Tisha Campbell has been a familiar face in American television and film for decades, but her financial story is as complex as her career. Best known as Gina from Martin and Jay from My Wife and Kids, she built her fortune through sitcoms, movies, and music, yet faced setbacks that nearly left her with nothing. As of 2025, Tisha Campbell’s net worth is estimated at $700,000. At 56 years old, she continues to rebuild, proving that her journey is less about numbers and more about resilience.
Early Life and Family Background
Tisha Michelle Campbell was born on October 13, 1968, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and raised in Newark, New Jersey. Her parents, Clifton and Mona Campbell, set the foundation for her artistic path. Mona, a gospel singer and vocal coach, nurtured her daughter’s talent from an early age. By the age of eight, Tisha made her television debut on PBS’s The Big Blue Marble. Growing up in Newark during the 1970s wasn’t always easy, but the household was filled with music and faith, giving Tisha strength and creativity.
She often recalls entering talent shows and local competitions as a child. Those early performances shaped her fearless stage presence and laid the groundwork for the career that followed. The support of mentors and teachers in her community encouraged her to chase opportunities, long before Hollywood knew her name.
Career Beginnings in Film and Music
Tisha Campbell’s career started early, with a notable appearance in Little Shop of Horrors in 1986 while still in her teens. By 1988, she was part of the cult classic School Daze, directed by Spike Lee, which put her on the radar in Hollywood. She gained even more recognition with her role in House Party (1990) and its sequels, which became staples of Black cinema in the early ’90s.
Music was also a big part of her early career. In 1993, she released her debut album Tisha, which included the single “Push.” While her music didn’t reach the same level of fame as her acting, it showed her versatility. She also contributed to soundtracks and made appearances in music videos, including Will Smith’s “Wild Wild West.”
Breakthrough on Television
The role that made Campbell a household name was Gina Waters-Payne on the hit sitcom Martin (1992–1997). Her chemistry with Martin Lawrence was unforgettable, and the series became one of the most popular comedies of the decade. The job was also a financial breakthrough, with Campbell earning a steady salary for five seasons.
After Martin, Campbell found new success as Janet “Jay” Kyle in My Wife and Kids (2001–2005), alongside Damon Wayans. The role made her a TV mom icon, earning her awards and cementing her place in comedy history. These sitcoms provided the majority of her career income and remain the performances fans most associate with her.
Career Earnings and Setbacks
If you add up the sitcom checks, movie roles, and music projects, Campbell’s career earnings easily reached millions. But Hollywood fortunes are not always permanent.
In 2016, Campbell and then-husband Duane Martin filed for bankruptcy, reporting debts of more than $15 million and assets under half a million. Court filings revealed financial struggles that shocked fans who assumed long-term sitcom stardom guaranteed wealth. After her divorce, Campbell admitted that she had been left with “just $21” at one point, forcing her to start over.
Despite these challenges, she has remained open about her struggles, speaking honestly about financial hardship and recovery. That candidness has made her story relatable to fans who see her as both glamorous and grounded.
Recent Work and Ongoing Career
Campbell has continued to work steadily in recent years. She appeared in TV projects like Dr. Ken and more recently Lopez vs. Lopez. Her film roles, while not blockbusters, have kept her visible and relevant. She also pursues behind-the-scenes projects as a producer and nonprofit founder, channeling her energy into community-focused initiatives.
Her ability to reinvent herself after setbacks shows a commitment to her craft. While her net worth may not match the tens of millions some of her peers enjoy, Campbell’s career remains an example of resilience and reinvention in a volatile industry.
Personal Life and Family
Tisha Campbell was married to actor Duane Martin from 1996 until their divorce in 2020. Together they have two sons, and motherhood has always been central to her life. Her role as a mother off-screen mirrors the strength she often portrays on-screen.
She has also been active in speaking out on issues close to her, from supporting autism awareness to founding nonprofits that focus on children and education. For Campbell, family and community work remain priorities alongside her acting career.
Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Tisha Campbell’s net worth is estimated at $700,000. This figure reflects her current reality: not the millions she once had during the peak of Martin and My Wife and Kids, but also not the rock bottom she experienced during bankruptcy. At 56 years old, Campbell is proof that financial recovery is possible with persistence, talent, and humility.
Her story is a reminder that Hollywood wealth can be fleeting, but resilience and reinvention can keep careers alive. Campbell continues to earn through acting, producing, and appearances, ensuring that her net worth may grow again in the coming years.
Conclusion
Tisha Campbell’s financial journey is one of the most honest and eye-opening in Hollywood. From sitcom stardom and million-dollar paydays to bankruptcy and rebuilding from nearly nothing, her story reflects both the highs and lows of celebrity life. With a net worth of $700,000 in 2025, she stands as an example of perseverance. Fans still see her as Gina or Jay, but her real legacy is her determination to keep moving forward despite obstacles.