Terry Crews Biography: Terry Alan Crews born July 30, 1968 is an American actor, television host, and former professional football player. He is best known for his roles as Julius Rock on the UPN/CW sitcom Everybody Hates Chris (2005–2009) and as Terry Jeffords on the Fox/NBC series Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013–2021). Crews also starred in the BET reality show The Family Crews (2010–2011) and served as the host of the U.S. version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire from 2014 to 2015. His film credits include Friday After Next (2002), White Chicks (2004), Idiocracy (2006), Blended (2014), The Expendables series (2010–2014), and Rumble (2021). Since 2019, he has hosted America’s Got Talent, after previously hosting its spin-off, America’s Got Talent: The Champions.
Terry Crews Biography
Terry Crews was born in Flint, Michigan, to Patricia and Terry Crews Sr. He received an art excellence scholarship to attend Western Michigan University and later earned a full athletic scholarship to play football. As an All-Conference defensive end, Crews played a key role in leading the WMU Broncos to the 1988 MAC championship.
Terry Crews Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Terry Alan Crews
July 30, 1968 Flint, Michigan, U.S.
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| Occupations |
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| Years active |
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| Spouse |
Rebecca King
(m. 1989) |
| Children | 5 |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Terry Crews
Terry Alan Crews is an American actor, television host, and former professional football player. He played Julius Rock in the UPN/CW sitcom Everybody Hates Chris, which aired from 2005 to 2009, and portrayed Terry Jeffords in the Fox and NBC sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Terry Crews Personal Life
His college achievements led to him being drafted by the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams in 1991. Crews spent six years in the NFL, playing for the Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers, Rhein Fire (NFL Europe, Germany), Washington Redskins, and Philadelphia Eagles. During his football career, he combined his artistic skills with his sports career by creating a series of NFL-licensed lithographs for Sierra Sun Editions.
Terry Crews Wiki
- Born: 30 July 1968 (age 56 years), Flint, Michigan, United States
- Spouse: Rebecca King-Crews (m. 1989)
- Height: 1.88 m
- Children: Isaiah Crews, Tera Crews, Wynfrey Crews, Azriel Crews, Naomi Burton-Crews
- Books: Cabin Pressure, Terry’s Many Hats, Terry’s Crew ·
- Parents: Patricia Crews, Terry Crews, Sr.
Early life and education
Terry Crews was born on July 30, 1968, in Flint, Michigan, to Patricia Ann (née Simpson) and Terry Crews. He is the middle child of three siblings and was raised primarily by his mother, who was just 18 years old when he was born. Crews grew up in a strict Christian household in Flint. His father struggled with alcoholism and was abusive toward his mother. From a young age, Crews showed an interest in music; he received a flute from his great-aunt and took lessons for eight years. He also spent a summer at Interlochen Arts Academy. Crews initially enrolled at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo on an art scholarship, but after his freshman year, he tried out for the football team and earned a full athletic scholarship.
How Did Terry Crews Become Famous?
Terry Crews started out as a linebacker, but his first passion was actually music and visual art. He played the flute for eight years and attended the Interlochen Arts Academy before enrolling at Western Michigan University on an art scholarship. Between his freshman and sophomore years, he tried out for the university’s football team and earned a full athletic scholarship.
After college, Crews was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1991. Although being drafted into the NFL might seem like a big break, Crews has shared that he didn’t make much money playing professional football—his experience was quite typical for many players. Over five years, he played for six different teams, including a stint in Germany with the Rhein Fire. During a period with the Green Bay Packers, he reportedly earned just $150 a week.
How Much Did Terry Crews Make in the NFL?
The total amount Terry Crews earned in the NFL is not publicly known, but he has made it clear that his income was modest and didn’t last long. Over his career, he played 32 games for the Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers, and Washington Redskins (now the Washington Commanders).
How Much Does Terry Crews Make on America’s Got Talent?
Crews’ salary for hosting America’s Got Talent is often estimated at about $1.5 million per season, although this figure hasn’t been officially confirmed. He has expressed admiration for the talent on the show and humility about his role, saying the judges help select the best contestants, but ultimately, the audience decides.
How Much Does Terry Crews Make Per Episode?
Based on the $1.5 million estimated season salary for AGT, Crews likely earns around $68,000 per episode for a typical 22-episode season.
How Much Did Terry Crews Make on Brooklyn Nine-Nine?
Details about Crews’ salary for his role as Terry Jeffords on Brooklyn Nine-Nine haven’t been publicly released. Some sources speculate he earned around $80,000 per episode, but this remains unconfirmed.
How Much Did Terry Crews Make on Everybody Hates Chris?
Crews’ earnings for Everybody Hates Chris aren’t public. However, considering the show’s lead, Tyler James Williams, made approximately $250,000 per episode, it’s likely Crews earned a lower amount in the five-figure range as a supporting cast member.
How Much Did Terry Crews Make on White Chicks?
Crews’ salary for White Chicks hasn’t been disclosed. The film was a box office hit, grossing $113 million, and has since become a cult classic. Crews has spoken fondly of the experience, calling it one of his best filming memories and expressing interest in a sequel. He said the cast felt like family, and the experience was life-changing.
What Is Terry Crews’ Net Worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Terry Crews’ net worth is estimated to be around $25 million.
FAQs
Why did Terry Crews’ wife leave him?
Terry and Rebecca nearly split in 2010 after the actor admitted to being unfaithful and addicted to pornography. The couple opened up about how they repaired their relationship in an Audible Original called Stronger Together. “He’s the hero of our story, in my opinion,” Rebecca told PEOPLE in 2021.
What did Terry Crews do after retiring from the NFL?
After retiring from the NFL in 1997, Terry Crews took on hourly wage jobs such as sweeping floors and working as a security guard for celebrities and film studios. This exposure helped him get his first acting roles, eventually leading to a successful career in entertainment.
How did Terry Crews get his first acting role?
Terry Crews’ first acting role came in 1999 on the game show Battle Dome, where he was cast as a series regular known as T-Money, the Urban Warrior. This opportunity came after his work as a security guard introduced him to the entertainment industry.
Did Terry Crews use his art skills during his NFL career?
Yes, while playing in the NFL, Terry Crews combined his passion for art and football by painting portraits of his teammates and selling them for around $5,000 each.
Which movie gave Terry Crews his big break in acting?
Terry Crews’ big break in acting came with the 2002 film Friday After Next, where he played the character Damon. This opportunity came after Ice Cube, the film’s star and writer, noticed Crews, who had previously worked as his security guard.
How many NFL teams did Terry Crews play for?
Terry Crews played for six different teams during his NFL career, including the Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers, Rhein Fire (NFL Europe in Germany), Washington Redskins, and Philadelphia Eagles.
What other talents does Terry Crews have besides acting and football?
Besides acting and football, Terry Crews is an accomplished visual artist and musician. He played the flute for eight years and attended Interlochen Arts Academy on a music scholarship before switching to football.