Paige Audrey Marie Hurd’s journey from a child star to a resilient, accomplished actress is filled with shocking twists, personal battles, and inspiring triumphs.

Born on July 20, 1992, in Dallas, Texas, Paige grew up in a dynamic household led by her Puerto Rican mother, Cheryl Martin, who later became CEO of CMA Entertainment, and an African-American father whose identity remained mysterious.

From the start, Paige’s life was anything but ordinary, especially with legendary rapper DMX as her godfather—a relationship forged on the set of “Cradle 2 the Grave” when Paige, just eight years old, boldly asked DMX to take on the role.

Her childhood was marked by frequent moves and early exposure to the entertainment industry. Paige’s mother enrolled her in modeling and runway shows before she could even spell “Hollywood.”

After her parents divorced, Paige moved to New York and quickly booked commercials, including a notable national spot for Kmart and Sesame Street, which launched her into the world of child acting.

Despite her growing fame, Paige’s upbringing was far from glamorous. She attended homeschool and took the metro to set while filming “Everybody Hates Chris,” one of television’s biggest sitcoms.

Her daily commute was fraught with danger; Paige once narrowly escaped a kidnapping attempt on her way to school, a terrifying ordeal she later recounted in interviews. Even as millions watched her on TV, Paige navigated life like any other kid in a working-class neighborhood, with her mother juggling work and her siblings attending public schools.

Paige’s career skyrocketed after landing her first major film role in “Cradle 2 the Grave” alongside DMX, who became a true family figure. She went on to appear in “The Cat in the Hat” with Mike Myers, “Beauty Shop” with Queen Latifah, and most memorably as Tasha Clarkson on “Everybody Hates Chris” from 2006 to 2009.

Despite her success, Paige faced bullying from classmates who assumed she thought she was better than them. To avoid attention, she dressed down and tried to blend in, a habit she admits she’s still working to break as an adult.

After “Everybody Hates Chris,” Paige continued her steady ascent, starring as Justin Bieber’s love interest in his “Never Let You Go” music video, and as Samantha Grover on “Hawaii Five-0.”

In 2019, she landed a major role as Gail Franklin in Tyler Perry’s “The Oval,” and in 2020, she was cast as Lauren Baldwin in “Power Book II: Ghost.” Despite walking out of her audition convinced she’d failed, Paige was chosen for the role, which became a critical turning point in her career.

Paige’s personal life has been equally eventful. She’s spoken candidly about her struggles with body dysmorphia, feeling disconnected from her heritage, and learning to embrace her unique features.

Therapy has played a vital role in her journey, helping her unlearn toxic patterns and prepare for healthy relationships. In early 2024, Paige met NBA player Royce O’Neale, who had dreamed of marrying her for years. Their love story culminated in a surprise proposal in Cabo San Lucas in February 2025.

Despite her achievements, Paige has faced frightening encounters with stalkers, including one who called her incessantly from multiple countries and another who repeatedly brought her roses at premieres.

Fame, she discovered, does not guarantee safety. Through it all, Paige remains grounded by her faith, which she credits for keeping her humble and focused on a greater purpose.

With a net worth of $2–3 million, Paige owns her home, pays her bills, and enjoys her success—though she admits to a weakness for purses. Her story is one of resilience: surviving childhood dangers, overcoming bullying, grieving the loss of DMX, and navigating Hollywood’s challenges.

Paige Hurd is no longer dimming her light; she’s embracing her full presence, inspiring others to believe in themselves, do the inner work, and never give up on their dreams.