Frankie Faison Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts
Explore Frankie Faison net worth, relationships, age/birthdate and birthday in a detailed profile of the actor’s career, family life and legacy.
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Frankie Faison Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday
Frankie Faison is an American actor recognized for his commanding performances in The Wire, the Hannibal Lecter film series and a career spanning stage, screen and TV.
Introduction
Frankie Faison was born on June 10, 1949, and over decades built a reputation as a highly respected character actor. His estimated net worth has been reported at around $2.5 million, according to one widely cited source. He celebrated his birthday on June 10 each year, marking the age/birthdate that anchors his long tenure in the entertainment industry. As for relationships, Faison has been publicly linked to marriage with his partner, and has children from earlier unions, reflecting a personal life that runs in parallel with his professional journey.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Frankie Russel Faison |
| Age/Birthdate | June 10, 1949 |
| Birthday | June 10 |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor (stage, film, television) |
| Estimated Net Worth | ≈ $2.5 million |
| Relationship Status | Married to Samantha Jupiter Faison (since 2017) |
| Known For | Roles such as Ervin Burrell on The Wire, Barney Matthews in the Hannibal franchise |
From Local Ambition to Global Recognition
Frankie Faison’s journey began in Newport News, Virginia, where he was born to parents Edgar and Carmena (née Gantt) Faison. From his earliest days, his interest in the dramatic arts was nurtured, which led him to pursue studies in drama at Illinois Wesleyan University. He went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in 1974.
His professional acting career launched on stage: in 1974 he performed in a production of King Lear with the New York Shakespeare Festival, sharing the stage with heavyweight James Earl Jones. Almost immediately his trajectory shifted toward film and television, with early parts in Permanent Vacation (1980) and a string of genre-roles in the 1980s. Among them: Mississippi Burning, Do the Right Thing, Manhunter.
Defining moments in Frankie Faison’s journey include:
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Broadway-stage performance in Fences, earning a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play.
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Entering the Hannibal Lecter film series, appearing in The Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal, Red Dragon, and Manhunter.
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Landing the role of Commissioner Ervin Burrell on HBO’s The Wire, a breakthrough that cemented his television credibility.
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Continuing to earn roles across genres into the 2010s and beyond — from Banshee to Luke Cage.
Through these milestones, Faison transformed from a young drama-student in Virginia to a seasoned actor whose performances continue to resonate in the industry.
The Core Pillars of Frankie Faison’s Wealth
When considering the “Frankie Faison net worth” figure, it’s helpful to look at how his earnings have been built and sustained. The core pillars of his wealth include:
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Film and television acting roles: From major motion pictures to long-running series, Faison’s consistent employment has been the primary income source.
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Stage and theatre work: Early in his career, his work in theater (including Broadway) contributed to both credentials and earnings.
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Residuals and licensing: Given the enduring popularity of shows like The Wire and films in the Hannibal universe, residual income likely plays a role in his wealth profile.
| Category | Estimated Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Business (acting roles & credits) | ~$2.5 million | Celebrity Net Worth |
| Brand deals & partnerships | Not publicly disclosed | — |
| Investments & assets | Not publicly detailed | — |
Because publicly available financial data is limited, the breakdown above is simplified and centers on the most visible income stream — his acting work.
Relationships & Family Life
In exploring Frankie Faison’s personal life, his relationships and family background offer further insight into the man behind the roles.
Faison was previously married to Jane Mandel; together they have three children: Rachel, Amanda and Blake. More recently, he has been married to Samantha Jupiter Faison, with the union beginning circa 2017.
Key insights into Frankie Faison’s relationships and personal life:
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His career has been long and demanding, yet he has maintained family roots and commitments.
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The details of his current home life (with Samantha Jupiter Faison) are kept relatively private, underscoring a preference for personal privacy amidst public work.
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He has publicly referenced mentorship, respect and the challenges he faced as an African-American actor navigating the industry early on.
Lifestyle, Assets & Interests
Beyond career success, Frankie Faison leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:
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A sustained involvement in theatre and acting even after decades in film and television — indicating a deep commitment to craft rather than purely commercial endeavour.
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Participation in charitable causes and community impact, such as speaking engagements and honorary distinctions (for example, an honorary doctorate from Illinois Wesleyan University).
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A taste for performance across mediums — he has taken roles in streaming, traditional television, film, and stage, suggesting adaptability and a forward-looking approach to his profession.
While precise public disclosure of homes, cars or other luxury assets is limited, the arc of his career suggests that his lifestyle is grounded in longevity, craft and recognition rather than in flashy spectacle.
Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis
The reported “Frankie Faison net worth” figure of approximately $2.5 million reflects his earnings from decades of reliable work. It is important to note that most publicly accessible valuations (such as the one from Celebrity Net Worth) reflect estimates rather than audited totals.
Analysis:
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The acting industry is characterised by fluctuation — major roles bring significant income, but continuity and residuals become essential for long-term wealth.
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Faison’s pattern of steady character roles (rather than headline-led blockbuster stardom) suggests moderate but reliable earnings supplemented by residuals and licensing income.
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His legacy roles (Hannibal series, The Wire) continue to provide cultural recognition — which supports compounding value (profile, speaking engagements, legacy market).
| Category | Estimated Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Business ventures (acting) | ~$2.5 million | Celebrity Net Worth |
| Brand deals & partnerships | Not publicly documented | — |
| Investments & assets | Not publicly disclosed | — |
Public Image, Legacy & Influence
Frankie Faison’s public image is distinguished by respect, craft, and endurance. His portrayal of complex, authoritative characters has left a memorable mark on audiences and the industry.
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His role as Commissioner Ervin Burrell on HBO’s The Wire (2002–2008) earned acclaim and solidified his status as a powerful presence on television.
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In the Hannibal Lecter film series, his consistent portrayal of Barney Matthews across multiple films made him a rare constant in a franchise characterised by change.
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Actors and critics alike have noted his dedication to craft, and his ability to elevate even supporting roles with authenticity and gravitas.
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Beyond performances, his educational background and occasional public speaking engagements (such as his commencement address at Illinois Wesleyan University) show an individual invested in broader cultural contribution.
His influence thus spans both screen and stage and continues to inspire emerging actors who view longevity and versatility as aspirational.
Conclusion
From his birthdate of June 10, 1949, Frankie Faison embarked on a creative path that has spanned stage classics, chilling thrillers, groundbreaking television and sustained character work. His estimated net worth of approximately $2.5 million grows out of decades of disciplined craft rather than headline-dominated stardom. His birthday each June 10 is a quiet marker of an enduring career; his relationships — a marriage to Samantha Jupiter Faison and earlier union with Jane Mandel and their children — reflect a personal life that has moved alongside his professional one.
In a world of fast-fading fame, Frankie Faison stands out as a model of consistency, respect and versatility. His story — of dramatic ambition, steady work, respected roles — offers the inspiring insight that success in acting doesn’t exclusively mean blockbuster budgets or tabloid headlines. It can mean mastery of craft, reliability, and leaving a legacy that resonates long after the camera stops rolling.
