Basic Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kadeem Hardison |
| Birthdate | July 24, 1965 |
| Birthplace | Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Occupation | Actor, Director |
| Known For | Dwayne Wayne in “A Different World” (1987–1993) |
| Active Years | 1981–present |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approximately $2 million (publicly reported estimate) |
| Parents | Bethann Hardison (mother), Donald McFadden (father) |
| Former Spouse | Chanté Moore (married 1997; divorced 2000) |
| Children | Sophia Hardison (born 1996) |
Net Worth: What Drives the Number
The phrase “Kadeem Hardison Net Worth” often surfaces alongside a figure near $2 million. That number is best understood as a public estimate rather than a disclosed, audited sum. It reflects decades of steady work across television, film, voice/motion-capture projects, and ongoing residuals from syndicated reruns and streaming.
Hardison’s finances are shaped by a long-running television footprint and a portfolio of roles that continue to generate attention. Actors who anchor cultural touchstones—like his Dwayne Wayne—often benefit from the long tail: residuals, reunion specials, convention appearances, and renewed streaming interest. Beyond salaries, these cumulative effects help sustain career income even between major roles.
Key Revenue Drivers (indicative overview)
| Category | Timeframe | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Network TV Leads | 1987–1993 | “A Different World” six seasons; residuals from syndication and streaming. |
| Film Roles | Late 1980s–2000s | Notable credits include “School Daze,” “White Men Can’t Jump,” “Vampire in Brooklyn,” “The 6th Man,” “Drive.” |
| Voice/Motion Capture | 2010s | “Beyond: Two Souls” (2013) and other voice/interactive projects. |
| Recurring TV Roles | 2010s–2024 | “K.C. Undercover,” “Teenage Bounty Hunters,” “Black Monday,” “The Chi,” “The Lincoln Lawyer.” |
| Public Appearances | Ongoing | Panels, reunions, and special events tied to the legacy of “A Different World.” |
Net worth, especially for actors with multidecade careers, isn’t a single burst of wealth—it’s a steady river fed by numerous streams. Hardison’s balance of classic roles and fresh TV appearances shows how cultural relevance can remain durable across generations.
Family: Foundations and Influences
Kadeem Hardison’s family story includes notable figures and a thread of creative excellence. His mother, Bethann Hardison, is a pioneering fashion model, agent, and advocate for diversity in the industry. Her trailblazing career and public leadership helped shape conversations around representation—an influence that parallels her son’s visibility in a landmark Black-led sitcom.
His father, Donald McFadden, is described in biographical accounts as an antique/fine-art collector, a detail that hints at a household where aesthetics and culture mattered. In 1997, Hardison married singer Chanté Moore; the couple later divorced in 2000. Their daughter, Sophia, born in 1996, has appeared with him at public events, signaling a close-knit father-daughter bond.
Other relatives are sometimes referenced in various bios, though details beyond his immediate family are less documented in major mainstream profiles. Hardison’s public presence tends to focus on his mother’s well-known advocacy, his own career milestones, and his relationship with his daughter.
Career Highlights: A Timeline of Roles and Milestones
Few television characters in the late 1980s and early 1990s resonated like Dwayne Wayne. The flip-up glasses were more than a prop—they were a cultural signature, a signifier of cool intellect that audiences remembered long after the final credits rolled. Hardison’s path, however, stretches far beyond one role.
Selected Career Timeline
| Year(s) | Project/Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Early TV Appearance | First roles, including an ABC Afterschool Special. |
| 1987–1993 | “A Different World” | Breakthrough role as Dwayne Wayne; six-season run on NBC. |
| 1988 | “School Daze” | Spike Lee ensemble film exploring HBCU culture. |
| 1992 | “White Men Can’t Jump” | Popular sports comedy; supporting role that broadened film profile. |
| 1995 | “Vampire in Brooklyn” | Horror-comedy feature. |
| 1997 | “The 6th Man,” “Drive” | Late-’90s film streak with sports and action titles. |
| 2013 | “Beyond: Two Souls” | Motion-capture/voice work in a major interactive drama. |
| 2015–2018 | “K.C. Undercover” | Recurring TV role, connecting with a new generation of viewers. |
| 2020 | “Teenage Bounty Hunters” | Streaming series; recurring role. |
| 2022 | “The Lincoln Lawyer” | TV adaptation; appearance contributing to ongoing TV presence. |
| 2024 | “The Chi” | Recurring presence in a modern ensemble drama. |
Even outside of marquee roles, Hardison’s career shows range: comedy, drama, action, and voice work. The result is a résumé that functions like a well-stocked gallery—different eras, different styles, but a consistent throughline of craft and charisma.
Style, Legacy, and Cultural Footprint
Dwayne Wayne’s glasses became a shorthand for a certain kind of swaggering intelligence, and Hardison played it with a buoyant, human warmth. The role’s influence spilled into fashion and sports, often cited in discussions about how late-’80s and early-’90s Black television reshaped mainstream aesthetics. The actor’s ease—shifting from sharp comedic beats to earnest romantic arcs—helped cement the show’s place in TV history.
That legacy matured into mentor-like visibility. With cast reunions, campus events, and public panels, Hardison has embraced the long view: reflecting on the show’s impact on education, representation, and the pipeline of Black talent in entertainment. It’s the kind of cultural stewardship that sustains a career far beyond individual episodes.
Work in the 2010s–2024: A Steady Relevance
From network hits to streaming gems, Hardison continued to find roles that matched shifting audience preferences. “K.C. Undercover” introduced him to younger viewers; “Teenage Bounty Hunters” showed his comedic timing in a fresh context; “The Chi” reaffirmed his ability to join ensemble-driven drama with gravity and empathy. Layering in interactive projects like “Beyond: Two Souls,” he widened his craft to meet the expanding landscape of storytelling.
When a career can pivot across formats—broadcast, cable, streaming, and gaming—it builds resilience. That resilience is visible in the persistent interest around “Kadeem Hardison Net Worth,” because the underlying driver is continued relevance: a steady stride rather than a single sprint.
Family Snapshot: Names, Dates, Connections
- Mother: Bethann Hardison — model, agent, diversity advocate.
- Father: Donald McFadden — described as an antique/fine-art collector.
- Former Spouse: Chanté Moore (married 1997; divorced 2000).
- Daughter: Sophia Hardison (born 1996).
Across interviews and public events, Hardison’s family connections are part of his public persona but not the center of it. The balance between sharing and privacy has allowed the work to stay in focus while offering fans a glimpse of the person behind the roles.
FAQ
How much is Kadeem Hardison’s net worth?
Public estimates put it around $2 million; it should be viewed as an approximation rather than a formal disclosure.
Who are Kadeem Hardison’s parents?
His mother is Bethann Hardison; his father is Donald McFadden.
Is Kadeem Hardison married?
He was previously married to singer Chanté Moore; they divorced in 2000.
Does Kadeem Hardison have children?
Yes, he has a daughter named Sophia, born in 1996.
What role is Kadeem Hardison best known for?
Dwayne Wayne in the NBC sitcom “A Different World” (1987–1993).
What has Kadeem Hardison done in recent years?
He has appeared in series such as “K.C. Undercover,” “Teenage Bounty Hunters,” “The Lincoln Lawyer,” and “The Chi.”