Shari Headley, best known for her role as Lisa McDowell in the iconic film "Coming to America," has had a fascinating journey in Hollywood. The character she portrayed was not just a love interest; she was a central figure in the storyline that showcased the cultural clash between the royal life of Prince Akeem and the realities of everyday life in Queens, New York. Fans of the film have often wondered about her life after the movie's massive success. So, what has she been up to since then?
Born and raised in Queens, New York, Headley’s journey to fame began long before she graced the screens of "Coming to America." With a modeling contract won through the Ford Models' Supermodel of The World Contest in 1984, she quickly made a name for herself. Her early career included appearances on popular television series such as "The Cosby Show" and "Miami Vice," paving the way for her breakout role in the 1988 film. Following the success of the film, Shari Headley's career flourished, leading her to explore various avenues in acting and beyond.
In recent years, Headley has returned to her roots, reprising her role as Lisa McDowell in the sequel "Coming 2 America," which reignited interest in her career. Fans are eager to learn about her journey since the original film. She has balanced her acting career with personal commitments, showcasing resilience and dedication through the challenges life has thrown her way.
Shari Headley: A Brief Biography
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Shari Headley |
| Date of Birth | July 15, 1964 |
| Birthplace | Queens, New York, USA |
| Occupation | Actress, Model |
| Notable Works | Coming to America, All My Children, Guiding Light |
| Children | 1 |
Career Highlights After the '80s
Shari Headley has kept herself busy in the 33-year gap between Coming to America and Coming 2 America. She appeared in a series of TV shows in the '80s and early '90s, including Gideon Oliver, Kojak: Ariana, and Kojak: None So Blind, along with many others. By the '90s and 2000s, Headley continued her career with roles in shows, small films, and soap operas like Guiding Light and The Bold and The Beautiful, as well as music videos like Will Smith's "Wild Wild West" and Blackstreet's "Before I Let You Go." She credits her role in 1989's Gideon Oliver for training her for a three-year contract on All My Children, as well as for the lead role on the Fox series 413 Hope Street.
In her personal life, she got married and divorced from rapper-actor Christopher Martin of the rap duo Kid 'N' Play. Together, they welcomed a son, Skyler Martin, in 1994, though their happiness was short-lived. While doing an amazing job at keeping her personal life private, Headley has maintained a presence on social media where she promotes her work and highlights other nods to Black excellence. Her Instagram bio pays homage to the role that helped make her a recognizable face in Hollywood as she refers to herself as the "Queen of Zamunda."
Shari Headley’s Nurturing Side
Headley has opted to take the high road regarding her two-year marriage to Christopher Martin. She expressed, "I'm very blessed that the union produced my beautiful son. That's all I can really say. I'm happy with that. I haven't seen or heard from him in a very long time." The Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween star noted, "It is what it is" because she made the choice to get divorced. Her love for her son shines a light on her nurturing personality. When she wasn't acting on screen, Headley dedicated time to mentoring young girls and women through the nonprofit organization Saving Our Daughters.
Her humble beginnings in Queens have helped her maintain a career in Hollywood while also being a present figure in her loved ones' lives. "At one point, I lived in my car," she revealed, sharing that she pushed her mother in a wheelchair or her son in a stroller to make it to auditions. "I've put God first, and that's been what's kept me thriving. He's going to always take care of me." She has always had a supportive network, saying, "I've had a lot of supportive people around me." This resilience has undoubtedly played a role in her continued success in show business.
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