Who is Harry Belafonte’s Daughter Gina Belafonte? Biography, Wiki, Career, Husband, Movies, Parents & Age

Gina Belafonte is a well-known actress and producer, with a career that spans over three decades. Born on September 8, 1961, in New York City, she is the youngest daughter of Harry Belafonte and his first wife, Marguerite Byrd.

In this article, we will take a closer look at Gina Belafonte’s life, career, and contributions to the entertainment industry and activism.

Biography and Quick Wiki

Gina Belafonte was born into a family that has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and activism. Her father, Harry Belafonte, is an American singer, actor, and activist, who popularized calypso music with international audiences in the 1950s. Her mother, Marguerite Byrd, was a dancer who worked with Katherine Dunham’s dance company.

Gina’s upbringing was influenced by her parents’ commitment to social justice, civil rights, and activism. Her father was a prominent civil rights activist and friend of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was also involved in the anti-apartheid movement and served as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador. These values of social justice and activism have had a lasting impact on Gina’s life and career.

Facts / Trivia

College Education

Gina Belafonte attended West Virginia State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts and Communications. During her time at the university, she was actively involved in various student organizations and served as the president of the Black Student Union.

After completing her undergraduate studies, Gina Belafonte went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. At Tisch, she also studied film production and worked as a producer and director on various student films.

Family Background

Gina Belafonte is the daughter of Harry Belafonte and his first wife, Julie Robinson. Harry and Julie were married in 1957 and welcomed two children, Gina and David, during their 47-year marriage. Gina’s father, Harry Belafonte, is an acclaimed singer, actor, and activist who rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s. He is best known for his hit songs such as “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” and “Jump in the Line,” as well as his contributions to the civil rights movement.

Julie Robinson, Gina’s mother, was a dancer who performed with Katherine Dunham’s dance company in the 1950s. Julie and Harry divorced in 2008, after being married for almost five decades.

Harry Belafonte Death News

On April 25, 2023, Belafonte passed away at the age of 96 due to congestive heart failure, leaving behind a profound legacy that impacted music, film, and the fight for equality.

Tributes and Legacy

Following news of his passing, many paid tribute to Harry Belafonte and his legacy. Reverend Al Sharpton called Belafonte a “true mentor and friend,” while former President Barack Obama praised his lifelong dedication to activism and humanitarianism. Others in the entertainment industry, including Oprah Winfrey and Lin-Manuel Miranda, also shared their condolences and reflected on Belafonte’s impact.

Belafonte’s influence on music, film, and activism will continue to be felt for generations to come. His commitment to fighting for equality and social justice remains an inspiration to many, and his legacy will live on through his music and humanitarian work.

Gina Belafonte’s Siblings

Gina has a brother named David Belafonte, who was born in 1955. David is also an actor and producer and has worked on several film and television projects. Like his sister Gina, David has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry.

Gina and David grew up in a multicultural household, with a father of African-Jamaican descent and a mother of Jewish and Irish-Scottish ancestry. According to the genealogy website Ethnic Celebs, Gina’s ethnic background is 62.5% Jewish (Ashkenazi, some Sephardi), 25% African-Jamaican, and 12.5% Irish and Scottish.

Career in Entertainment

Gina Belafonte began her career as an actress in the late 1980s, appearing in popular TV shows like “The Commish” (1991) and “Operation Splitsville” (1998). She has also appeared in films such as “BlacKkKlansman” (2018), which was directed by Spike Lee.

Apart from her work as an actress, Gina has also produced several TV shows, documentaries, and films. She was the executive producer of the award-winning documentary “Sing Your Song” (2011), which chronicled her father’s life and career. She has also produced TV shows like “Lifestories: Families in Crisis” and “Bliss.”

Net Worth

While there is no public record of Gina Belafonte’s net worth, it is safe to say that her contributions to the entertainment industry and social justice advocacy have earned her a considerable income.

As the founder and executive director of Sankofa.org, a nonprofit organization that focuses on human rights, social justice, and the power of culture and the arts, Gina has been recognized for her outstanding work in the community. Her organization has received numerous awards, including the Black Girls Rock Community Service Award in 2016, and the United Nations Human Rights Award in 2018.

Contributions to Activism

In addition to her successful career in entertainment, Gina Belafonte has been actively involved in various social justice and activism initiatives. She is the co-founder of Sankofa.org, an organization that uses the power of culture and media to advance social justice and human rights causes. The organization has been involved in various campaigns, including voter registration drives, anti-gun violence campaigns, and the fight against police brutality.

Gina has also been involved in initiatives that seek to advance the rights of women and girls. She is a member of the board of directors of the Feminist Majority Foundation, a non-profit organization that advocates for women’s rights and gender equality.

Personal Life

Gina Belafonte is married to Scott McCray, and they have one child together. Her mother, Marguerite Byrd, passed away in 1998. Her father, Harry Belafonte, passed away on April 25, 2023, at the age of 96.

Physical Appearance

Gina Belafonte is an accomplished woman who has made significant contributions to society, but there is very limited information available about her physical appearance. However, from the few available pictures, it is clear that Gina is a beautiful woman with a striking personality.

It is evident that she has inherited her father’s good looks and charisma. She stands at a tall height of 5 feet 7 inches. Gina managed to keep her lifestyle healthy by doing regular workouts. She weighs around 64 kg.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gina Belafonte known for?

Gina Belafonte is known for her work as an actress and social justice advocate. She has appeared in films such as BlacKkKlansman and The Dead Don’t Die, and is the founder and executive director of Sankofa.org, a nonprofit organization that focuses on human rights, social justice, and the power of culture and the arts.

Who are Gina Belafonte’s parents?

Gina Belafonte’s parents are Harry Belafonte, a well-known calypso performer, and Julie Robinson, a former dancer with the Katherine Dunham Company.

When was Gina Belafonte born?

Gina Belafonte was born on September 8, 1961.