Kimberly Hawthorne, professionally known as Kim Hawthorne, is an American actress, singer, author, life coach, and entrepreneur. Over a career spanning more than three decades, Hawthorne has built a diverse body of work across Broadway, daytime soap operas, primetime television, film, and voiceover work. She is best known for her television roles as Kerissa Greenleaf in the Oprah Winfrey Network drama series Greenleaf and Detective Rose Williams in the Canadian police drama Da Vinci’s Inquest.
Early Life and Educational Background
Born on April 19, 1968, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Hawthorne grew up in Newark. She developed a love for performance at a young age, appearing in school plays and discovering a talent for singing. By age 12, she was studying classical opera, a foundation that later supported her transition into musical theatre.
Hawthorne credits early influences, including a mentor named Sister Maria, with sparking her passion for stage work. Raised in the Christian faith, she spent much of her youth actively involved in church activities, where she sang in and led choirs and taught Sunday school.
For her higher education, Hawthorne earned a classical music scholarship to Birmingham-Southern College in Alabama. She graduated with honors, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Musical Theatre. Her academic and vocal training quickly paved the way for professional stage engagements.
Career Beginnings and Stage Accomplishments
After completing her college degree, Hawthorne began her professional career in regional theatre. At the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, she originated the role of Minnie Dove Charles in Pearl Cleage’s play Flyin’ West, directed by Kenny Leon.
She later moved to New York City to pursue opportunities on and off Broadway. Hawthorne made her Broadway debut portraying Queen in Cy Coleman’s musical The Life, directed by Michael Blakemore. She performed in the show from 1997 through 1998.
Television and Film Career
Hawthorne transitioned into television during the early 1990s. She made her screen debut in 1991 in an episode of the NBC drama I’ll Fly Away, followed by appearances in multiple roles on In the Heat of the Night. In the mid-to-late 1990s, she became a familiar face on daytime television, portraying Belinda Keefer on ABC’s All My Children from 1995 to 1996 and taking over the role of Dana Kramer on NBC’s Another World in 1997.
Her television work expanded into primetime dramas and sci-fi series in the 2000s. Key television and film credits include:
- Da Vinci’s Inquest (2000-2005): Featured as Detective Rose Williams as a regular cast member on the CBC crime drama.
- Lucky Louie (2006): Starred as Ellen in the short-lived HBO comedy series alongside Louis C.K.
- The Chronicles of Riddick (2004): Played the film role of Lajjun.
- Greenleaf (2016-2020): Played Kerissa Greenleaf as a main cast member across all five seasons of the OWN drama series alongside Merle Dandridge.
- Guest and Recurring Roles: Appeared on shows such as Dark Angel, Jeremiah, Stargate SG-1, The L Word, Andromeda, Commander in Chief, Whistler, Rake, Switched at Birth, Criminal Minds, How to Get Away with Murder, The Good Doctor, The Lincoln Lawyer, SEAL Team, and Mrs. Davis.
Awards and Professional Recognition
Hawthorne’s work on screen has earned industry recognition throughout her career. In 2004, she was nominated for a Leo Award for Best Lead Performance by a Female for her dramatic role in Da Vinci’s Inquest.
Entrepreneurship, Writing, and Coaching
Beyond her acting career, Hawthorne has established several business and creative projects:
- Fashion and Jewelry: She created The Regal Wrap, a line of ready-to-wear head wraps and accessories, as well as Kim Hawthorne BlingFling, a venture focused on jewelry.
- Coaching and Mentorship: She works as an acting consultant and life coach, mentoring emerging talent and delivering public speaking engagements.
- Publishing: She co-authored the book A to Z Affirmations for Good Business.
Personal Life, Family, and Net Worth
Kim Hawthorne identifies as a Black American and has spoken publicly about her experiences and advocacy for representation in the entertainment industry. She is currently single and was previously married to a man named Curt, with whom she later divorced.
Hawthorne is the mother of two sons, Julian Hawthorne and Tobias Hawthorne. She resides in the United States and divides her time between acting projects, business operations, and personal development coaching.
Her estimated net worth is approximately $2 million, earned through her active career across television, theatre, film, author royalties, business ventures, and personal coaching services.
Kim Hawthorne Fast Facts
| Full Name | Kimberly Hawthorne |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 19, 1968 |
| Place of Birth | Jersey City, New Jersey, USA |
| Ethnicity | Black American |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (163 cm) |
| Education | Birmingham-Southern College (B.A. in Musical Theatre) |
| Children | Julian Hawthorne, Tobias Hawthorne |
| Notable TV Roles | Kerissa Greenleaf (Greenleaf), Detective Rose Williams (Da Vinci’s Inquest) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $2 Million USD |
