Tracee Ellis Ross is an American actress, producer, director, and television host renowned for her vibrant personality and impactful contributions to entertainment.
The daughter of legendary Motown singer Diana Ross and music executive Robert Ellis Silberstein, Tracee grew up immersed in the world of show business.
She carved her own path, gaining widespread recognition for her starring roles in television series like Girlfriends and Black-ish.
Beyond acting, she is the founder of Pattern Beauty, a haircare line celebrating curly and textured hair, reflecting her commitment to empowering others through her work and personal ethos.
Siblings
Tracee is one of five children born to Diana Ross, and she also has three stepsiblings from her mother’s second marriage.
Rhonda Ross Kendrick, born on August 14, 1971, is Diana’s eldest child, fathered by Motown founder Berry Gordy, though she was raised by Robert Ellis Silberstein, who adopted her.
Rhonda initially pursued acting, appearing in shows like Another World and the miniseries The Temptations, as well as a guest spot on Girlfriends alongside Tracee.
She later transitioned into music, releasing albums like her 2004 debut and touring with her mother.
Chudney, born November 4, 1975, is Tracee’s younger full sister, sharing both parents, Diana Ross and Robert Ellis Silberstein.
She owns a bookstore in Los Angeles and has worked as a producer, including on the film Mesmerized.
Ross Naess, born October 7, 1987, is the elder of Tracee’s two half-brothers from Diana Ross’s marriage to Norwegian shipping magnate Arne Naess Jr.
A creative entrepreneur, Ross has worked as a producer on projects like Acid Girls and co-founded ventures such as Warwick LA nightclub and the Untapped music festival.
He married Kimberly Ryan in 2017, with Diana officiating the ceremony, and they have two sons, Leif and Indigo. Ross keeps a lower public profile but shares a strong bond with Tracee.
Evan Ross, the youngest sibling, Evan, born August 26, 1988, also comes from Diana’s marriage to Arne Naess Jr.
An actor and musician, Evan has followed a path similar to Tracee’s, starring in films like ATL and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay series, as well as TV shows such as 90210 and Star.
He released singles like “Yes Me” in 2011, showcasing his musical talents inherited from his mother.
Evan is married to singer-songwriter Ashlee Simpson, with whom he has two children, Jagger Snow and Ziggy Blu, and he remains a visible part of the Ross family.
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When Diana married Arne Naess Jr. in 1985, Tracee gained three stepsiblings from his previous relationship, Katinka, Christoffer, and Leona.
Christoffer is a producer and filmmaker, while Leona has made a name as a folk-pop singer-songwriter.
Though Diana and Arne divorced in 2000, Tracee maintains a warm connection with them, often including them in family celebrations like National Sisters Day tributes.
Career
Tracee began her career in the fashion world, modeling for renowned photographers and working as a contributing editor for magazines like New York and Mirabella.
Her transition to acting started with independent films, such as Far Harbor in 1996, and hosting The Dish on Lifetime.
Her breakthrough came in 2000 with the lead role of Joan Clayton in Girlfriends, a UPN/CW sitcom that ran for eight seasons, cementing her as a comedic talent.
She further solidified her status with Black-ish, playing Dr. Rainbow “Bow” Johnson from 2014 to 2022, a role that showcased her versatility and relatability.
Beyond television, Tracee has appeared in films like Hanging Up (2000), Daddy’s Little Girls (2007), and The High Note (2020), where she made her singing debut.
She also created and produced The Hair Tales, a series exploring Black women’s hair stories, and has lent her voice to motivational speaking and advocacy.
Her entrepreneurial spirit shines through Pattern Beauty, launched in 2019, which has become a beloved brand for natural hair care.
Accolades
Tracee’s career is decorated with numerous accolades, reflecting her influence and excellence in entertainment.
For Girlfriends, she won two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series (2007, 2009).
Her role in Black-ish earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy in 2017, making her the first Black woman in over 30 years to win in that category.
She received five Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Black-ish, a historic achievement as one of only a few Black women to be nominated in this category.
Additionally, she has secured multiple NAACP Image Awards, including three for Black-ish, and was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2021.
Brown University, her alma mater, honored her with an honorary doctorate in fine arts, recognizing her contributions to the arts and culture.
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