Tavis Smiley Bio, Wiki, Age, Height, Family, Wife, Daughter, Books, Show, Salary, and Net Worth

Tavis Smiley Biography

Tavis Smiley is an American talk show host, author, liberal political commentator, entrepreneur, advocate, and philanthropist, who was born in Gulfport, Mississippi, and brought up in Bunker Hill, Indiana, United States of America. He is widely known for hosting his own talk show, “The Tavis Smiley Show,” which aired on PBS from 2004 to 2017.

Smiley has also worked as a commentator for various news programs, including “The Today Show” and “Nightline,” and has written numerous books, including “What I Know for Sure: My Story of Growing Up in America” and “My Journey with Maya.”

In addition to his work in media, Tavis is involved in several philanthropic and advocacy organizations, including the Tavis Smiley Foundation, which provides leadership training and development opportunities for young people, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), where he served as the chairman of the organization’s national board of directors from 2008 to 2010.

However, Smiley’s reputation was tarnished in 2017 when he was accused of sexual misconduct by several women who had worked with him. PBS subsequently suspended his show, and Smiley sued the network for breach of contract, alleging that he was unfairly terminated. The case was eventually settled out of court.

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10 Quick Facts About Tavis Smiley

1. Name: Tavis Smiley
2. Age: 59 Years (As of 2023)
3. Birthday: 13 September
4. Zodiac Sign: Virgo
5. Height: 6 feet 1 inches (1.85 m)
6. Nationality: American
7. Occupation: Talk Show Host, Author, Liberal Political Commentator, Entrepreneur, Advocate, and Philanthropist
8. Marital Status: Single
9. Salary: Under Review
10. Net worth: $10 Million

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Tavis Smiley Age

Smiley is 59 years old as of 2023, he was born on 13 September 1964, in Gulfport, Mississippi, United States. He celebrates his birthday on 13 September every year and his birth sign is Virgo.

Tavis Smiley Height

Smiley stands at a height of 6 feet 1 inches (1.85 m).

Tavis Smiley Weight

Smiley Weighs 76 kg (167.2 lbs).

Early Life and Education

Smiley was born on September 13, 1964, in Gulfport, Mississippi, but he grew up in Bunker Hill, Indiana. He was raised by his mother and grandmother, and he has spoken publicly about the challenges he faced growing up poor and without a father figure.

Smiley attended Indiana University, where he earned a degree in public affairs. While in college, he became involved in student government and activism, and he served as the president of the Student Body in his senior year.

After graduating from college, Smiley worked as a staffer for the mayor of Los Angeles, Tom Bradley, and later as an aide to Congressman Walter E. Fauntroy in Washington, D.C. He eventually returned to Indiana to pursue a career in broadcasting, working as a radio host and later as a television anchor and commentator.

Rise to Fame

Smiley rose to fame in the world of media and broadcasting. In the 1990s, he worked as a talk radio host in Los Angeles and became known for his thoughtful and provocative commentary on a wide range of issues, particularly those affecting African Americans.

In 1996, Smiley was hired by Black Entertainment Television (BET) to host a new talk show called “BET Talk.” The show was a success, and Smiley quickly became one of the network’s most popular and recognizable personalities. He went on to host several other shows for BET, including “The Tavis Smiley Show” and “BET Tonight with Tavis Smiley.”

In 2004, Smiley launched his own talk show, “The Tavis Smiley Show,” which aired on PBS. The show featured interviews with a wide range of guests, including politicians, celebrities, and activists, and covered a variety of topics, from politics and social justice to arts and culture.

Over the years, Smiley’s show earned numerous accolades, including multiple NAACP Image Awards and a Daytime Emmy Award. He also continued to work as a commentator for other news programs, including “The Today Show” and “Nightline,” and to write books on topics ranging from politics and race relations to personal memoirs.

Despite his success, Smiley’s career was ultimately derailed by allegations of sexual misconduct, which led to the cancellation of his show and a legal battle with PBS. However, his earlier accomplishments in the world of media and broadcasting are still remembered and celebrated by many.

Tavis Smiley Family, Parents

Smiley is son of Joyce Marie Roberts, a single woman who first became pregnant at age 18. On his second birthday September 13, 1966, his mother married Emory Garnell Smiley, a non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force.

A few years later Smiley learned the identity of his biological father, whom he identifies in his autobiography, What I Know For Sure: My Story of Growing Up in America, only as “T”. His family soon moved to Indiana when his stepfather was transferred to Grissom Air Force Base near Peru, Indiana. 

Smiley’s mother was a very religious person, and the family attended the local New Bethel Tabernacle Church, part of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. The Smiley children were forbidden from listening to secular music at home or going to the movie theater and could watch only television shows their parents felt were family-friendly.

Tavis Smiley Siblings

Smiley was born to his parents in Mississippi and raised by in Indiana. Our efforts to find out more about his family came to no avail as no such information is publicly available. Thus, it is not known if he has any siblings. We will update this section once this information is available.

Tavis Smiley Wife

Smiley has not gone public with his relationship, it is not publicly known whether he is married or in a relationship. His partner’s information will be updated as soon as the information is available.

Tavis Smiley Net Worth

Smiley has an estimated net worth of $10 million dollars as of 2023. This includes his assets, money and income. His primary source of income is his career as a talk show host, author, liberal political commentator, entrepreneur, advocate, and philanthropist. Through his various sources of income, Tavis has been able to accumulate a good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.

Tavis Smiley Measurements and Facts

Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Tavis.

Tavis Smiley Wiki

• Full Names: Tavis Smiley
• Popular As: Tavis
• Gender: Male
• Occupation / Profession: Talk Show Host, Author, Liberal Political Commentator, Entrepreneur, Advocate, and Philanthropist
• Nationality: American
• Race / Ethnicity: African -American
• Religion: Not Known
• Sexual Orientation: Straight

Tavis Smiley Birthday

• Age / How Old?: 59 years (2023)
• Zodiac Sign: Virgo
• Date of Birth: 13 September 1964
• Place of Birth: Gulfport, Mississippi, USA
• Birthday: 13 September

Tavis Smiley Body Measurements

• Body Measurements: Not Available
• Height / How Tall?: 6 feet 1 inches (1.85 m)
• Weight: 76 kg (167.2 lbs)
• Eye Color: Black
• Hair Color: Black
• Shoe Size: Not Available

Tavis Smiley Family and Relationship

• Father (Dad): Emory Garnell Smiley
• Mother: Joyce Marie Roberts
• Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Not Known
• Marital Status: Single
• Wife/Spouse: Not Applicable
• Dating / Girlfriend: Single (it is either Dating/Girlfriend  or Dating/Boyfriend Not both. Use Not Applicable if the personality is married)
• Children: Sons (None) Daughter(s) (None)

Tavis Smiley Net Worth and Salary

• Net Worth: $10 Million
• Salary: Under Review
• Source of Income: Talk Show Host, Author, Liberal Political Commentator, Entrepreneur, Advocate, and Philanthropist

Tavis Smiley Career

College and political career

Smiley entered the university with only $50 and a small suitcase because his parents refused to complete financial aid papers. Administrators let Smiley complete the paperwork to become a full-time student. The summer after his first year, he worked, attended summer classes, and lived off campus with Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball players, then being coached by Bob Knight.

During his second year, he was accepted into the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. He became business manager of his dormitory, a member of the student senate, and director of minority affairs. After his friend Denver Smith was killed by Indiana police officers who claimed to have acted in self-defense, he helped lead protests to defend Smith.

Smiley believed his friend had been wrongfully killed. Those protests led him to a work-study internship at the office of Bloomington Mayor Tomilea Allison, where he was paid $5 an hour. He wrote letters to local residents, researched for Mayor Allison, and helped write position papers on local issues.

In his autobiography, he says that a deputy mayor caught him systematically adding extra hours to his time sheets, illegal behavior that could have seen him charged with a felony and expelled from college, but instead of pressing charges, Mayor Allison allowed him to work all of the hours for which he had already been paid, and did not tell other people what he had done.

Smiley twice considered quitting college, first during his junior year, and then after finishing his internship with Mayor Bradley. Bradley persuaded Smiley to return to college. He took the LSAT twice because, he thought he “didn’t do great the first time,” and he “did a little better” the second time; he intended to apply to Harvard Law School.

Instead, he did not graduate from college at all, because he failed a required course in his senior year, and “did poorly in several other courses,” which meant he could not complete his degree on time; rather than stay for an extra term, he chose to leave IU and move to Los Angeles, where he had been promised a job.

Following a hiring freeze by the government of Los Angeles, he served as an aide to Mayor Bradley until 1990. A 1988 article in the Los Angeles Times identified Smiley as “a Bradley administrative assistant who works in South Los Angeles”. In 2003, he officially received his degree from Indiana University in public affairs.

Radio and television career

In 1991, campaigning for a seat on the Los Angeles City Council against incumbent Ruth Galanter, he finished fourth among 15 candidates. He became a radio commentator, broadcasting one-minute daily radio segments called The Smiley Report on KGFJ radio.

Smiley with Ruben Navarrette Jr., co-hosted a local talk show in Los Angeles where his strongly held views on race and politics, combined with his arguments regarding the impact of institutional racism and substandard educational and economic opportunities for inner-city black youth, earned him attention at the Los Angeles Times.

His commentaries focused on local and national current-affairs issues affecting the African-American community. For six months, he worked on a community news program on a local cable network and spent six more months working on television in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

In 1996, he became a frequent commentator to the Tom Joyner Morning Show, a nationally syndicated radio show broadcast on black and urban stations in the United States. He developed a friendship with host Joyner.

Launch of TV talk show BET Talk/ BET Tonight

Also in 1996 Smiley began hosting and executive producing BET Tonight (originally BET Talk when it first premiered). Its a public affairs discussion show on the Black Entertainment Television (BET) network. He interviewed major political figures and celebrities and discussed topics ranging from racial profiling and police brutality to R&B music and Hollywood gossip.

Firing at BET Tonight

Until 2001, Smiley hosted BET Tonight. In a controversial move, the network announced that his contract would not be renewed. Robert L. Johnson, the founder of BET, defended the decision, stating that Smiley had been fired because he had sold an exclusive interview to ABC News without first offering the story to BET, even though his contract with BET did not require him to do so.

This sparked an angry response from Joyner, who sought to rally his radio audience to protest BET’s decision. Smiley ultimately sold the interview to rival network ABC, he said, only after CBS passed on the interview, and suggested that his firing was payback for the publicity he gained as a result of providing an exclusive interview to ABC. Ultimately BET and Viacom did not reverse their decision to terminate Smiley’s contract.

Move to C-SPAN

In 2000 they began hosting annual town hall meetings called “The State of the Black Union,” which were aired live on the C-SPANcable television network. Each of these town hall meetings focused on a specific topic affecting the African-American community. Featuring a panel of African-American leaders, educators, and professionals, assembled before an audience, to discuss problems related to the forum’s topic, as well as potential solutions.

He also used his commentator status on Joyner’s radio show to launch several advocacy campaigns to highlight discriminatory practices in the media and government and to rally support for causes such as the awarding of a Congressional Gold Medal to civil rights icon Rosa Parks. Smiley also began building a national reputation as a political commentator with numerous appearances on political discussion shows on MSNBC, ABC, and CNN.

The Covenant with Black America

In March 2006, The Smiley Group and Third World Press published The Covenant with Black America. Its a collection of essays by black scholars and professionals edited by Smiley. The book covers topics ranging from education to healthcare and was a New York Times Bestseller.

Sexual misconduct allegations

Smiley is accused of having “had sexual relationships with multiple staff members, some of whom reportedly felt that their relationship with the TV host was connected to their employment status.”

On December 13, 2017, PBS indefinitely suspended him. PBS issued a statement saying that it had hired a law firm to conduct an investigation “immediately after learning of troubling allegations regarding Mr. Smiley” and that this investigation “uncovered multiple, credible allegations of conduct that is inconsistent with the values and standards of PBS.”

It was reported by Variety that Smiley was let go due to multiple relationships with subordinates, some of whom felt the relationship was connected to their employment. It was also alleged that Smiley created an environment that was “verbally abusive and threatening.”His suspension followed PBS’ decision to part ways with Charlie Rose.

On December 14, he described the PBS investigation as “biased and sloppy” and said he would fight the allegations and the damage to his reputation. He released a statement saying, “I have the utmost respect for women and celebrate the courage of those who have come forth to tell their truth.” “To be clear, I have never groped, coerced or exposed myself inappropriately to any workplace colleague in my entire broadcast career, covering six networks over 30 years”, he also said.

Soon after the suspension, Smiley went on a country-wide tour to defend his innocence while also supporting the #MeToo movement and denouncing workplace harassment.

Tavis Smiley Books

• Just a Thought: The Smiley Report (ISBN 0-9636952-3-1)
• Doing What’s Right: How to Fight for What You Believe—And Make a Difference (ISBN 0-385-49931-0)
• Hard Left (ISBN 0-385-48404-6)
• Keeping the Faith: Stories of Love, Courage, Healing, and Hope from Black America (ISBN 0-385-72169-2)

• How to Make Black America Better: Leading African Americans Speak Out (ISBN 0-385-72087-4)
• On Air:The Best of Tavis Smiley on the Tom Joyner Morning Show (ISBN 1-890194-33-6)
• The Covenant with Black America (ISBN 0-88378-277-4)
• What I Know for Sure: My Story of Growing Up in America (ISBN 978-0-385-50516-1; ISBN 0-385-50516-7)

• Accountable: Making America As Good As Its Promise (ISBN 978-1-4391-0004-2)
• Fail Up (ISBN 1-4019-3390-4)
• The Rich and the Rest of Us: A Poverty Manifesto (with Cornel West) (ISBN 1-4019-4063-3)
• Death of a King: The Real Story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Final Year (ISBN 0-316-33276-3; ISBN 978-0-316-33276-7)
• My Journey with Maya (with David Ritz) (ISBN 978-1-4789-5829-1)

• Covenant With Black America: Ten Years Later (ISBN 978-1-4019-5149-8)
• 50 For Your Future: Lessons From Down the Road (ISBN 978-1-4019-4839-9)
• Before You Judge Me: The Triumph and Tragedy of Michael Jackson’s Last Days (with David Ritz) (ISBN 0-316-25909-8; ISBN 978-0-316-25909-5)
• The Covenant with Black America – Ten Years Later (ISBN 1-40195-149-X)

Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences

Tavis Smiley has had many notable travel experiences, attended important events, and participated in various experiences throughout his career. Here are some examples:

• Travel: Tavis has traveled extensively throughout his career, often as part of his work as a television host and commentator. He has reported from around the world, including from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. He has also been a frequent guest on international news programs, discussing issues related to American politics, race relations, and social justice.
• Events: Tavis has attended and participated in many important events throughout his career. He has moderated presidential debates, including a Democratic debate in 2008, and has been a keynote speaker at numerous conferences and conventions, including the National Association of Black Journalists and the National Urban League. He has also served as the host or master of ceremonies for many events, including the NAACP Image Awards.
• Experiences: Tavis has had a number of unique and noteworthy experiences over the course of his career. He has interviewed many prominent figures, including presidents, politicians, and celebrities. He has also collaborated with other media personalities, including Maya Angelou and Cornel West, on various projects. In addition, Smiley has been a frequent guest on talk shows, including “The Late Show with David Letterman” and “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.”

Future Aspirations and Goals

It is difficult to say what Tavis’s future aspirations and goals are, given that his career has been affected by the controversy surrounding allegations of sexual misconduct. As of my knowledge cutoff in 2021, Smiley had not announced any plans to return to television or other forms of media. However, he has continued to be active in his philanthropic work through the Tavis Smiley Foundation, which provides mentorship and leadership training to young people.

In interviews conducted prior to the controversy, Tavis had spoken about his desire to continue to engage in public discourse and to use his platform to address issues related to social justice and inequality. He had also expressed interest in working on documentaries and other projects that would allow him to explore these issues in greater depth.

It remains to be seen what Tavis’ future holds, but it is clear that he has had a significant impact on the world of media and broadcasting and has been a vocal advocate for political and social causes throughout his career.

Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable and Community Involvement

Tavis Smiley has been involved in various philanthropic, charitable, and community initiatives throughout his career, demonstrating a commitment to improving the lives of others, particularly young people. Here are some examples:

• Tavis Smiley Foundation: In 1999, Tavis founded the Tavis Smiley Foundation, which provides leadership training and development opportunities for young people, particularly those from underprivileged communities. The Foundation offers mentorship, academic scholarships, and other support to help students achieve their goals.
• Education Advocacy: Tavis has been a vocal advocate for education reform and has worked to support initiatives aimed at improving access to quality education for all students, regardless of their background. He has been a supporter of charter schools and other innovative approaches to education.
• Health Advocacy: Tavis has been involved in health advocacy, particularly in the area of HIV/AIDS. He has worked to raise awareness of the disease and to promote prevention and treatment efforts.
• Community Involvement: Tavis has been actively involved in his local community, particularly in Los Angeles. He has supported community organizations and initiatives aimed at promoting economic development, job creation, and other forms of social progress.

Tavis Smiley Awards Accomplishments and Achievements

Tavis Smiley has achieved many awards and accomplishments throughout his career in media and broadcasting. Here are some of his notable achievements:

• NAACP Image Awards: Tavis has won multiple NAACP Image Awards, including Outstanding Literary Work in the Non-Fiction category for his books “The Covenant with Black America” and “Accountable,” as well as Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special) for “The Tavis Smiley Show” and Outstanding Talk Series for “Tavis Smiley.”
• Daytime Emmy Award: In 2011, Tavis won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host for “The Tavis Smiley Show.”
• Hollywood Walk of Fame: In 2014, Tavis was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the entertainment industry.
• Author: Tavis has authored several books on a wide range of topics, including politics, race relations, and personal memoirs. His book “The Covenant with Black America” became a New York Times bestseller.
• Philanthropist: Tavis is the founder of the Tavis Smiley Foundation, which provides leadership training and development opportunities for young people.
• Political Activist: Tavis has been an advocate for political and social causes throughout his career, particularly those affecting African Americans. He was a prominent supporter of the 2008 presidential campaign of Barack Obama and has been a vocal critic of the policies of President Donald Trump.

Legacy

Tavis has left a legacy as a prominent media personality and social commentator who used his platform to address issues related to politics, culture, and society. He has been a vocal advocate for social justice and equality, particularly for people of color and other marginalized groups.

Smiley’s work as a television host, radio personality, and author has helped to shape public discourse and has influenced the way people think about important issues. His interviews with prominent figures in politics, entertainment, and other fields have provided insight into the experiences and perspectives of people from a diverse range of backgrounds.

In addition to his media work, Tavis’ philanthropic and charitable initiatives, particularly through the Tavis Smiley Foundation, have had a positive impact on the lives of young people from underprivileged communities, providing opportunities for leadership development, mentorship, and academic support.

However, Tavis’ legacy has also been affected by allegations of sexual misconduct, which have raised questions about his conduct and behavior. It remains to be seen how these allegations will impact the way Smiley is remembered in the years to come.

Despite these controversies, Smiley’s contributions to public discourse and his efforts to improve the lives of young people have left a lasting impact on American culture and society, and his work will continue to be studied and discussed by scholars, journalists, and others interested in the intersections of media, politics, and social justice.

Hobbies and Interests

• Writing: Tavis is a prolific author, having written over 20 books throughout his career. His books cover a range of topics, from politics and social issues to personal growth and spirituality.
• Public Speaking: Tavis is known for his dynamic and engaging public speaking style. He has delivered keynote speeches at conferences, universities, and other events around the world.
• Philanthropy: Tavis is passionate about giving back to his community. He has founded several charitable organizations, including the Tavis Smiley Foundation, which provides mentoring and educational opportunities for underprivileged youth.
• Travel: Tavis is an avid traveler and has visited over 100 countries around the world. He often incorporates his travel experiences into his writing and speaking engagements.
• Music: Tavis is a fan of jazz music and has hosted several jazz-themed events and concerts throughout his career. He has also interviewed many famous jazz musicians on his talk show.
• Politics and Social Issues: Tavis is known for his outspoken views on politics and social issues. He has hosted numerous forums and discussions on topics such as race relations, poverty, and healthcare.
• Sports: Tavis is a sports fan, particularly of basketball and football. He has interviewed several high-profile athletes on his talk show, including Kobe Bryant and Serena Williams.

Personal Beliefs

• Social Justice: Tavis is a strong advocate for social justice and has spoken out on a range of issues, including racial inequality, poverty, and access to healthcare. He has hosted numerous discussions and forums on these topics and has written several books that address social justice issues.
• Education: Tavis believes that education is a key to success and has founded several organizations that provide educational opportunities for underprivileged youth. He has also spoken out about the need to reform the education system to ensure that all students have access to quality education.
• Personal Responsibility: Tavis believes that individuals have a personal responsibility to work hard and strive for success. He has spoken out against the “victim mentality” and believes that people can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals with hard work and determination.
• Spirituality: Tavis is a spiritual person and has written several books on spirituality and personal growth. He believes in the power of positive thinking and encourages others to cultivate a positive outlook on life.
• Community Involvement: Tavis believes in the importance of giving back to one’s community and has founded several charitable organizations that work to improve the lives of underprivileged individuals. He encourages others to get involved in their communities and make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Quotes

Final Thoughts

Tavis is a well-known American talk show host, author, and philanthropist who has made significant contributions in the areas of media, social justice, education, and community involvement. He is an influential figure who has inspired millions of people around the world through his work and personal beliefs.

Throughout his career, Tavis has been an advocate for social justice and has spoken out on issues related to poverty, racial inequality, and access to healthcare. He has also been a strong proponent of education and has founded several organizations that provide educational opportunities for underprivileged youth.

Tavis’ personal beliefs reflect his commitment to spirituality, personal responsibility, and community involvement. He believes in the power of positive thinking and encourages others to cultivate a positive outlook on life. He is a champion of personal growth and encourages individuals to learn about themselves and understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tavis Smiley

Tavis Smiley Contacts

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