John Singleton Net Worth: The Director's Financial Script

John Daniel Singleton (1968–2019) was an American director, screenwriter, and producer. At age 24, he became the youngest and first African American nominated for Best Director for “Boyz n the Hood” (1991). He also directed “Poetic Justice,” “Higher Learning,” “Rosewood,” “Shaft,” “Baby Boy,” “2 Fast 2 Furious,” and “Four Brothers.”

In TV, he co-created “Snowfall” and directed episodes of “Empire,” “Rebel,” and “The People v. O.J. Simpson.” Singleton’s films explored black masculinity, trauma, racism, and identity, often casting rappers like Ice Cube, Tupac, and Ludacris.

John Singleton Net Worth

John Singleton had a net worth of $35 million at his death in April 2019. He studied at Pasadena City College and graduated from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts in 1990. His 1991 debut, “Boyz n the Hood,” earned him Oscar nominations for Best Director and Best Screenplay.

He directed Michael Jackson’s “Remember the Time” and films like “Rosewood,” “2 Fast 2 Furious,” “Poetic Justice,” “Higher Learning,” “Shaft,” “Baby Boy,” and “Four Brothers.” He created “Snowfall” for FX in 2017.

Early life

John Singleton was born on January 6, 1968, in Los Angeles to Shelia Ward-Johnson and Danny Singleton. He described his childhood as shaped by comic books, video games, and movies. He attended Eisenhower High, Blair High, Pasadena City College, and USC School of Cinematic Arts, graduating in 1990.

A 1987 initiate of Kappa Alpha Psi, he studied under Margaret Mehring in USC’s Filmic Writing program, created to train writer/directors for Hollywood. He considered computer science before choosing filmmaking.

Career

In 1992, John Singleton directed Michael Jackson’s “Remember the Time” music video, starring Eddie Murphy, Iman, and Magic Johnson. The video was a hit, certified 3× Platinum by the RIAA. In 1993, he directed Poetic Justice, starring Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur.

In 1995, he wrote and directed Higher Learning, tackling racial issues. In 1997, his historical drama Rosewood, based on the 1923 Rosewood massacre, premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival, receiving critical praise and a Golden Bear nomination.

Personal life

John Singleton had seven children. With wife Tosha Lewis, he had Justice Maya Singleton (born 1992), named after Janet Jackson‘s character in Poetic Justice and poet Maya Angelou. With Vestria Barlow, he had Maasai Singleton (born 1996) and Cleopatra “Cleo” Singleton (born 1998).

He married Akosua Gyamama Busia in 1996, daughter of Ghanaian Prime Minister Kofi Abrefa Busia, and had daughter Hadar Busia-Singleton (born 1997). They divorced in 1997. He had a daughter in 2010 with Mitzi Andrews, and a son, Seven, with Rayvon Jones.

Who inherited John Singleton’s estate?

Singleton’s income stemmed from his work as a director, producer, and screenwriter. His films, including “Poetic Justice,” “Higher Learning,” “Shaft,” and others, along with television projects like “Snowfall,” contributed significantly to his earnings.

Conclusion

John Singleton’s legacy in the film industry is not just artistic but also financial. His net worth of $35 million reflects a career marked by groundbreaking work and substantial influence. He remains a celebrated figure in Hollywood, remembered for both his creative vision and his contribution to the portrayal of African American experiences in cinema.

FAQs about John Singleton Net Worth

What was John Singleton’s net worth at the time of his death?
- Approximately $35 million.
Why is John Singleton famous?
- For directing films like “Boyz n the Hood” and his influence in Hollywood.
What were John Singleton’s major sources of income?
- Directing, screenwriting, and producing films and TV shows.
How did John Singleton build his wealth?
- Through his successful career in filmmaking and television.
Was John Singleton married?
- He was previously married to Akosua Busia and had several children from different relationships.