When we think of ’90s sitcoms, it’s impossible not to remember Kadeem Hardison and his iconic role as Dwayne Wayne on “A Different World.” Hardison’s portrayal of the loveable, intelligent, and quirky character helped shape the TV landscape of the time, and his presence in the industry is still felt today. Today, we will take a closer look at Kadeem Hardison’s early life, career, and net worth.
Net Worth: $3 Million
Salary: –
Date of Birth: July 24, 1965
Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York City
Gender: Male
Profession: Actor
Kadeem Hardison Early Life
Kadeem Hardison was born on July 24, 1965, in Brooklyn, New York City. His father, Donald McFadden, was an antique and fine art collector, while his mother, Bethann Hardison, was a successful fashion model and later a modeling agent. Growing up in a household filled with creativity, Kadeem was exposed to the world of art and entertainment from a young age. With both parents working in creative fields, it’s no surprise that Kadeem would be drawn to the spotlight.
Kadeem attended the LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, which is known for its famous alumni, including Jennifer Aniston, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Marlon Wayans. It was during this time that Hardison began to explore his passion for acting.
Hardison’s first break into the entertainment industry came when he was 16. He appeared in an ABC Afterschool Special called “Counselor at Crime.” His performance caught the eye of industry professionals, and Kadeem began to gain steady work in television and movies. However, it was the role of Dwayne Wayne in “A Different World” that would catapult him to fame.
“A Different World” was a spin-off from “The Cosby Show,” and it followed the lives of students at the fictional Hillman College, a historically Black college in Virginia. Hardison starred alongside Jasmine Guy, Cree Summer, and Sinbad. The show ran for six successful seasons from 1987 to 1993, and it remains a beloved classic to this day.
Kadeem Hardison Personal Life
Kadeem Hardison has always been relatively private about his personal life, but we do know that he was once married to singer and actress Chanté Moore. The couple tied the knot in 1997 and welcomed a daughter named Sophia in 1996. Unfortunately, their marriage came to an end in 2000, but they have maintained a positive relationship for the sake of their daughter.
In his personal life, Kadeem is known to be close to his mother, Bethann Hardison, who has been a driving force and a supportive figure throughout his career. Bethann is not only Kadeem’s mother but also an influential figure in the fashion industry. She has been a vocal advocate for diversity in the fashion world, fighting for greater representation of models of color.
Kadeem Hardison Career
As mentioned earlier, Kadeem Hardison’s career took off with his role as Dwayne Wayne in “A Different World.” However, his career spans more than three decades, with numerous television and film appearances under his belt.
In the late 1990s, Hardison played the lead role in the short-lived but critically acclaimed series “Between Brothers,” which aired on Fox. He also appeared in the popular sitcom “Abby” alongside Sydney Tamiia Poitier in the early 2000s.
Kadeem has worked with several prominent directors, such as Spike Lee and Wes Craven. He starred in Lee’s “School Daze” in 1988 and appeared in Craven’s horror-comedy “Vampire in Brooklyn” alongside Eddie Murphy in 1995.
Throughout the 2000s, Hardison guest-starred in various popular television shows like “House,” “Girlfriends,” and “Everybody Hates Chris.” His versatility as an actor has allowed him to play a wide range of characters, from dramatic roles to comedic performances.
In the last decade, Kadeem has continued to find success on both the small and big screens. He starred in the TV series “Cult” in 2013, and later appeared in the Marvel series “Cloak & Dagger” in 2018. On the film front, Hardison starred in the indie drama “The 6th Man” and the romantic comedy “Definitely Divorcing.”
Kadeem Hardison Net Worth
Kadeem Hardison’s role as Dwayne Wayne played a significant part in shaping his career and contributing to his net worth. Following the success of “A Different World,” Hardison continued to find work in TV and movies. Some of his most notable roles include appearances in “White Men Can’t Jump,” “Vampire in Brooklyn,” and “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka.”
Hardison also lent his voice to popular video games like “The Walking Dead: Michonne” and “Beyond: Two Souls.” His diverse and consistent work in the industry has earned him an estimated net worth of $3 million.
In recent years, Kadeem has made appearances in TV series such as “Love Is_,” “Black Monday,” and “Teenage Bounty Hunters.” He also had a recurring role on Disney Channel’s “K.C. Undercover,” where he played the father of the show’s protagonist, played by Zendaya.
Apart from his acting career, Kadeem has also ventured into directing. In 2003, he directed the film “The Dark Party,” which starred Idris Elba, Henry Simmons, and Chenoa Maxwell. This foray into directing shows that Hardison is not only a talented actor but also a creative force behind the camera.
