# Wesley Snipes Leaves Behind a Fortune That Makes His Family Cry

Wesley Snipes, an icon of Black cinema with unforgettable roles in *Blade* and *New Jack City*, once reigned as Hollywood’s action king, amassing tens of millions. From a childhood in the tough South Bronx to becoming a global star, his journey was one of grit and talent.

Born on July 31, 1962, in Orlando, Florida, Snipes grew up amidst hardship in New York, where martial arts became his shield against bullying. At 12, a school play ignited his passion for acting, leading him to LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts. Despite setbacks, including a family move to Florida, his determination never wavered.

Snipes exploded onto the scene in the 1990s with *New Jack City* (1991), where he played the ruthless Nino Brown, grossing over $47 million and cementing his stardom. Roles in *White Men Can’t Jump* (1992) and *Passenger 57* (1992) showcased his versatility, but it was *Blade* (1998) that defined him.

The film, made on a $45 million budget, earned $131 million, paving the way for modern superhero cinema. Snipes, embodying the half-human, half-vampire hunter, earned over $30 million across the trilogy, plus royalties, peaking his net worth at $40 million. He lived lavishly—mansions, supercars, and private jets marked his success.

However, his empire crumbled due to tax evasion. Between 1999 and 2004, Snipes earned $38 million but failed to file returns, influenced by a dubious group claiming taxes were optional. Indicted in 2006 for owing $17 million, he was convicted in 2008 on three misdemeanor counts, serving over two years in prison from 2010 to 2013.

His assets were auctioned, and Hollywood distanced itself, leaving his fortune nearly wiped out. Studios hesitated to cast him, and his once-glittering reputation was tarnished.

Yet, Snipes staged a remarkable comeback. Post-prison, he took smaller roles, like in *The Expendables 3* (2014), earning modest paychecks of $250,000 to $500,000 per project. He downsized his lifestyle, focusing on stability over extravagance. In 2019, he co-founded Mandi House Studios, embracing tech like AI and blockchain for independent filmmaking.

His acclaimed role in Netflix’s *Dolemite Is My Name* (2019) reminded the world of his enduring talent. Today, his net worth is estimated at $5 million—a fraction of his peak—but his resilience shines.

The emotional impact on his family stems from this rollercoaster. While the text mistakenly references Terry Crews, it’s clear Snipes’ legacy is the true focus. His wife, Nakyung “Nikki” Park, and their four children, alongside a daughter from a prior marriage, witnessed his rise, fall, and redemption. The fortune he leaves isn’t just financial; it’s a story of second chances.

Once a symbol of invincibility, Snipes’ journey—from losing everything to rebuilding—evokes tears of both loss and pride, reflecting a man who fell hard but stood taller through faith and family.