Robin Givens is a multifaceted actress, model, director and advocate. Rising to stardom as Darlene Merriman in the hit 1986 sitcom “Head of the Class,” she became both a television star and tabloid fixture. She rose to stardom particularly during her high-profile marriage to superstar boxer Mike Tyson. Over the years, she has endlessly reinvented herself as a director, author and an avid spokesperson for domestic violence prevention. Through her pure talent and affinity for constant reinvention, Givens has built an impressive net worth.

Robin Givens Before Fame

Born Nov.  27, 1964, Givens grew up in a Catholic household in New York’s Mount Vernon and New Rochelle suburbs. With an undeniable beauty, she began modeling as a teenager, appearing in major magazines, like Seventeen and Mademoiselle. Wanting to take her career a step further, she landed an early film role in 1978’s “The Wiz.” She was a guest at Aunt Emma’s Party.

As her creative career bloomed, she paid special attention to her education. Givens graduated private school at 15 years old and enrolled at Sarah Lawrence College to study pre-med. This made her one of the youngest to attend the school. Givens says that she had to drop out of Harvard Medical School to focus on her acting career. After auditioning for a guest spot on “The Cosby Show,” Bill Cosby persuaded her to leave school and start acting. He promised that if she was not successful in two years, he would get her back into the school and pay her tuition.

How Did Robin Givens Become Famous?

Givens breakthrough role came in 1986 when she joined the cast of ABC’s “Head of the Class” as Darlene Merriman. The popular show ran for five seasons, becoming a cultural touchstone. Givens went on to continue her rise with TV dramas like “The Women of Brewster Place” and films like “Boomerang.” She also starred in “Diff’rent Strokes,”  “Sparks,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and many other TV roles, becoming a warm and familiar face on network television.

Acting

After so much sitcom success, Givens expanded her career into dramatic and comedic projects. She had a resurgence in the 90s and 2000s with roles in “Phil of the Future,” “The Perfect Match,” and Tyler Perry’s “The Family That Preys.” From the 2010s beyond, she booked recurring TV roles in shows like “Chuck,” “The Game,” “House of Payne,” “Riverdale,” “Katy Keene” and “Batwoman.”

Wanting to explore behind the camera, Givens made her directorial debut in 2020 with the Lifetime mystery thriller film, “A Murder to Remember.” She has since directed multiple Lifetime and BET+ films, as well as episodes of “Riverdale,” “Dynasty,” “Nancy Drew,” and “So Help Me Todd.”

Business Endeavors

Outside of her on-screen work, Givens has successfully taken on new ventures. She landed a major book deal when releasing the autobiographical work “Grace Will Lead Me Home” in 2007. It detailed her personal journey through trauma. Motivated by that traumatic history, Givens was also the spokesperson for the National Domestic Violence Hotline for several years. 

As a known personality, she’s also led talk shows, served as a film festival host and actively works as a motivational speaker. She’s also modeled for major brands, has starred in music videos, and continues to participate in endorsements and public speaking.

What Is Robin Givens’ Net Worth?

As of 2025, Givens’ net worth is estimated to be $1 million. This number comes from her earnings on sitcoms, modeling gigs, book sales, recurring roles, and directing opportunities. All of these endeavors lend to the impressive fortune. With all that she’s been through, Givens proves a Black woman’s ability to adapt and survive.

Was Robin Givens with Brad Pitt?

Many believe that Givens once dated actor Brad Pitt. This rumor traces back to Mike Tyson’s 2013 memoir, “Undisputed Truth,” where Tyson claimed he once found Givens and a young Pitt together during their marriage. Tyson described pulling up and seeing them at her house, with Pitt apparently pleading, “Don’t hit me.” Givens confirmed the driveway encounter, but denied any romantic intimacy, stating the two were merely “coming from a screening.” The details of their potential romantic connection remain a mystery.

What Happened Between Mike Tyson and Robin Givens?

The 1988 marriage between Tyson and Givens was equally intense as it was stormy. Givens accused Tyson of domestic abuse, telling Barbara Walters that life with him was “torture, pure hell, worse than anything I could possibly imagine.” She went on to describe his volatile temper.

Tyson countered with allegations that she manipulated him using a fake pregnancy and taking as much money as she could get from him. Their divorce, which was finalized in 1989, made major headlines. Much of the backlash painted her in a negative light. This prompted Givens to eventually become a spokesperson for domestic violence awareness. 

Where Is Robin Givens Now?

Today, Givens remains an active force in entertainment. She continues directing TV films and series and appears in a few Lifetime projects. She also maintains a strong presence at domestic violence events and on social media. Givens promotes wellness, empowerment and new projects. As a relatable voice advocating for survivors while living her independence, she remains an inspiring figure for all Black women.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money did Robin Givens get from the divorce? Givens denied that she received a reported divorce settlement of over $10 million from Tyson, stating that she “didn’t receive one dime.”

Does Robin Givens have children? Robin Givens is a mother to two children.