Cleo King Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Cleo King is an American character actress celebrated for her decades-long career across television and film, known especially for her role as “Grandma” on Mike & Molly, and recognized for bringing depth and gravitas to every character she portrays.

Introduction

Cleo King — born August 21, 1962 — has carved out a remarkable niche in Hollywood as a versatile character actress, with more than 90 screen credits spanning sitcoms, dramas, and major films. Sources estimate her net worth at about US$3 million, reflecting her long-standing presence in film and television. 

Although public records show much about her professional life and early background, details about her personal and romantic relationships remain largely private — no widely verified information confirms a spouse or partner.

In this profile, we explore Cleo King’s journey: from humble roots to enduring career, examine her wealth and public image, and celebrate the legacy she continues to build.

Quick Facts

From Stage Dreams in St. Louis to Hollywood Character Star

Cleo King’s story begins in St. Louis, Missouri, where she was born the youngest among seven siblings.  Early on, she displayed a talent — and love — for performance. She attended the University of Missouri, studying Speech and Dramatic Arts. 

Despite initial timidity — she later admitted she was too shy to audition during her freshman year — King persevered.  By college she was already acting in stage productions, including a play notable for nurturing emerging Black talent. 

Her move to New York, and then to Los Angeles in the mid-1990s, marked the beginning of a steady climb. Small television appearances and film bits gradually built into a significant résumé of character-driven roles. 

Defining moments in Cleo King’s journey include:

• Early stage roles during college that ignited her passion for acting.

• Her television debut on The Cosby Show (1988), the opening of her screen career. 

• A breakthrough recurring role on the drama series Boston Public, which raised her profile among casting directors.

• Landing the beloved role of Rosetta “Nana” McMillan on Mike & Molly (2010–2016), bringing her sustained recognition in American households. 

Through persistence and versatility, King turned early doubts — including discouraging remarks from family members and peers — into a driving force. She has been quoted as saying that disbelief from others pushed her to succeed. 

The Core Pillars of Cleo King’s Wealth

The core pillars of Cleo King’s wealth include:

• Long-term acting career in television and film: More than 90 acting credits over decades ensure a stable income stream.

• Recurring roles and syndication residuals: Her tenure on Mike & Molly, along with work on many other notable productions, likely contributes significant residuals.

• Diverse character roles across genres: From drama to comedy to voice work, King’s adaptability has helped her maintain steady employment and broaden her earning base. 

Relationships & Personal Life: Respecting the Private

Cleo King maintains a notably private personal life. Publicly available information does not confirm a spouse or romantic partner, and she appears to keep family details out of media attention.

Key insights into Cleo King’s relationships and personal life:

• She was born Harriet Cleo King, and grew up as the youngest of seven siblings in St. Louis. 

• There is no credible public record identifying a husband, spouse, or long-term partner.

• King has expressed her gratitude for the opportunities of her career, often referencing early discouragement (from teachers or peers) as motivation. 

Because King values privacy, media details about her personal relationships remain scarce. What shines through instead is her professional commitment and grounded character.

A Life Beyond the Spotlight: Interests, Causes & Character

Beyond career success, Cleo King leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Philanthropy and advocacy for children: She has supported organizations that assist children — including those seeking adoption or foster care — using her platform to raise awareness. 

• Dedication to craft over glamour: Though frequently cast as authority figures — officers, caretakers, elders — she embraces depth, nuance, and strength in every role, showing she values performance and storytelling above fame. 

• Resilience in the face of early discouragement: Her story is one of perseverance — overcoming skepticism about her looks, size, or potential, to build a career spanning decades.

While King may eschew tabloid attention, she commands quiet respect among peers and fans for her consistency, authenticity, and integrity.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Current public estimates place Cleo King’s net worth around US$3 million. Because her career spans many decades, her wealth stems from a combination of ongoing acting roles, residuals, and perhaps modest investments.

Given the absence of public data on major brand endorsements or high-value real estate, most of the valuation rests on her acting career and accumulated work over decades. That said, the figure of US$3 million reflects a stable, modest-to-comfortable net worth for a long-time character actress — an achievement in an industry often favoring youth and blockbuster fame.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Cleo King is widely regarded in the entertainment industry as a reliable, talented character actress — one who brings authenticity, gravitas, and warmth to even the smallest parts. Her role as “Nana” on Mike & Molly endeared her to many, allowing a generation of viewers to associate her with humor, wisdom, and familial warmth.

Within Hollywood, her longevity speaks volumes. She represents resilience, versatility, and the often-overlooked importance of character actors who form the backbone of film and television. Her journey from stage auditions to beloved supporting roles offers aspiring actors a blueprint for building a career grounded in dedication rather than celebrity.

Her philanthropic efforts — especially around children and adoption — add another dimension to her legacy: one of empathy, social responsibility, and quiet influence.

Conclusion

Cleo King’s journey — from the theatres of St. Louis to the soundstages of Hollywood — is a story of perseverance, conviction, and talent. With a birthdate of August 21, 1962, she has spent decades honing her craft, earning respect and a stable net worth around US$3 million through steady work and enduring appeal.

Though she values privacy, and little is publicly known about her romantic life, King’s professional relationships and philanthropic commitments reflect a genuine character shaped by humility and purpose. Her birthday — August 21 — offers fans a moment to celebrate not just the woman, but the artistic integrity and dedication that define her career.

In an industry often enamored with fleeting fame, Cleo King stands out as a testament to longevity, resilience, and the enduring power of character acting.