Gabrielle Union: Omaha’s Acclaimed Actress and Advocate
Legacy Maker | Award-winning actress
Story by Aniya Porter
Gabrielle Monique Union-Wade (born October 29, 1972) is an award-winning actress, bestselling author, and outspoken advocate whose career has spanned more than three decades in film and television. Born in Omaha, Union’s journey from the Midwest to Hollywood reflects both talent and tenacity.
Union began her career in the 1990s with guest roles on television before landing supporting parts in teen films including, She's All That and 10 Things I Hate About You. Her breakout performance came in 2000 with the iconic film Bring It On, which launched her into national recognition and established her as a defining face in the early-2000s cinema. She later starred in films such as Good Deeds, Bad Boys 2, and Think Like a Man, and led the critically acclaimed BET series Being Mary Jane, earning her praise for portraying a complex, ambitious Black woman navigating career and identity. In addition to her acting work, Union served as a judge on America's Got Talent and has expanded her presence across television production and media ventures.
Beyond the screen, Union has been a candid and influential advocate. At age 19, she survived a sexual assault during a robbery at her workplace, an experience she has spoken about publicly to raise awareness for survivors of sexual violence. Her openness helped destigmatize conversations about trauma and healing, particularly for young women of color.
Union has also championed women’s health, racial injustice, and LGBTQ+ equality. Alongside her husband, former NBA star Dwayne Wade, she was awarded the President's Award from the NAACP Image Awards for their humanitarian work. In 2020, she was named to Time’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World.
Union’s academic path began in Nebraska before she transferred to Cuesta College and later to UCLA. Initially intending to pursue a career in law, she took modeling opportunities to help cover college expenses. Those early modeling jobs led to small television roles, which gradually evolved into a passion for performance and a full-fledged acting career.
From Omaha to the global stage, Gabrielle Union-Wade has built a career defined not only by artistic success, but by advocacy and authenticity. Her story reflects resilience, voice, and influence, an enduring example of how Nebraska roots can shape national impact.
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