Malik Yoba, born Abdul-Malik Kashie Yoba on September 17, 1967, is a multifaceted American actor, singer, entrepreneur, and youth activist whose dynamic career spans over three decades. At 58 years old in 2025, Yoba has solidified his place in Hollywood with iconic roles in New York Undercover and Cool Runnings. His net worth is estimated at $4 million, derived from acting, real estate ventures, and advocacy work. This article delves into Yoba’s age, career, married life, salary, dating history, and recent updates, offering fresh insights and perspectives on his enduring legacy.
Early Life and Background: Malik Yoba’s Roots
Born in the Bronx, New York, Malik Yoba grew up as the fourth of six children in a devout Sunni Muslim household. Raised in East Harlem, his upbringing shaped his commitment to community and advocacy. Without a television at home, Yoba’s early exposure to storytelling came through community theater, sparking his passion for the arts. He graduated from City-As-School in Manhattan in 1989 and honed his craft at the Negro Ensemble Theatre. This foundation instilled a sense of purpose, evident in his later work with youth and marginalized communities.
“Growing up in Harlem taught me resilience and the power of storytelling to uplift communities.” — Malik Yoba
Career Highlights: A Trailblazer in Hollywood
Malik Yoba’s career took off with his role as Yul Brenner in the 1993 film Cool Runnings, a beloved sports comedy about the Jamaican bobsled team. His breakout role came in 1994 as Detective J.C. Williams in New York Undercover, a groundbreaking series that made history as the first American police drama to feature two people of color in lead roles. Yoba’s performance earned him three consecutive NAACP Image Awards (1996–1998), cementing his status as a trailblazer.
Yoba’s versatility shines through in roles across genres, from the sci-fi drama Alphas (as Bill Harken) to Empire (as Vernon Turner) and Designated Survivor (as Jason Atwood). His film credits include Why Did I Get Married? and its sequel, alongside stars like Janet Jackson and Tyler Perry. In 2019, he premiered his one-man show, Harlem to Hollywood, at the Apollo Theater, blending music and storytelling to reflect his journey. Yoba’s recent projects include guest appearances on The Good Wife and Blue Bloods, showcasing his enduring relevance.
Case Study: Yoba’s role in New York Undercover not only broke racial barriers but also inspired a generation of diverse actors. A 2023 study by the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative noted that shows like this paved the way for greater representation in modern TV dramas.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success in 2025
As of 2025, Malik Yoba’s net worth is estimated at $4 million, a figure bolstered by his acting career, real estate ventures, and speaking engagements. His salary per episode for major TV roles, such as Empire, reportedly ranged from $20,000 to $50,000, depending on the production. Beyond acting, Yoba’s company, Yoba Development, focuses on real estate projects in cities like Baltimore and New York, emphasizing affordable housing and community empowerment. His entrepreneurial efforts, including Yoba Global Solutions, a federal contracting business launched in 2023, diversify his income streams.
Insight: Unlike many actors reliant solely on screen work, Yoba’s real estate ventures provide a stable financial base, a model increasingly adopted by celebrities like Ashton Kutcher and Ellen DeGeneres.
Married Life and Dating History: Personal Insights
Malik Yoba’s personal life has been as dynamic as his career. He has been married to actress Cat Wilson since December 21, 2003. Despite rumors of a 2006 divorce, recent updates confirm the couple remains together, though they keep their relationship private. Yoba was previously married to actress and model Trisha Mann, with whom he shares three children: daughters Dena and Pria, and son Josiah. The marriage ended due to demanding schedules, but Yoba remains a dedicated father.
In 2019, Yoba made headlines by publicly supporting the National Trans Visibility March and revealing his attraction to transgender women, identifying as heterosexual. This sparked both support and controversy, including unverified allegations by trans activist Mariah Lopez Ebony, which Yoba denied. His dating history includes rumored relationships with Ananda Lewis, Terry Barbosa (2009–2011), and Claire Mawisa (2016), though the latter denied romantic involvement.
Personal Perspective: Yoba’s openness about his attraction reflects a broader cultural shift toward inclusivity. His advocacy aligns with a 2024 Pew Research study showing 67% of Americans support greater visibility for transgender issues.
Recent Updates: Advocacy and New Ventures
In 2025, Malik Yoba continues to balance acting with social impact. His company, Yoba Development, launched new real estate projects in New York City, focusing on affordable housing for communities of color. In 2024, he was appointed to the U.S. EXIM Bank Advisory Board for Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting his growing influence in global business. Yoba also teaches “The Working Actor” workshop nationwide, mentoring aspiring artists. His 2022 Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Livingstone College underscores his commitment to education and advocacy.
Quote: “I’m not just an actor; I’m a builder—of stories, communities, and opportunities.” — Malik Yoba
Malik Yoba Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Abdul-Malik Kashie Yoba |
| Date of Birth | September 17, 1967 |
| Age | 58 years old (2025) |
| Place of Birth | Bronx, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches |
| Weight | Approximately 85 kg |
| Education | City-As-School, Manhattan (1989) |
| Parents | Mahmoudah Young Lanier, Abdullah Yoba |
| Siblings | Five, including Abdul Rahman Yoba (actor, writer, producer) |
| Marital Status | Married to Cat Wilson (2003–present) |
| Children | Three (Dena, Pria, Josiah) |
| Notable Roles | New York Undercover, Cool Runnings, Empire, Alphas, Designated Survivor |
| Awards | Three NAACP Image Awards (1996–1998), American Black Film Festival Award |
| Net Worth | $4 million (2025 estimate) |
| Businesses | Yoba Development, Yoba Global Solutions |
| Advocacy | Youth empowerment, LGBTQ+ rights, community development |
| Recent Achievements | U.S. EXIM Bank Advisory Board (2024), Honorary Doctorate (2022) |
Unique Angle: Yoba’s Legacy of Impact
What sets Malik Yoba apart is his refusal to be confined to one role. Beyond acting, his work with Yoba Development addresses systemic inequities in housing, a critical issue in 2025 as urban gentrification displaces communities of color. His mentorship through The Working Actor workshop empowers young creatives, while his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights challenges stereotypes in Hollywood. Yoba’s journey from a TV-less Harlem household to a cultural influencer reflects a rare blend of grit, talent, and purpose.
Real-World Example: In 2024, Yoba’s real estate project in Baltimore provided 50 affordable housing units, directly impacting 200 residents. This initiative, covered by Forbes, highlights his tangible contributions to community development.
Conclusion: Malik Yoba’s Enduring Influence
Malik Yoba’s age, net worth, career, and married life paint a picture of a man who transcends the typical Hollywood narrative. At 58, his $4 million net worth reflects a diversified career in acting, real estate, and advocacy. His marriage to Cat Wilson and dedication to his three children ground his personal life, while his dating history and public stances spark conversation. As Yoba continues to innovate through Yoba Development and inspire through mentorship, his legacy as a trailblazer grows. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates, or explore his career on Wikipedia.
