Who Is Roxie Roker? Age, Biography and Wiki
Roxie Roker was born on August 28, 1929. As of 2025, she would have been 95 years old. Roker is primarily known for her outstanding role as Helen Willis on the iconic TV show "The Jeffersons," making her one of the first African American actresses to portray a prominent character on a primetime television series. Roker's career spanned decades, making her a respected figure in both television and theater.
| Occupation | News Anchor |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 28, 1929 |
| Age | 66 Years |
| Birth Place | Miami, Florida, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 2 December, 1995 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Roxie Roker's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Roxie Roker had a commanding presence, standing at approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall and weighing around 130 pounds (59 kg) during her prime. Her measurements were often noted as 36-24-36, exemplifying an elegant physique that matched her graceful acting style.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Regarding her family, Roxie Roker was born to a family of strong influences. She was married to actor and producer Sy Kravitz, with whom she had a son, the renowned musician Lenny Kravitz. Roxie and Sy divorced but remained amicable co-parents. Throughout her life, Roxie has been linked romantically to several individuals, but as of 2025, she has been celebrated primarily for her contributions to acting and her role as a devoted mother.
Roxie Albertha Roker (August 28, 1929 – December 2, 1995) was an American actress. She was best known for her portrayal of Helen Willis on the CBS sitcom The Jeffersons. In 1973, she performed as Mattie Williams in the Broadway play The River Niger, and was nominated for Best Featured Actress in a Play at the 28th Tony Awards.
Roker is the mother of rock musician Lenny Kravitz and grandmother of actress Zoë Kravitz.
Net Worth and Salary
While Roxie Roker's exact net worth is difficult to assess today, estimates suggest it was in the range of $3 to $5 million at the time of her passing in 1995. Much of her wealth was generated from her successful acting career, with significant earnings coming from "The Jeffersons" and various stage performances. Her legacy continues to be celebrated, ensuring that her impact remains valuable within the entertainment industry.
Career, Business and Investments
Roxie Roker's career took off in the 1970s, but her passion for acting began long before, rooted in theater and the arts. Aside from her iconic role on "The Jeffersons," she also appeared in various stage productions, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Roker had a keen interest in arts education and often advocated for increased representation of Black actors in theater and television. Beyond acting, Roxie had an eye for investments, particularly in art and community-driven projects, aiming to uplift fellow artists.
Roker began her professional career with the Negro Ensemble Company and became a successful stage actress. She won an Obie Award in 1974 and was nominated for a Tony Award for her portrayal of Mattie Williams in The River Niger.
She was a reporter on WNEW-TV in New York in the 1970s and hosted a public affairs show for the station known as Inside Bed-Stuy, dealing with events in the Brooklyn neighborhood.
Roker portrayed Helen Willis on The Jeffersons, breaking social barriers by becoming one half of the first Caucasian–African-American married couple (along with actor Franklin Cover) in a regular role on prime-time TV.
She appeared as a guest star on many other American television shows from the 1970s through the 1990s, including Stone in the River starring Hal Miller for NBC, Punky Brewster, Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, A Different World, Murder, She Wrote, The Love Boat, $weepstake$, 227, Beat the Clock, Fantasy Island and ABC Afterschool Specials.
She had roles in the television miniseries Roots and in the movie Claudine. Roker was also a children's advocate who was cited by the city of Los Angeles for her community work.
Social Network
Roxie Roker was celebrated in her time, with a fan base that spanned various demographics. Social media platforms today would have likely showcased her influence, with Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook serving as platforms to honor her legacy. Her son, Lenny Kravitz, maintains an active online presence, ensuring that fans remember Roxie's contributions.
Education
Roxie Roker was a proud alumna of Howard University, where she majored in drama. Her education laid the groundwork for her illustrious career, providing her with the skills necessary to excel in a challenging industry. Roker's commitment to her craft earned her respect and admiration, making her a role model for aspiring actors everywhere.
In conclusion, Roxie Roker remains a pivotal figure in American television history, and her legacy inspires generations to this day. From her memorable performances to her lasting influence, she is a testament to the power of perseverance and talent in the arts.
Roker studied drama at Howard University, where she was a pupil of celebrated drama teachers Anne Cooke Reid and Owen Dodson.
Some of her fellow drama students at Howard included novelist Toni Morrison, actress Zaida Coles, stage director and playwright Shauneille Perry, and actor Graham Brown, all of whom were members of the university's theater troupe, the Howard Players.
Roker toured with the Howard Players for performances in Norway in 1949, a trip sponsored by the United States Department of State and supported by Eleanor Roosevelt.
