Who Is Rodney King? Age, Biography and Wiki
Rodney King was born on April 2, 1965, in Sacramento, California, making him 60 years old in 2025. He gained national attention for being the victim of police brutality in 1991, an event that ignited widespread protests and discussions about racial violence in America. His case became a hallmark in the struggle for civil rights and spurred significant societal changes. Unfortunately, King passed away on June 17, 2012, but his legacy continues to resonate, and discussions around police accountability and social justice remain ever-relevant.
| Occupation | Business |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 2, 1965 |
| Age | 47 Years |
| Birth Place | Sacramento, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 17 June, 2012 |
| Died Place | Rialto, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Rodney King's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements for Rodney King are not widely documented, he was known to have a robust physique. He stood approximately 6 feet tall and had a weight that varied throughout his life, depending on personal circumstances and struggles.
At a press conference, Los Angeles police chief Daryl Gates announced that the four officers who were involved would be disciplined for use of excessive force and that three would face criminal charges. The LAPD initially charged King with "felony evading", but later dropped the charge.
On his release, King spoke to reporters from his wheelchair, with his injuries evident: a broken right leg in a cast, his face badly cut and swollen, bruises on his body, and a burn area on his chest where he had been jolted with a stun gun.
King described how he had knelt, spread his hands out, then slowly tried to move so as not to make any "stupid moves", before he was hit across the face by a billy club, and shocked with a stun gun. King also said he was scared for his life when the officers drew their guns on him.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Rodney King had a tumultuous personal life, notably marked by struggles with relationships and addiction. He was married to Corinne King, with whom he had two daughters. Beyond his marriage, Rodney often talked about the challenges he faced in maintaining stable relationships due to the aftermath of his brutal encounter with the police and the ensuing public scrutiny. By 2025, any current dating or relationship status remains speculative, as King’s personal life often faced the scrutiny of the media.
He and his four siblings grew up in Altadena, California. King attended John Muir High School and often talked about being inspired by his social science teacher, Robert E. Jones. King's father died in 1984 at the age of 42.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Rodney King's net worth was estimated to be around $250,000. However, given the complexities surrounding his legal troubles and settlements from lawsuits, his financial situation fluctuated significantly throughout his life. Despite the media coverage and attention surrounding his case, Rodney faced various challenges that influenced his economic stability.
Career, Business and Investments
Rodney King is best remembered for his ordeal with the Los Angeles Police Department, but he also sought to build a career beyond this defining moment. Post-trial, he made efforts to engage in public speaking, sharing his story and promoting unity and understanding among races. King even ventured into reality television, gaining brief fame through shows that focused on his life experiences. Although his business ventures were limited, he aimed to create a resource for social justice advocacy.
Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley offered King $200,000 and a four-year college education funded by the city of Los Angeles. King refused and sued the city, and was subsequently awarded $3.8 million. Bryant Allen, one of the passengers in King's car on the night of the incident, received $35,000 in his lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles.
The estate of Freddie Helms, the other passenger, settled for $20,000; Helms died in a car crash on June 29, 1991, age 20, in Pasadena. King invested a portion of his settlement in a record label, Straight Alta-Pazz Records, hoping to employ minority employees, but it went out of business.
With help from a ghostwriter, he later wrote and published a memoir.
Social Network
Rodney King’s legacy continues to be acknowledged across various social media platforms and networks. In 2025, discussions about him are often highlighted during conversations related to police reform and civil rights movements. While King himself was not active on social media during his lifetime, his story is shared widely on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to educate younger generations about the fight against police brutality.
Plumbing salesman and amateur videographer George Holliday's videotape of the beating was shot on his camcorder from his apartment near the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Osborne Street in Lake View Terrace.
Two days later (March 5), Holliday called LAPD headquarters at Parker Center to let the police department know that he had a videotape of the incident. Still, he could not find anyone interested in seeing the video. He went to KTLA, a local television station, with his recording.
KTLA's Warren Wilson was the first reporter to take on the story, interviewing King inside his jail ward. Holliday, whose video camera was in another part of his residence, was unable to retrieve it until the officers were already in the act of beating King. The footage as a whole became an instant media sensation.
Portions were aired numerous times, and it "turned what would otherwise have been a violent, but soon forgotten, encounter between the Los Angeles police and an uncooperative suspect into one of the most widely watched and discussed incidents of its kind".
Education
Rodney King had a challenging relationship with education. He attended local schools in Los Angeles but often found himself in trouble due to his tumultuous home life and struggles with addiction. While he may not have achieved formal higher education, King became a symbol of resilience, symbolizing the need for improved educational resources and dialogue around race relations in America.
