Bill Duke Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts
Explore Bill Duke net worth, Bill Duke relationships, Bill Duke age/birthdate and Bill Duke birthday in this detailed profile of his career and personal life.
Bill Duke Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday
Bill Duke is an actor-director-producer whose commanding on-screen presence and behind-the-camera leadership have earned him a lasting place in Hollywood and beyond.
Introduction
Bill Duke (birthdate February 26, 1943) built a multi-decade career as an actor, director and producer, and remains widely respected for his work across film, television and mentorship. His estimated net worth of approximately US $3 million underscores both the longevity and steadiness of his contributions. He is married to Sheila P. Moses and powers a personal story that blends art, advocacy and legacy.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Henry “Bill” Duke Jr. |
| Age/Birthdate | February 26, 1943 |
| Birthday | February 26 |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor · Director · Producer |
| Estimated Net Worth | US $3 million |
| Relationship Status | Married (to Sheila P. Moses) |
| Known For | Iconic acting roles, directing crime/action films, leadership in African-American cinema |
Forging a Path From Poughkeepsie to Hollywood
Growing up in Poughkeepsie, New York, Duke’s early life was marked by a desire to express both physical discipline and creative intensity. He eventually shifted from studies in English education and dance/drama to a professional career in entertainment.
His stage work began on Broadway and his film debut in works such as Car Wash (1976) opened doors.
Defining moments in Bill Duke’s journey include:
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A Broadway appearance in Ain’t Supposed to Die a Natural Death (1971), marking his theatrical beginnings.
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Breaking into film with Car Wash and later commanding roles in Commando (1985) and Predator (1987).
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Transitioning into directing, helming seminal works such as A Rage in Harlem (1991) and Deep Cover (1992) and becoming a key figure in bringing African-American cinema to prominence.
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Founding the Duke Media Foundation to mentor young talent in film and television production — extending his influence off-screen.
The core pillars of Bill Duke’s wealth include:
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Film & television acting – his physical stature and intensity made him a memorable presence in major productions.
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Directing and producing – moving behind the camera amplified his industry role and opened new revenue streams.
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Educational and philanthropic ventures – through the Duke Media Foundation and his leadership roles, he has created value beyond box office returns.
Relationships & Family Life
Bill Duke is married to Sheila P. Moses, whose own background in literature and advocacy dovetails with his commitment to social impact. While public details on children vary, one reference notes two children, Ethel and William, and a residence in the Los Angeles area.
Key insights into Bill Duke’s relationships and personal life:
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Long-standing marriage to Sheila P. Moses, reinforcing his personal stability amid an often-turbulent industry.
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Blending creative and social missions through partnership — his spouse shares alignment with his focus on storytelling and empowerment.
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Maintaining a relatively private family life despite years in the spotlight, indicating a focus on craft and legacy rather than tabloid exposure.
Lifestyle, Assets & Interests
Beyond career success, Bill Duke leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:
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Deep engagement in film education and mentorship via the Duke Media Foundation.
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Residence in the Los Angeles area, and active participation in industry organizations — enabling him to sustain a connection to Hollywood innovation.
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Training and advocacy in Transcendental Meditation, showing an interest in holistic well-being and creative discipline.
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A physical presence (standing over six-foot-four) that contributed to his on-screen persona and brand for decades.
Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis
His estimated net worth is drawn from publicly available sources such as CelebrityNetWorth.
| Category | Estimated Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Business Ventures | US $2 million | CelebrityNetWorth |
| Brand Deals & Partnerships | US $0.5 million | Derived estimate |
| Investments & Assets | US $0.5 million | Derived estimate |
Analysis: While the headline figure of US $3 million may appear modest by Hollywood standards, it reflects steady earnings across acting, directing and production rather than one blockbuster breakout. His durable appeal, along with mentorship and foundation work, suggest his legacy and value extend beyond pure financial metrics. Notably, the consistency of roles, behind-the-camera accomplishments and institutional positions contribute to a stable income base rather than speculative high-risk investments.
Public Image, Legacy & Influence
Bill Duke commands a public image rooted in strength, consistency and mentorship. As a towering on-screen presence, he helped reshape the portrayal of African-American actors in action and crime drama. His directorial efforts further expanded representation behind the camera, influencing subsequent generations of filmmakers and storytellers. His foundation work adds a dimension of giving back and fostering new talent.
His legacy is anchored not only in his roles but in his mission: to open doors, change narratives and maintain commitment to craft. Among industry peers and emerging creatives, Duke is often cited as a role model for longevity, versatility and principled creative leadership.
Conclusion
Bill Duke’s journey — anchored by a birthdate of February 26, 1943 — weaves performance, direction and mentorship into a singular career path. With an estimated net worth of approximately US $3 million, his story isn’t one of overnight fame or dramatic wealth spikes, but rather of sustained craft, adaptability and impact. His marriage to Sheila P. Moses and his role as mentor and industry elder further enrich his personal and professional narrative. As both actor and director, and now as a legacy figure in cinema and mentorship, Bill Duke stands as proof that influence often flows from persistence, purpose and integrity — and that a birthday can mark not just a passing year, but a lifetime of contribution.
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