kenya Barris boasts an estimated net worth of $75 million.

His wealth flows from his prolific career as a writer, producer, and director, with major earnings from Black-ish and its spin-offs, as well as blockbuster films like Girls Trip.

His multi-year Netflix deal, production company ventures, and residuals from syndicated shows further bolster his financial success, cementing his status as one of Hollywood’s top creative earners.