Tracee Ellis Ross: Ethnicity, Parents, Net Worth & More

Tracee Ellis Ross has spent over two decades establishing herself as one of television’s most beloved comedic actresses, all while navigating the inevitable comparisons to her mother, Diana Ross. From her early days on Girlfriends to her Golden Globe-winning turn on Black-ish, she has created a legacy entirely her own.

Full name: Tracee Joy Silberstein · Born: October 29, 1972 (age 51) · Occupation: Actress, singer, television host, producer, director · Known for: Girlfriends (2000–2008), Black-ish (2014–2022) · Parents: Diana Ross and Robert Ellis Silberstein

What is Tracee Ellis Ross’ ethnicity?

Tracee Ellis Ross’ ethnic background is a blend of African-American and Jewish heritage. Her mother, Diana Ross, is African-American and was raised Baptist, while her father, Robert Ellis Silberstein, is Jewish Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia).

Her African-American and Jewish heritage

Ross has spoken openly about her mixed background, telling Hey Alma (a Jewish culture publication), “I am a woman, I am a black woman, my dad’s Jewish — all of these different things.” She describes herself as “a child of the world” and does not have an issue with labels.

Her birth name, Tracee Joy Silberstein, reflects her father’s surname. She later adopted “Ellis Ross” professionally after joining SAG because another “Tracee Ross” already existed Flaunt (a culture magazine). She said she wanted her father’s name “Ellis” in her stage name because she is “very much my dad’s daughter”.

Bottom line: Tracee Ellis Ross is of African-American and Jewish descent. She embraces both sides of her heritage and incorporated her father’s name into her professional identity.

Ross’s embrace of her dual heritage has made her a relatable figure for many mixed-race individuals.

What condition does Tracee Ellis Ross have?

Rumors about Tracee Ellis Ross having alopecia areata have circulated online, but she has not publicly confirmed any medical condition. The FAQ section below notes that there is no verified source for such claims. Until she addresses it directly, these remain unconfirmed.

Who are Tracee Ellis Ross’ parents?

Tracee’s parents are the legendary singer Diana Ross and music executive Robert Ellis Silberstein. They were married from 1971 to 1977 Kveller (a Jewish parenting site).

Diana Ross: legendary singer

Diana Ross rose to fame as the lead singer of The Supremes and later became a solo superstar. She has publicly praised Tracee’s career, but details of their relationship remain private. Tracee has said she learned about work ethic from her mother.

Robert Ellis Silberstein: music executive

Silberstein managed artists including Billy Joel and Jimi Hendrix. He raised three daughters with Diana Ross: Rhonda, Tracee, and Chudney. (Rhonda is the biological daughter of Berry Gordy, not Silberstein.)

Her siblings

Tracee has two brothers—Evan Ross (from Diana’s marriage to Arne Næss Jr.) and Ross Naess—and two sisters: Rhonda Ross Kendrick and Chudney Silberstein. She maintains close relationships with all her siblings.

Bottom line: Tracee Ellis Ross is the daughter of Diana Ross and Robert Ellis Silberstein. Her mixed-race, interfaith family has shaped her identity and career choices.

The influence of both parents is evident in Ross’s approach to her career and personal life.

What is Tracee Ellis Ross known for?

Tracee Ellis Ross is best known for her lead roles in two iconic television comedies: Girlfriends (2000–2008) and Black-ish (2014–2022).

Girlfriends

She played Joan Clayton, a successful attorney navigating love and career, for eight seasons. The show was one of the first to center Black women’s friendships, and Ross earned critical praise for her performance.

Black-ish

As Rainbow “Bow” Johnson, Ross played the matriarch of a middle-class Black family. She received five Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. In 2017 she won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy.

Bottom line: Tracee Ellis Ross has built a respected career in comedy, earning major awards and Emmy nominations for her work on Black-ish.

Her comedic talent has earned her a place among the top actresses in television.

What hair products does Tracee Ellis Ross use?

Tracee Ellis Ross is the founder of Pattern Beauty, a hair care line designed for curly, coily, and textured hair Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia).

The Pattern Beauty product line

Pattern Beauty offers shampoos, conditioners, leave-ins, and styling products formulated without sulfates, silicones, or parabens. They are available at major retailers like Target and Ulta Beauty.

Her natural hair care routine

Ross has been open about her own textured hair journey and uses Pattern Beauty products in her daily routine. She advocates for embracing natural hair texture, a mission that resonates with millions of consumers.

Tracee Ellis Ross: Career timeline

From her debut to her latest projects, here are the key milestones in Tracee Ellis Ross’ career.

• 1972: Born in Los Angeles to Diana Ross and Robert Ellis Silberstein Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia)
• 1994: Graduated from Brown University with a degree in theater arts Hey Alma (a Jewish culture publication)
• 1996: First television acting role IMDb (film database)
• 2000–2008: Starred as Joan Clayton on Girlfriends
• 2014–2022: Starred as Rainbow “Bow” Johnson on Black-ish
• 2017: Won Golden Globe for Best Actress in a TV Comedy
• 2019: Launched Pattern Beauty
• 2023: Hosted the American Music Awards Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia)

Bottom line: Tracee Ellis Ross’ career spans nearly three decades, with her biggest successes coming from Girlfriends, Black-ish, and her entrepreneurship with Pattern Beauty.

This timeline illustrates the steady rise of a versatile entertainer.

What is Tracee Ellis Ross’ net worth?

Tracee Ellis Ross’s net worth is estimated at around $20 million, derived from her acting roles on Girlfriends and Black-ish, as well as her business venture Pattern Beauty. However, these figures are not publicly audited and should be treated as estimates.

Quotes from Tracee Ellis Ross

“I am a woman, I am a black woman, my dad’s Jewish — all of these different things.”

Tracee Ellis Ross, speaking to Hey Alma

Ross told Flaunt that she was born Tracee Joy Silberstein and feels like a child of the world.

Bottom line: Tracee Ellis Ross uses her platform to speak candidly about identity and family, reinforcing her authenticity as a public figure.

Tracee Ellis Ross has carved her own lane in entertainment and business, proving that a famous surname doesn’t dictate your future. For young women of color and mixed-race individuals, her story offers a blueprint: embrace all parts of your heritage, work hard, and build something that belongs to you. The trade-off is that constant public scrutiny comes with the territory, but Ross has handled it with humor and grace.

For more celebrity biographies, see our profiles on Lisa Vanderpump: $90M Empire, Marriage & Feud and Karen Gillan Biography: Age, Husband, Movies & Facts (2024).

Frequently asked questions