Wesley Trent Snipes, born on July 31, 1962, in Florida, is an American actor and martial artist recognized for his action films. Snipes started acting in the 1980s and achieved prominence with roles in films like “New Jack City,” “White Men Can’t Jump,” and “Blade” series.
During the 2000s, his roles were mostly direct-to-video, with a notable return in “The Expendables 3” (2014). Snipes has a 5th Dan black belt in Shotokan Karate and a 2nd Dan black belt in Hapkido. He founded Amen-Ra Films and ventured into writing, debuting with his novel “Talon of God” in 2017.
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Wesley Snipes’s Net Worth
Wesley Snipes, an American actor and martial artist, has a net worth of negative $9 million due to significant financial and legal troubles. Between 1996 and 2004, Snipes earned $37.9 million but failed to pay any taxes, also filing for $12 million in fraudulent refunds.
This led to a conviction for tax evasion, resulting in nearly 900 days in prison and an initial demand for $17 million in back taxes, penalties, and interest, which increased to $23.5 million by 2018. The government later reduced his debt to $9.5 million, but Snipes claimed he could only offer $842,000.
Early life
Born in Orlando, Florida, Wesley Snipes is the son of Marian, a teacher’s assistant, and Wesley Rudolph Snipes, an aircraft engineer. He was raised in the Bronx, New York, and attended the High School of Performing Arts in New York City.
He moved back to Florida before graduating, completing his education at Jones High School in Orlando. Snipes returned to New York to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the State University of New York at Purchase and later attended Southwestern College in California.
Career
Wesley Snipes emerged in the entertainment world with notable roles such as Nino Brown in “New Jack City” and the titular character in the “Blade” trilogy, which became his largest commercial success.
Snipes also starred in various action films including “Passenger 57” and “Demolition Man,” as well as comedies like “White Men Can’t Jump.” He received critical acclaim for his performance in “One Night Stand,” winning a Volpi Cup at Venice Film Festival. Snipes’ career includes founding Amen-Ra Films and branching into writing with his debut novel “Talon of God” in 2017 and later, comics.
Personal life
Wesley Snipes started martial arts training at age 12, achieving a 5th-degree black belt in Shotokan karate and a 2nd-degree black belt in Hapkido. He has also trained in Capoeira, Kung Fu, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Kickboxing.
Snipes, originally a Christian, converted to Islam in 1978 but left the religion in 1988, citing a renewed sense of self-worth and dignity. Married twice, he has five children. His NYC apartment was destroyed in the 9/11 attacks while he was on the West Coast.
What happened to Wesley Snipe?
In a significant downturn, Snipes was sentenced to prison for neglecting to file federal income tax returns, serving 28 months before his release in 2013.
Conclusion
The story of Wesley Snipes serves as a cautionary tale of fame’s fleeting nature and the importance of prudent financial decisions. While his on-screen performances have been iconic, his off-screen decisions have overshadowed his cinematic contributions.
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FAQs about Wesley Snipes’s Net Worth
- What led to Wesley Snipes’ negative net worth?
- A prolonged legal battle with the IRS regarding unpaid taxes significantly impacted his finances.
- Is Wesley Snipes still active in Hollywood?
- After his release from prison, Snipes has made a few appearances in films and TV.
- Did Snipes’ legal issues affect his career?
- Yes, the tax evasion scandal and subsequent imprisonment tarnished his reputation, affecting his career opportunities.
- How much did Snipes earn at the peak of his career?
- Between 1996 and 2004, Snipes reportedly earned $37.9 million.
- Are there any plans for Wesley Snipes to reprise his role as Blade?
- As of now, Mahershala Ali has been cast as Blade in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, replacing Snipes.
