Tim Reid Biography: Timothy Lee Reid Sr. born December 19, 1944 is an American actor, comedian, and film director, best known for his roles in popular prime-time TV shows such as Venus Flytrap on WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–82), Marcel “Downtown” Brown on Simon & Simon (1983–87), Ray Campbell on Sister, Sister (1994–99), and William Barnett on That ’70s Show (2004–06).
Tim Reid Biography
Timothy Lee Reid, born December 19, 1944, in Norfolk and raised in Chesapeake, Virginia, first gained fame through his work on television. Despite a challenging and impoverished childhood, he turned his life around to attend Norfolk State College (now University), where he earned a degree in business administration.
Tim Reid Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Timothy Lee Reid Sr.
December 19, 1944 Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.
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| Alma mater | Norfolk State University (BBA) |
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| Years active | 1968–present |
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| Children | 2 |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Tim Reid
Timothy Lee Reid Sr. is an American actor, comedian and film director best known for his roles in prime time American television programs, such as Venus Flytrap on WKRP in Cincinnati, Marcel “Downtown” Brown on Simon & Simon, Ray Campbell on Sister, Sister and William Barnett on That ’70s Show.
Tim Reid Achievements
Reid also starred in the CBS series Frank’s Place, playing a professor who inherits a restaurant in Louisiana. He is the founder and president of the Legacy Media Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting leading film and television professionals with aspiring actors and young people pursuing careers in entertainment media.
Tim Reid Personal Life
While at college, he met his wife, Rita, and together they have two children, Tim Reid II and Tori Reid, both of whom have pursued careers in the entertainment industry. Tim worked for DuPont Chemicals in Chicago. Around the early 1970s, he met insurance agent Tom Dreesen, and the two formed a comedy nightclub act called “Tim and Tom.” Around this time, Tim decided to fully commit to acting, taking drama classes and performing as a comedian. His TV and commercial work soon followed, landing roles on variety shows featuring stars like Frankie Avalon, singers Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr.
Tim Reid Wiki
- Born: 19 December 1944 (age 80 years), Norfolk, Virginia, United States
- Spouse: Daphne Maxwell Reid (m. 1982), Rita Reid (m. 1967–1980)
- Children: Tori Reid, Tim Reid II
- Books: Tim & Tom: An American Comedy in Black and White
- Parents: William Lee Reid, Augustine Reid
- Height: 1.87 m
Early Life
Reid was born in Norfolk, Virginia, and grew up in the Crestwood neighborhood of Chesapeake (formerly Norfolk County). He is the son of William Lee and Augustine (née Wilkins) Reid. Growing up in Norfolk during segregation, Reid was surrounded mostly by Black-owned businesses. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Norfolk State College in 1968 and became a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. After graduating, he worked at DuPont Corporation for three years.
Reid’s entertainment career also began in 1968 when he met insurance salesman Tom Dreesen at a Junior Chamber of Commerce meeting near Chicago. They were paired to promote an anti-drug campaign in local schools and, inspired by a remark from a child, decided to form a comedy duo. Known as “Tim and Tom,” they became the first interracial comedy team. Years later, Reid and Dreesen co-authored the book Tim & Tom: An American Comedy in Black and White (2008) with sports writer Ron Rapoport, chronicling their experiences.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Timothy Lee Reid
- Date of Birth: December 19, 1944
- Place of Birth: Norfolk, Virginia, USA
- Nationality: American
- Children: Timothy II (b. 1968), Tori Reid (b. 1971)
- Estimated Net Worth: $3 million
Career Beginnings and Breakthroughs
After college, Reid began working at DuPont Corporation but soon pursued his passion for performance. In 1968, he teamed up with Tom Dreesen to form Tim and Tom, the first interracial comedy duo in the U.S. Their act tackled racial tensions with humor and paved Reid’s path into television. He gained early recognition as a performer on The Richard Pryor Show, but it was his breakout role as the stylish DJ Venus Flytrap on WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–1982) that launched him to national prominence.
Major Roles and Achievements
Reid’s talent and range earned him roles in several successful TV series, including:
- Marcel “Downtown” Brown on Simon & Simon (1983–1987)
- Ray Campbell, the adoptive father, on Sister, Sister (1994–1999)
- The lead role in Frank’s Place (1987–1988), which earned him the Viewers for Quality Television Award and an NAACP Image Award
- Adult Mike Hanlon in the 1990 miniseries It, showcasing his dramatic depth
Recent Work and Industry Contributions
Tim Reid remains active behind the camera, focusing on directing and producing content centered around African American stories and cultural representation. He is the founder of the Legacy Media Institute, a nonprofit that mentors young creatives and connects them with established professionals in film and television.
Personal Life
Tim Reid married Rita Ann Sykes in 1966, with whom he had two children: Timothy II and Tori. After their divorce in 1980, Reid married actress Daphne Maxwell Reid in 1982. The couple has maintained a strong personal and professional bond, frequently collaborating on various film and television projects. Tim Reid’s enduring career and commitment to mentoring and storytelling have left a lasting impact on American television and culture.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Reid co-authored the book Tim & Tom: An American Comedy in Black and White with Tom Dreesen, detailing their experiences as the first interracial comedy duo in the U.S.
- He directed the 1996 film Once Upon a Time… When We Were Colored, an adaptation of Clifton L. Taulbert’s memoir.
- Reid has long advocated for using media as a platform for social progress, emphasizing storytelling as a bridge across cultural and racial divides.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Through his nonprofit, the Legacy Media Institute, Reid has mentored aspiring filmmakers and championed diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. His dedication to uplifting underrepresented voices has left a lasting impact on both the creative community and broader society.
Future Plans and Cultural Influence
Tim Reid remains committed to developing film and television projects centered on African American stories. His goal is to empower the next generation of diverse storytellers and continue reshaping the narrative landscape. Reid’s legacy goes far beyond his acting—he is a cultural trailblazer who continues to influence how stories are told and who gets to tell them.
Tim Reid Net Worth 2025
Tim Reid has an estimated net worth of $3 million, earned through decades of work as an actor, director, and producer. In 1997, he and his wife, Daphne Maxwell Reid, founded New Millennium Studios in Petersburg, Virginia. It was the largest independent film studio east of Hollywood at the time and the first Black-owned studio of its kind since the 1930s. The studio played a significant role in producing various film and television projects before being sold in 2015.
FAQs
What is Tim Reid best known for in his acting career?
Tim Reid is best known for his role as Venus Flytrap on the hit sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati. He also gained widespread recognition for playing Ray Campbell on the popular 1990s series Sister, Sister and for his part in the critically acclaimed show Frank’s Place.
What role did Tim Reid play in the development of Black-owned film studios?
In 1997, Tim Reid co-founded New Millennium Studios in Petersburg, Virginia, with his wife Daphne Maxwell Reid. It was one of the largest Black-owned film studios in the U.S. and helped pave the way for more diverse storytelling in film and television until its sale in 2015.
Has Tim Reid directed any films?
Yes, Tim Reid directed the 1996 drama Once Upon a Time… When We Were Colored, which is based on a memoir by Clifton L. Taulbert. The film explores the African American experience in the segregated South and received critical acclaim for its storytelling and historical relevance.
How has Tim Reid contributed to mentoring in the film industry?
Tim Reid founded the Legacy Media Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mentoring young filmmakers and promoting diversity in media. Through this initiative, he connects aspiring talent with experienced industry professionals to foster inclusive storytelling.
What was the significance of the “Tim and Tom” comedy duo?
Tim Reid was part of Tim and Tom, the first interracial comedy team in the United States. The duo, formed in the late 1960s with Tom Dreesen, used comedy to address racial issues and break social barriers during a turbulent period in American history.
What is Tim Reid’s net worth and how did he earn it?
Tim Reid’s estimated net worth is around $3 million. He built his wealth through a successful acting career, directing and producing, and co-founding New Millennium Studios. His various creative ventures, including book authorship and advocacy, have also contributed to his financial success.