Halle Berry Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Halle Maria Berry |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 14, 1966 |
| Age | 59 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actress, producer, director |
| Years Active | 1989-present |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) |
| Spouse | Previously married to David Justice, Eric Benet, Olivier Martinez |
| Children | 2 (Nahla, Maceo) |
| Net Worth | ~$90 million |
| Known For | Monster's Ball, X-Men, Die Another Day, Bruised |
Early Life & Background
Berry was a cheerleader, honor student, and homecoming queen at Bedford High School. She competed in beauty pageants, finishing as Miss USA runner-up in 1986, before moving to Chicago and New York to pursue modeling and acting. Early roles included the sitcom Living Dolls and Spike Lee's Jungle Fever (1991).
Career Journey
Rise to Fame
Berry became a leading lady with films such as Boomerang (1992) opposite Eddie Murphy and the TV mini-series Introducing Dorothy Dandridge (1999), for which she won an Emmy and a Golden Globe. Her portrayal of Storm in X-Men (2000) brought blockbuster recognition, and Monster's Ball (2001) earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress-the first for an African-American woman in that category.
Established Career
Berry headlined Die Another Day as Bond girl Jinx, Gothika, Catwoman, Cloud Atlas, John Wick: Chapter 3, and Moonfall. She launched production company 606 Films to champion inclusive stories and made her directorial debut with the MMA drama Bruised (Netflix, 2021), in which she also starred.
Current Work
In 2026 Berry is producing the sci-fi thriller The Mothership for Netflix, developing a limited series about civil-rights icon Ida B. Wells, and starring alongside Angelina Jolie in Amazon's espionage film Maude vs. Maude. She continues to expand her wellness brand Respin with supplements and VR fitness experiences.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Introducing Dorothy Dandridge | Dorothy Dandridge | Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning role |
| 2000 | X-Men | Ororo Munroe / Storm | Franchise launch |
| 2001 | Monster's Ball | Leticia Musgrove | Won Academy Award |
| 2002 | Die Another Day | Jinx Johnson | James Bond film |
| 2007 | Things We Lost in the Fire | Audrey Burke | Drama opposite Benicio Del Toro |
| 2019 | John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum | Sofia | Action standout |
| 2021 | Bruised | Jackie Justice / Director | Netflix debut |
| 2026 | Maude vs. Maude | Co-lead | In production |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Lead Actress | Introducing Dorothy Dandridge | Won |
| 2000 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Actress - Miniseries | Introducing Dorothy Dandridge | Won |
| 2002 | Academy Awards | Best Actress | Monster's Ball | Won |
| 2002 | Screen Actors Guild Awards | Best Actress | Monster's Ball | Won |
| 2011 | NAACP Image Awards | Outstanding Actress | Frankie & Alice | Won |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$90 million (2026)
Berry's income comes from film salaries, backend deals, endorsements (Revlon, Pendulum, Swehl), and Respin, her wellness brand offering fitness platforms, supplements, and athleisure products. She invests in biotech startups focused on diabetes management, reflecting her own Type 1 diagnosis.
Personal Life
Berry co-parents daughter Nahla with model Gabriel Aubry and son Maceo with actor Olivier Martinez. She is engaged to singer Van Hunt, sharing glimpses of their blended family on social media. Berry trains in boxing, jiu-jitsu, and functional fitness, often posting workouts to inspire fans.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
She supports the Jenesse Center for domestic violence survivors, Children's Diabetes Foundation, and the Call to Unite initiative. Berry frequently speaks on diversity in Hollywood, mentoring young filmmakers through 606 Films and the Academy Gold Rising program.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram: @halleberry delivers fitness tips, self-care routines, and behind-the-scenes looks at film sets.
- Facebook: Shares Respin launches, philanthropic campaigns, and book recommendations.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Berry lost 40% of her hearing in one ear after an abusive relationship, motivating her advocacy for survivors.
- She performed most of her stunts in John Wick 3, training dogs for months before shooting.
- Berry is an avid baker who experiments with keto-friendly recipes for her family.
- She writes children's stories inspired by her kids and plans to publish them after 2026.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
Berry is filming Maude vs. Maude across several European cities, debuting Respin's VR boxing app, and launching a scholarship with Netflix to support women of color directing action films. She will keynote the 2026 ESSENCE Festival discussing wellness entrepreneurship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Halle Berry?
Halle Berry is an American actress, director, and entrepreneur best known for Monster's Ball and the X-Men franchise.
What is Halle Berry most famous for?
She is most famous for winning the Academy Award for Monster's Ball, portraying Storm in X-Men, and leading action films like John Wick 3.
Is Halle Berry active on social media?
Yes. Berry actively engages on Instagram and Facebook, sharing fitness content, personal reflections, and brand updates.