Terri J Vaughn

Profile Summary: Terri J Vaughn

• Full Name: Terri Juanita Vaughn
• Birthday: October 16, 1969 🎂
• Age: 55 years old (as of 2025)
• Birthplace: San Francisco, California, USA
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: All-American
• Zodiac Sign: Libra ♎

Family Life

Parents & Siblings:

• No publicly available information about her parents.
• Sibling: Tracy L. Ward.

Spouse & Children:

• First Marriage:
  • Derrick A. Carolina – College friend and first husband.
    • Married in 1999, divorced in 2005.
    • Together, they had a child:
      • Son: Daylen Ali Carolina (born October 2001).
• Second Marriage:
  • Karon Riley – Former football player.
    • Married on January 19, 2008, after dating since May 2007.
    • Together, they have two children:
      • Son: Joseph Riley (born April 21, 2008).
      • Daughter: Lola Riley (born 2014).

Personal Life:

• Known for maintaining a private personal life, focusing primarily on her family and career.
• Shares a happy and fulfilling life with her second husband, Karon Riley, and their three children.

Education

• Attended California State University, where she participated in Miss Black California, showcasing her early interest in performance and public engagement.

Career Highlights

Professional Background

• Primary Professions: Actress, Director, Producer.

Early Career:

• Began her acting career in 1993 with a small role in the hit television series Living Single.
• Gained recognition for her role as Eva Holly in the Showtime drama series Soul Food.

Breakthrough Role:

• Rose to prominence as Lovita Alize Jenkins-Robinson, the high school secretary in the popular sitcom The Steve Harvey Show.

Notable Achievements:

• Acting Credits:
  • Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993) – Early film appearance.
  • Black Scorpion (1995) – Played dual roles as Veronica/Tender Lovin.
  • Fair Game (2005) – Portrayed Sharona Brown.
  • Greenleaf (2016) – Appeared as Melisse.
  • Insecure (2020) – Played Rose Cranberry.
• Directing Career:
  • Transitioned into directing in 2015 with her debut film, Friday Mosque.
  • Directed several other films, including Merry Wishmas, Angrily Ever After, and Hip Hop Holiday.
• Producing and Entrepreneurship:
  • Co-owner of Nina Holiday Entertainment, an Atlanta-based independent production company.
  • Founder of the Take Wings Foundation (1997), dedicated to empowering young women through mentorship and education.

Legacy in Entertainment:

• Celebrated as a versatile artist who excels in acting, directing, and producing, contributing significantly to both film and television.
• Recognized for her dedication to mentoring and uplifting young women through her foundation.

Trivia/Facts

• Born under the zodiac sign Libra, symbolizing balance, creativity, and diplomacy.
• Of All-American descent, reflecting her cultural heritage.
• Hails from San Francisco, California, a city known for its vibrant arts and culture scene.

Legacy

Terri J Vaughn is an American actress, director, producer, and philanthropist celebrated for her dynamic contributions to film, television, and mentorship programs. Born in San Francisco, California, she developed a passion for performance early in life, participating in events like Miss Black California while attending California State University.

Her breakthrough came with her role as Lovita Alize Jenkins-Robinson in the hit sitcom The Steve Harvey Show, earning her widespread recognition and acclaim. Over the years, Terri delivered memorable performances in films like Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993) and Black Scorpion (1995), solidifying her reputation as a talented actress.

In addition to her acting career, Terri transitioned into directing, making her debut with Friday Mosque (2015) and directing several other films that showcased her versatility as a creator. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to co-found Nina Holiday Entertainment, further establishing herself as a multifaceted figure in the entertainment industry.

Beyond her professional achievements, Terri is a dedicated advocate for young women, founding the Take Wings Foundation (1997) to provide mentorship and support. Her efforts have inspired countless individuals, leaving a lasting impact on both the entertainment world and her community.

Terri continues to inspire fans with her resilience, creativity, and commitment to empowering others. Whether through her acting, directing, or philanthropy, she remains a respected figure in the industry, leaving a legacy as a trailblazer for women in entertainment and mentorship. 🌟🎬✨