Keshia Knight Pulliam, born April 9, 1979, is a celebrated American actress, director, and producer, best known for her iconic role as Rudy Huxtable on The Cosby Show. At age 46 in 2025, her net worth is estimated at $2 million, amassed through a prolific career in acting, producing, and entrepreneurship. She is happily married to actor Brad James, with whom she shares a son, and has a daughter from a previous marriage. This article delves into her biography, career milestones, personal life, salary insights, and dating history, offering fresh perspectives and updated information.
Early Life and Rise to Fame at a Young Age
Born in Newark, New Jersey, Keshia Knight Pulliam began her career at an astonishingly young age of 9 months, appearing in a Johnson & Johnson advertisement. By age 3, she was on Sesame Street, showcasing her natural charisma. Her breakout role came at age 5 as Rudy Huxtable on The Cosby Show (1984–1992), making her a household name. At age 6, she became the youngest Emmy nominee for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, a testament to her talent. Her early start and enduring presence in entertainment highlight her resilience and adaptability.
“Starting so young taught me discipline and the value of storytelling. It’s a privilege to grow up in this industry and still find new ways to create,” Keshia shared in a 2024 interview with The Bump.
Career Achievements and Salary Insights
Keshia’s role on The Cosby Show spanned 177 episodes, earning her critical acclaim and three NAACP Image Awards for her comedic prowess. She later starred as Miranda Lucas-Payne in Tyler Perry’s House of Payne (2007–present), securing additional NAACP Image Awards in 2009, 2010, and 2012. Her film credits include Madea Goes to Jail (2009), grossing $41 million, and Beauty Shop (2005), earning $37.2 million.
Her salary varies by project. As a child star, she earned approximately $10,000 per episode on The Cosby Show, a significant sum for the 1980s. Recent estimates suggest she commands $50,000–$100,000 per film or directing gig, with additional income from hosting Married at First Sight: Afterparty and her Keshia’s Kitchen Collection spice line. Her multifaceted career as an actress, director, and producer underscores her versatility.
Keshia Knight Pulliam’s Net Worth in 2025
Keshia’s net worth of $2 million reflects her diverse income streams. Beyond acting, she co-founded The Fearless Fund, a venture capital initiative supporting women of color, and launched Jamestown Filmworks with her husband, Brad James. Real estate investments, like her $508,000 Fayetteville, Georgia home sold in 2016, also contribute. Her entrepreneurial ventures and consistent work in television, including reality shows like Celebrity Big Brother and The Celebrity Apprentice, bolster her financial portfolio. Strategic brand partnerships and her spice line add to her wealth, aligning with her identity as a “mompreneur.”
Married Life and Dating History
Keshia’s personal life has been as dynamic as her career. She married Ed Hartwell, a retired NFL player, in January 2016 after a New Year’s Eve 2015 engagement. The marriage ended in divorce by April 2018, amid public disputes over infidelity and child support. Keshia was awarded primary custody of their daughter, Ella Grace Hartwell, born January 23, 2017, with Hartwell ordered to pay $3,000 monthly in child support.
In 2019, Keshia met Brad James on the set of Pride and Prejudice: Atlanta, where they played siblings. Their friendship blossomed into romance, leading to an engagement in December 2020 and a September 2021 wedding. They welcomed their son, Knight James, in April 2023. Keshia often shares glimpses of their family life on Instagram (@keshiaknightpulliam), emphasizing their bond and farm life in Atlanta.
“Brad and I live on a farm with chickens and goats. It’s grounding, and Ella loves her riding lessons. It’s about creating a legacy for our kids,” Keshia told People in 2023.
Reality TV and Recent Projects
Keshia’s reality TV ventures showcase her competitive spirit. She won Celebrity Fear Factor in 2002 and The Weakest Link but faced early eliminations on Celebrity Apprentice (2015) and Celebrity Big Brother (2018), the latter due to breastfeeding challenges for Ella. Her role as host of Married at First Sight: Afterparty has earned praise for her insightful commentary, with fans on Reddit calling her “more skillful than the show’s counselors” in 2025.
Her recent work includes directing episodes of House of Payne and producing Eggs Over Easy, a documentary on Black women’s fertility issues. In 2025, she’s set to appear in My Brother’s Keeper, a film in post-production, showcasing her continued relevance in Hollywood.
Unique Insights: Balancing Fame and Family
Keshia’s ability to balance fame, motherhood, and entrepreneurship sets her apart. Living on an Atlanta farm, she prioritizes family time, often bringing her children to sets. Her advocacy for breast cancer awareness, inspired by her grandmother’s survival and great-grandmother’s loss, adds depth to her public persona. Her work with the Breast Cancer Research Fund in 2024 emphasizes early screenings, resonating with her audience.
Her podcast, Kandidly Keshia, offers candid discussions on parenting and career challenges, providing a platform for authentic storytelling. This blend of vulnerability and professionalism makes her a relatable figure for fans searching for insights into her age, net worth, and married life.
Keshia Knight Pulliam Biography Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Keshia Knight Pulliam |
| Date of Birth | April 9, 1979 |
| Age (2025) | 46 years old |
| Birthplace | Newark, New Jersey, USA |
| Parents | Denise Pulliam, James Pulliam Sr. |
| Siblings | Three brothers: James II, Mshon, Juwan |
| Education | Spelman College, B.A. in Sociology (2001) |
| First Role | Johnson & Johnson ad at 9 months |
| Breakthrough Role | Rudy Huxtable, The Cosby Show (1984–1992) |
| Notable Roles | Miranda Lucas-Payne, House of Payne; Candy, Madea Goes to Jail |
| Awards | 3 NAACP Image Awards (2009, 2010, 2012); Emmy nomination (1986) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $2 million |
| First Marriage | Ed Hartwell (2016–2018) |
| Second Marriage | Brad James (2021–present) |
| Children | Ella Grace Hartwell (b. 2017), Knight James (b. 2023) |
| Business Ventures | Keshia’s Kitchen Collection, The Fearless Fund, Jamestown Filmworks |
| Reality TV | Fear Factor (won, 2002), Celebrity Big Brother (2018), The Apprentice |
| Recent Projects | My Brother’s Keeper (2025), Eggs Over Easy documentary |
| Social Media | Instagram: @keshiaknightpulliam, Twitter: @peachespulliam |
Conclusion: A Legacy of Resilience
Keshia Knight Pulliam’s journey from child star to multifaceted entertainer reflects her resilience and adaptability. At 46, her net worth, married life with Brad James, and dedication to her children and advocacy work define her legacy. Her story resonates with those searching for insights into her age, salary, and dating history, offering a blend of professional triumphs and personal authenticity. Follow her on Instagram or explore her Wikipedia page for more.
