Tracee Ellis Ross, the award-winning actress and daughter of music legend Diana Ross, is making headlines once again. Known for her iconic roles in Girlfriends and Black-ish, Ross has recently been trending on Google Trends, sparking curiosity about what’s new in her life. The reason? Her candid and empowering speech at The New York Times Well Festival 2025, where she opened up about aging, societal expectations, and her choice to remain child-free. In this article, we’ll dive into Ross’s inspiring words, explore her impressive net worth, and take a closer look at her career, personal life, and some fun facts that make her a beloved figure in Hollywood.
Tracee Ellis Ross Speaks Out on Aging and Expectations
At 52, Tracee Ellis Ross is not letting societal pressures define her sense of worth. During her interview at The New York Times Well Festival 2025, Ross addressed the criticism she often faces for not being married or having children. “I do not believe my life is unworthy because I don’t have children. I do not believe that my life is unworthy because I do not have a man or partner,” she boldly stated. This powerful message resonated with many, especially women who feel pressured to conform to traditional roles. Ross emphasized that her accomplishments—like her successful acting career and her thriving business, Pattern Beauty—are enough to define her legacy. Her words have sparked conversations about self-worth, independence, and redefining success on one’s own terms.
Tracee Ellis Ross’s Net Worth and Career

Tracee Ellis Ross has built an impressive career that spans over two decades, and her financial success reflects her hard work and talent. As of 2025, her net worth is estimated at $16 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Ross’s breakout role came in 2000 when she starred as Joan Clayton in the hit series Girlfriends, a role that earned her two NAACP Image Awards. She later solidified her place in television history with her portrayal of Dr. Rainbow Johnson in Black-ish, which brought her critical acclaim and multiple award nominations, including five Primetime Emmy nods.
Beyond acting, Ross is a savvy entrepreneur. She founded Pattern Beauty, a hair-care line designed for curly and textured hair, inspired by her own journey with her natural curls. The brand has been a massive success, further boosting her income. With her acting roles, production credits, and business ventures, Ross has proven that she’s more than just a Hollywood star—she’s a business mogul in her own right.
Tracee Ellis Ross’s Personal Life: Children, Husband, and Relationships
Despite her fame, Tracee Ellis Ross has managed to keep much of her personal life private. One thing she’s been open about, however, is her decision to remain child-free. In her recent speech, she addressed the grief she sometimes feels about not having children but emphasized that it doesn’t diminish her worth. “I grieve the things that I thought would be and that are not,” she shared, “but I still wouldn’t want the wrong partner.”
As for her relationship status, Ross is currently single and has never been married. While she’s been linked to a few high-profile names in the past, including music executive Bu Thiam, she’s made it clear that she’s not settling for anything less than a “unicorn” partner who adds value to her already fulfilling life. Ross continues to date but keeps her love life out of the spotlight, focusing instead on her career and personal growth.
Tracee Ellis Ross’s Popular Movies and Shows

Tracee Ellis Ross’s acting career is as diverse as it is successful. Here are some of her most notable roles:
- Girlfriends (2000–2008): Ross’s portrayal of Joan Clayton, a successful lawyer navigating love and friendship, made her a household name.
- Black-ish (2014–2022): As Dr. Rainbow Johnson, Ross delivered a performance that earned her widespread acclaim and multiple award nominations.
- The High Note (2020): In this film, Ross showcased her singing talents, playing a music superstar alongside Dakota Johnson.
- Mixed-ish (2019–2021): Ross co-created and narrated this Black-ish spin-off, further cementing her influence in television.
Her versatility as an actress has allowed her to shine in both comedy and drama, making her one of the most respected figures in entertainment.
FAQs About Tracee Ellis Ross
Q: What is Tracee Ellis Ross’s net worth?
A: As of 2025, Tracee Ellis Ross’s net worth is estimated at $16 million.
Q: Does Tracee Ellis Ross have children?
A: No, Tracee Ellis Ross does not have children and has spoken openly about her choice to remain child-free.
Q: Is Tracee Ellis Ross married?
A: No, Tracee Ellis Ross is not married and is currently single.
Q: What is Pattern Beauty?
A: Pattern Beauty is a hair-care line founded by Tracee Ellis Ross, designed specifically for curly and textured hair.
Q: What awards has Tracee Ellis Ross won?
A: Ross has won two NAACP Image Awards for her role in Girlfriends and has been nominated for five Primetime Emmy Awards for Black-ish.
Fun Facts About Tracee Ellis Ross
- She’s the daughter of music icon Diana Ross and music business manager Robert Ellis Silberstein.
- Ross studied theater at Brown University and graduated in 1994.
- Before acting, she worked as a model and fashion editor for magazines like Mirabella and New York.
- She’s a talented singer and showcased her vocal abilities in the film The High Note.
- Ross is an advocate for self-love and body positivity, often sharing empowering messages on social media.
Tracee Ellis Ross’s recent speech at The New York Times Well Festival 2025 has reminded us all that success isn’t defined by societal norms. With a net worth of $16 million, a thriving career, and a commitment to living life on her own terms, Ross continues to inspire fans around the world. Whether she’s gracing our screens or building her beauty empire, one thing is clear: Tracee Ellis Ross is a force to be reckoned with. What’s your favorite Tracee Ellis Ross moment? Share your thoughts below!