Laverne Cox, a trailblazing American actress and LGBTQ+ advocate, has made history with her role as Sophia Burset in Orange Is the New Black. Born on May 29, 1972, in Mobile, Alabama, her real name is Laverne Cox, though she was assigned male at birth. At age 53, Cox’s net worth is estimated at $6 million, earned through acting, producing, and advocacy. She is currently dating Jono Freedrix, but not married. This article dives into her life, career, salary, and impact, offering fresh insights into her journey.
Early Life and Background of Laverne Cox
Raised in Mobile, Alabama, Laverne Cox faced challenges growing up as a transgender individual. Bullied for her gender expression, she found solace in creativity, particularly dance and acting. Her mother, Gloria Cox, a single parent, supported her education at the Alabama School of Fine Arts, where she studied creative writing and dance. Cox later attended Indiana University Bloomington and graduated from Marymount Manhattan College with a B.A. in Fine Arts. Her early struggles with identity shaped her advocacy, making her a beacon for transgender rights.
“I realized that being openly trans and pursuing acting was possible after seeing Candis Cayne on Dirty Sexy Money. It changed my perspective,” Cox shared in a 2020 interview.
Laverne Cox’s Career Journey and Salary Insights
Cox’s career began with small roles on Law & Order and Bored to Death. Her breakthrough came in 2013 with Sophia Burset in Orange Is the New Black, earning her a Primetime Emmy nomination—the first for an openly transgender actress. Her salary for the role reportedly contributed significantly to her $6 million net worth. Cox also produced and starred in TRANSform Me on VH1, a milestone as the first African-American transgender person to lead a TV show.
In 2025, Cox continues to shine, starring in Clean Slate on Prime Video, a project exploring her personal experiences. Her annual salary is estimated at $250,000, supplemented by endorsements and speaking engagements. Her role in Uglies (2024) and Inventing Anna further boosted her earnings.
Laverne Cox’s Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Laverne Cox’s net worth stands at $6 million, a testament to her multifaceted career. Beyond acting, her income streams include producing documentaries like Disclosure and Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word, which won a Daytime Emmy. Her advocacy work, including speaking at events and collaborating with brands, adds approximately $50,000 annually to her wealth. Unlike some peers, Cox maintains a private lifestyle, with no public details on real estate or luxury assets.
Case Study: Compared to co-star Uzo Aduba’s $3 million net worth, Cox’s financial success reflects her broader influence in acting, producing, and advocacy.
Personal Life: Is Laverne Cox Married or Dating?
Laverne Cox is not married but is in a relationship with Jono Freedrix, a filmmaker and former teacher. The couple, engaged since 2022, celebrated their third anniversary in 2025. Cox keeps her personal life private, but her openness about dating has inspired fans. Previously, she dated Kyle Draper until 2019 and an unnamed partner from 2021 to 2024. Her focus remains on her career and advocacy, with no plans for marriage disclosed.
Advocacy and Impact on the LGBTQ+ Community
Cox’s advocacy for transgender rights is unparalleled. She has spoken at rallies, produced documentaries, and appeared on platforms like Katie to discuss transgender challenges. In 2014, she graced the cover of Time magazine, spotlighting “The Transgender Tipping Point.” Her work with organizations like GLAAD earned her the Stephen F. Kolzak Award. Cox’s influence extends to social media, with 7 million Instagram followers (@lavernecox) and 615,000 X followers (@lavernecox).
“Representation matters. Seeing myself on screen gave me hope, and I want to give that to others,” Cox said at a 2023 GLAAD event.
Laverne Cox Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Laverne Cox |
| Real Name | Laverne Cox (assigned male at birth) |
| Birth Date | May 29, 1972 |
| Age | 53 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Mobile, Alabama, USA |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (180 cm) |
| Weight | 76 kg (170 lbs) |
| Education | Alabama School of Fine Arts, Indiana University, Marymount Manhattan College |
| Degree | B.A. in Fine Arts (Dance) |
| Profession | Actress, Producer, LGBTQ+ Advocate |
| Net Worth | $6 million (2025 estimate) |
| Annual Salary | Approximately $250,000 |
| Endorsements | Estimated $50,000 annually |
| Marital Status | Not married |
| Dating | Jono Freedrix (engaged since 2022) |
| Siblings | M Lamar (identical twin brother) |
| Mother | Gloria Cox |
| Notable Roles | Sophia Burset (Orange Is the New Black), Cameron Wirth (Doubt) |
| Awards | Daytime Emmy, SAG Awards, GLAAD Stephen F. Kolzak Award |
| Social Media | Instagram: @lavernecox, X: @lavernecox, Facebook: @lavernecoxforreal |
Recent Projects and Future Outlook
In 2025, Cox’s participation in Celebrity Family Feud with an all-trans team marked a historic moment, raising funds for the TS Madison Starter House. Her upcoming projects include a podcast, The Laverne Cox Show, and potential roles in major films. Her net worth is expected to grow as she expands her producing portfolio and advocacy efforts.
Original Insight: Cox’s ability to balance mainstream success with authentic advocacy sets her apart. Her focus on projects like Disclosure highlights the need for nuanced transgender representation, a gap still evident in 2025 Hollywood.
Why Laverne Cox’s Story Matters
Cox’s journey from a bullied child in Alabama to a global icon is inspiring. Her age of 53 reflects decades of resilience, while her net worth of $6 million underscores her professional achievements. Whether she’s dating or advocating, Cox remains a role model. Her story encourages authenticity and challenges societal norms, making her a pivotal figure in entertainment and activism.
For more details, visit Laverne Cox’s Wikipedia page, her official website, or follow her on Instagram and X.
