Gabrielle Union established a lasting career through a series of television sitcom appearances during the 1990s before securing her breakthrough cinematic role in the 2000 cheerleading feature Bring It On. Since those initial performances, she has maintained a prolific presence in both American film and television while also authoring four books.
Early Development and Education
Born in 1972 in Omaha, Nebraska, Gabrielle Union moved to Pleasanton, California, during her childhood. She attended Foothill High School, where she participated in varsity basketball, track, and soccer. Following secondary school, she pursued higher education at Cuesta College, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and the University of California, Los Angeles, eventually earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology from UCLA.
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Union’s early professional career involved numerous television sitcom roles and minor parts in late 1990s films such as 10 Things I Hate About You and She's All That. Her television work includes the CBS drama City of Angels and lead roles in Being Mary Jane, which earned an NAACP Image Award, and the crime series L.A.'s Finest. Her filmography features a wide variety of genres, ranging from romantic comedies like The Brothers, Deliver Us from Eva, and Think Like a Man to action and drama titles including Bad Boys II, Cradle 2 the Grave, Cadillac Records, and The Birth of a Nation.
Advocacy and Literary Work
Outside of her performances, Union has authored two memoirs, We're Going to Need More Wine and You Got Anything Stronger?, as well as children's literature, including Welcome to the Party and Shady Baby. A survivor of a violent assault at gunpoint during her youth, she remains an outspoken advocate for women's health, LGBTQ+ equality, and the prevention of violence against women. In 2020, her humanitarian efforts and professional contributions were recognized by her inclusion on the Time 100 list.
Fast facts
- Born: 1972, Omaha
- Citizenship: United States
- Education: University of California, Los Angeles
- Notable Series: Being Mary Jane
- Author of: We're Going to Need More Wine
- Recognitions: Time 100 list (2020)
Questions readers ask
What was Gabrielle Union's breakthrough film role?
Her breakthrough role was in the 2000 teen film Bring It On.
Has Gabrielle Union written any books?
Yes, she has written two memoirs and two children's books.
Achievements
- Educated at University of California, Los Angeles and University of Nebraska–Lincoln
- Worked as actor, model and television actor
