William Allen Young Biography: Wife, Net Worth, Age, Height, Movies, Children, Parents

William Allen Young is an American actor and director best known for his role as the stern yet loving father Frank Mitchell on the UPN sitcom Moesha from 1996 to 2001, where he balanced tough love with heartfelt guidance alongside Brandy Norwood.

With a career spanning over four decades, he has appeared in more than 100 projects, including the Academy Award-nominated films A Soldier’s Story (1984) and District 9 (2009), as well as recurring roles on CSI: Miami and Good Luck Charlie.

His commanding presence and advocacy for diversity in Hollywood, through initiatives like the 2000 TV Network Agreement, have made him a respected figure in television and film.

Profile

• Full Name: William Allen Young
• Stage Name: William Allen Young
• Born: 24 January, 1954
• Age: 71 years old
• Birthplace: Washington, D.C., U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor, Director
• Height: 1.78m
• Parents: Joan Walker, Roger Walker
• Siblings: 6
• Spouse: Helen Patrice Moore (m. 1986)
• Children: Jamal Young
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $2 million

Early Life and Education

William Allen Young was born on January 24, 1954, in Washington, D.C.

He grew up to Joan Walker, and Roger Walker.

He is one of seven children, whose siblings’ names are not publicly known.

He attended the University of Southern California, earning degrees in sociolinguistics and rhetoric and debate, where he excelled as an award-winning speaker on the speech-and-debate team.

His ethnicity is African-American, and he practices Christianity as his religion.

Career

William Allen Young began his career in the late 1970s with theater and small television roles, making his film debut in the miniseries The Atlanta Child Murders (1985) and earning early notice for his part in the ensemble drama A Soldier’s Story (1984), which received three Academy Award nominations.

After serving in the military, he honed his skills in stage productions across New York and Los Angeles, landing guest spots on shows like The Jeffersons and Knots Landing, which showcased his ability to portray grounded, authoritative figures and built his reputation in ensemble casts during Hollywood’s evolving landscape.

Young’s television breakthrough came in the 1990s with the role of Frank Mitchell on Moesha, where he directed several episodes and addressed social issues close to his heart, followed by a lead in the Lifetime series Any Day Now (1998–2002), which earned critical acclaim for its exploration of race and friendship.

He expanded into film with roles in Lock Up (1989) alongside Sylvester Stallone and Wisdom (1986), while recurring as Chief Judge Ratner on CSI: Miami demonstrated his procedural prowess.

His advocacy work, including co-chairing the African-American Steering Committee of the Directors Guild of America, helped broker the landmark 2000 TV Network Agreement to diversify industry roles.

Young has maintained a steady presence with roles like Harry Wentz on Good Luck Charlie (2010–2014) and Dr. Jesse Ray Beaumont on Code Black (2015–2018), alongside his appearance in the sci-fi hit District 9 (2009).

He founded the Young Center for Academic and Cultural Enrichment to support underserved communities and continues to direct and perform internationally, from stages in Africa to screens worldwide, influencing generations through his commitment to authentic storytelling and social impact.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @williamalleny
• Facebook Handle: Unknown
• Twitter Handle: @WilliamAYoung

Personal Life

William Allen Young married Helen Patrice Moore on November 8, 1986, and the couple has two children, including son Jamal Young.

They have built a stable family life in California, where Young often credits his wife’s support for his balanced approach to fame.

Filmography

• A Soldier’s Story (1984)
• Lock Up (1989)
• Wisdom (1986)
• District 9 (2009)
• Any Day Now (1998)

Net Worth

William Allen Young has an estimated net worth of $2 million.

His wealth comes mainly from long-running television roles on series like Moesha and Code Black, where he earned salaries as both actor and director, plus residuals from films such as District 9 and A Soldier’s Story.