Amber Riley, born on February 15, 1986, in Los Angeles, California, is a talented actress, singer, and philanthropist. Best known for her role as Mercedes Jones on the hit TV show Glee, Amber has captivated audiences with her powerful voice and dynamic performances.
Her journey from a small-town girl to a Hollywood star is an inspiring tale of talent, hard work, and perseverance.
Early Life and Upbirnging
Amber Patrice Riley was born to Elwin Riley and Tiny Riley. She grew up in Compton, California, with her two older sisters, Toiya and Ashley. From a young age, Amber showed a passion for performing, often participating in school plays and local talent shows.
Her love for music and acting only grew stronger as she got older, leading her to audition for American Idol at the age of 17. Although she didn’t make the cut, this experience only fueled her determination to succeed.
Personal Life – Age, Zodiac Sign
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Amber Patrice Riley |
| Nickname | A-Riley |
| Alternative Names | Amber Riley, A. Riley |
| Date of Birth | February 15, 1986 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 38 |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Nationality | American |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Hometown | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Current Address | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Education Qualification | High School Diploma |
| Hobbies and Interests | Singing, Dancing, Acting, Cooking |
| Languages Known | English |
| Social Media Profiles | Facebook, Instagram, Twitter |
| Wikipedia Profile | Wikipedia |
| IMDb Profile | IMDb |
| Website Link | N/A |
Physical Appearance – Height, Weight, Body Measurements
| Physical Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Body Type | Voluptuous |
| Body Measurements | 41-35-38 in (104-89-96.5 cm) |
| Height | 5 ft 3 in (160 cm) |
| Weight | 187 lbs (85 kg) |
| Chest | 41 in (104 cm) |
| Waist | 35 in (89 cm) |
| Hips | 38 in (96.5 cm) |
| Biceps | N/A |
| Eye Colour | Dark Brown |
| Hair Colour | Dark Brown |
| Hairstyle | Various |
| Distinctive Features | Large build |
| Tattoos | N/A |
Family and Relationships – Boyfriend/Husband, Affairs
Amber is known for her close-knit family and strong relationships. She has always been open about her personal life, sharing her experiences and challenges with her fans. Amber is currently single and focuses on her career and philanthropic efforts.
Her family remains a significant part of her life, providing her with unwavering support and encouragement.
| Relationships Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Single |
| Spouse – Husband | N/A |
| Father | Elwin Riley |
| Mother | Tiny Hightower |
| Children | N/A |
| Siblings | Toiya Riley, Ashley Riley |
| Affairs – Boyfriend(s) | Desean Black (ex-fiancé), Current boyfriend (unnamed) |
| Significant Relationships | Kevin McHale (ex-boyfriend), Desean Black (ex-fiancé), Current boyfriend |
Rise to Stardom
Amber’s breakthrough came with her role as Mercedes Jones on Glee, where she showcased her incredible singing and acting skills. Her performance earned her a Screen Actors Guild Award and several nominations for the NAACP Image Awards. Following her success on Glee, Amber continued to expand her career with roles in The Wiz Live!, Single Black Female, and The Little Mermaid Live!.
Her versatility as an actress and her powerful stage presence have made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Amber Riley – Selfie
Amber Riley – Debut Film – St. Sass
Amber Riley – Successful Film – Glee
Career, Awards, and Achievements
Amber’s career is filled with numerous accolades and achievements. She won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in Dreamgirls, and the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Musical Performance.
She also won Dancing with the Stars in 2013, showcasing her incredible dancing skills. Amber’s debut album, Songs from the Stage, was released in 2017, further cementing her status as a multi-talented artist.
| Career Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Profession(s) | Actress, singer |
| Debut Film | St. Sass |
| Notable Roles | Mercedes Jones (Glee), Effie White (Dreamgirls) |
| Recent Films | My One Christmas Wish |
| Upcoming Films | Single Black Female 2: Simone’s Revenge |
| Popular Television Series | Glee, The Wiz Live!, Let It Shine |
| Awards and Achievements | Screen Actors Guild Award, Laurence Olivier Award, NAACP Image Award, Grammy Nomination |
| Endorsements/Brand Collaborations | N/A |
| Philanthropy/Charity Work | Body positivity, mental health awareness |
| Professional Associations | N/A |
| Training and Education | La Mirada High School, Musical Theatre Training |
| Production Company | N/A |
| Box Office Success – Hit Movies | Glee |
| Critical Acclaim Movies | Dreamgirls, Glee |
Assets and Finances – Net Worth
| Finances Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Net Worth in Dollars | $2 million |
| Per Movie Charges in Dollars | N/A |
| Per Endorsement Charges in Dollars | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Sponsorship Deals | analytics, decision makers, agencies, competitors |
| Business Ventures | Innovative content creator and strategist |
| Investments | achieve the best possible return for your investment |
| Real Estate Holdings | N/A |
| Luxury Items/Properties Owned | House |
| Cars Collection | BMW |
Favorite Things, Likes and Dislikes
| Favorite Things | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Actor | Jennifer Hudson |
| Favorite Actress | Viola Davis |
| Favorite Film | Dreamgirls |
| Favorite Music Bands | The Leading Ladies |
| Favorite Sport | Running |
| Favorite Books | Self-help books |
| Favorite Colour | Purple |
| Favorite Food | Sushi |
| Things s/he likes | Dancing, Humming, Self-care |
| Things s/he dislikes | Rejection, Yoga, Overwhelm |
Top 5 Best Films – Amber Riley
| Film Name | Year of Release | Character Played |
|---|---|---|
| Glee | 2009-2015 | Mercedes Jones |
| The Wiz Live! | 2015 | Addaperle |
| Single Black Female | 2022 | Simone Harris |
| The Little Mermaid Live! | 2019 | Emcee |
| Infamous | 2020 | Elle |
Controversies – Amber Riley
- Body Shaming Incident: Amber faced body shaming comments on social media but responded with grace and confidence.
- American Idol Rejection: Amber auditioned for American Idol but was turned down, which she later spoke about openly.
- Glee Departure: Her departure from Glee was a topic of discussion among fans and critics.
- Dancing with the Stars: Some viewers were surprised by her win, given her background as a singer rather than a dancer.
- Public Criticism: Amber has faced public criticism for her outspoken nature on social issues.
Interesting Facts – Amber Riley
- Amber auditioned for American Idol at 17 but was turned down.
- She won Dancing with the Stars in 2013.
- Amber has a strong background in musical theater.
- She is a member of the musical theatre supergroup Leading Ladies.
- Amber has been involved in various charitable causes, including body positivity and mental health awareness.
- She released her debut album, Songs from the Stage, in 2017.
Amber Riley’s journey is a testament to her talent, resilience, and dedication to her craft. Her story continues to inspire fans around the world, and her future in the entertainment industry looks incredibly bright.
