The Life and Career of Zolee Griggs: Age, Height, Net Worth
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Zolee is a multifaceted talent, excelling in roles as a social media influencer, fashion blogger, and accomplished actress. She began her career as a child actress, earning recognition for her notable role in Disney Channel’s “Cory in the House.” However, her breakthrough moment came with the portrayal of Shurrie in Hulu’s biographical drama “Wu-Tang: An American Saga.” Zolee’s dedication to her craft, combined with her authenticity and commitment to making a positive impact, positions her as a rising star to watch in the coming years.
Early Life and Family
Zolee Griggs was born 30 on July 1997, at 12:40 a.m. in Los Angeles, California. She weighed 7lbs 1oz (3kgs) and measured 19ins (46cms) long. During her formative years, it seemed that her father was absent from the picture, and there’s no available information about him other than that he’s black, and according to some reports, his name is Michael A. Griggs.
Her mother, Sumiye Plaszewski, works as an esthetician, and has said that she didn’t feel like a single mom, showing gratitude for the support she received, particularly from Zolee’s grandmother. Guided by a strong faith, Sumiye believed that God was watching over them. She described the experience of motherhood as enjoyable, placing emphasis on Zolee’s obedience and positive behavior, which made the challenges more manageable. Zolee has an older brother named Nate, whose photos alongside hers have been featured on Sumiye’s Instagram from time to time.
The marital status of Zolee’s biological parents remains unclear. Zolee’s mother found new love in Sebastian, a gentleman hailing from Poland, and they’ve shared a lasting bond for quite some time. The earliest post featuring Sebastian dates back to May 2012, which coincides with the beginning of Sumiye’s journey on Instagram; the couple officially tied the knot on 15 August 2015. Although not officially confirmed, her mom’s Instagram posts suggest that Sebastian may have two children from a previous relationship; the family unit appears to be a happy one, and Zolee shares a strong and positive relationship with her stepdad.
In 2023, as Zolee turned 26, her mother proudly noted that their roles had reversed, with Zolee now looking out for her. In a heartfelt Mother’s Day greeting shared on Instagram, Zolee expressed that her mom is her everything, and she eagerly anticipates giving her the world. Interestingly, social media comments frequently mistake Zolee’s mom for Zolee herself, a fact that Zolee’s mother playfully counters by asserting that her daughter is the one who is much cuter. On occasion, Zolee affectionately refers to her mom as her twin, highlighting the striking resemblance they share.
Education
Zolee matriculated from New Roads High School in 2015, and according to her mother, she thoroughly enjoyed her time at the school.
Career
Zolee’s entry into the entertainment industry was serendipitous, as her mom recounts it – being in the right place at the right time. At just five months old, an agency expressed interest in Zolee, but she commenced her journey with commercials and print work at the age of two. While many were taken aback by her early start, questioning parental influence, Zolee jovially clarified that her parents merely seized an opportunity, and she remains grateful for the chance to discover her passion at such a young age.
As she matured, Zolee recognized her calling and expressed gratitude for her mother’s intuitive guidance, acknowledging that the entertainment industry is where she belongs, confidently stating, ‘My mom truly knew what she was doing, because there’s no other field for me.’ Her mother mentioned that Zolee worked extensively as a child actress, but not so much during her teen years. At the age of 15, she faced a period of not booking roles, which proved to be somewhat disheartening. Zolee had no intention of giving up, and was determined to identify ways to overcome the stagnation, and enhance her skills in the industry. Her love for acting is so profound that she persists, and continues to pursue it enthusiastically.
Chill this is Zolee Griggs who played the role of Tanisha in "Cory in the house" 👀👀 wow pic.twitter.com/ZERt7cUG7L
— 🅽🆃🅰🅼🅸 (@__NMA92) April 19, 2016
“Cory in the House”
Most notable among Zolee’s early acting credits is Disney Channel’s “Corey in the House,” a spin-off derived from the popular teen sitcom “That’s So Raven.” Debuting in 2007, the show enjoyed a run for a couple of seasons. At the age of eight, Zolee auditioned successfully for a recurring role in the sitcom, portraying Tanisha, a bratty 4th grader and a member of the “mean girls” clique in her class.
“Wu-Tang: An American Saga”
“Wu-Tang: An American Saga” is a television drama series that premiered on Hulu on 4 September 2019, and completed a three-season run. The show was created by Alex Tse and RZA, a founding member of the legendary hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan. It explores the personal and professional struggles faced by the members of the Wu-Tang Clan, as they come together to create a unique and revolutionary sound that would eventually make them iconic figures in the hip-hop industry.
Zolee Griggs underwent the audition process in 2018, which involved submitting a self-tape and performing a test in front of the show’s producers and creators. This was followed by a chemistry read with Siddiq Saunderson, who portrays Ghostface and serves as her love interest in the show. Before she knew it, she was filming for the series.
She portrays Shurrie, a character who is a combination of RZA’s three sisters. Shurrie’s mom is preoccupied with her own life and job, compelling Shurrie to step into the role her mother left behind. Embracing the maternal role came naturally to Zolee – as she said, women often possess maternal instincts and nurturing abilities. However, the challenge lay in portraying a character who, unlike herself—outspoken and independent—struggles to prioritize her own needs over others. In preparation for the role, Zolee met with RZA’s sister, who provided valuable insights into their family dynamics.
Reflecting on her first regular series role, Zolee expresses that she never envisioned herself taking on a serious dramatic role until this opportunity, sharing that it was the most significant challenge for her, and she takes pride in the accomplishment.
“Archenemy”
The 2020 mystery thriller film, “Archenemy,” revolves around Max Fist (Joe Manganiello), a man who claims to be a hero from another dimension, but has lost his powers and struggles to cope – resorting to drinking in alleys. Only two individuals have come to believe his story: Hamster (Skylan Brooks) and his older sister, Indigo, portrayed by Zolee Griggs.
“The Enforcer”
Set in Miami, “The Enforcer” is a 2022 action thriller that unfolds as Antonio Banderas portrays an enforcer. Discovering that his boss has expanded into cybersex trafficking, he realizes that Billie, a young runaway he’s befriended, is in grave danger. Sacrificing everything, he endeavors to rescue the young girl from the perilous organization he’s dedicated his life to building. Zolee Griggs takes on the role of Billie in this intense narrative.
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Fashion blog
Seemingly inspired by her transformative trip to Europe, at 15, Zolee Griggs launched her fashion blog, TheOutfitt, on the microblogging platform Tumblr. Focused on showcasing her unique style and inspiring others to explore and define their own personal fashion style journeys, the blog swiftly gained popularity, establishing Zolee as a well-known figure in the fashion blogging scene.
Social Media
In addition to her acting career, Zolee Griggs has a strong presence on social media platforms, including Instagram and YouTube, through which she shares glimpses of her daily life, fashion choices, and behind-the-scenes moments from her acting projects. Griggs has amassed a considerable following, and her engaging content resonates with fans who appreciate her authenticity and creativity.
At the inception of Instagram when she was 14, it became Zolee’s first significant platform, alongside Tumblr. Initially, it was merely a hobby—neither marketable nor financially rewarding. However, as her social media presence evolved, a market for it emerged naturally. Her passion for the platform grew in tandem with its expansion, and she seamlessly embraced the opportunities that unfolded.
Advocacy
Beyond her entertainment career, Zolee is known for her advocacy work and commitment to philanthropy. She uses her platform to raise awareness about social issues and promote positive change. Whether addressing matters of racial equality, mental health, or environmental concerns, she actively engages with her audience to foster important conversations and encourage social responsibility.
Grab and Go
Inspired by the non-profit organization known as Alt Space Chicago, Zolee marked her birthday in 2020 by launching the Community Grab and Go initiative in Inglewood. The primary goal was to unite the community in providing assistance to the less fortunate, operating under the principle of ‘Donate what you can. Take what you need.’ Unfortunately, after six months, Zolee had to make the difficult decision to close the initiative. Maintaining cleanliness and organization became a challenge as some individuals placed perishable food items and other unsuitable objects in the designated area. This not only created logistical issues, but also led to dissatisfaction among local businesses. Despite the setbacks, Zolee expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the initiative and reassured everyone that this closure marked a pause, not an end. She remained optimistic about future opportunities to make a positive impact in the community.
GRL:WMN
GRL:WMN is an annual women’s conference catering to girls aged 11 to 21. Zolee envisions it as a safe space where young girls can find solace, understanding that they are not alone in navigating the challenges of relationships, life paths, and career goals.
During high school, Zolee participated in a program called “Sister Circle” in which juniors and seniors mentored middle school girls. For some of the girls, the mentorship wasn’t just about guidance but also a desire for companionship, especially those without sisters. This resonated with Zolee, as she had similarly felt isolated during her middle school years, relying on adult relationships with her mom and grandmother. She recognized that the traditional mentorship dynamic sometimes leads to miscommunication due to the age gap, and teenagers may resist advice from someone significantly older, due to inherent stubbornness.
To address this, GRL:WMN aims to foster a unique mentorship dynamic among peers. Zolee emphasizes the importance of girls with shared experiences coming together to support one another, offering valuable advice in a manner that feels relatable and genuine. The conference serves as a platform for young girls to connect, be kinder to each other, and share insights, creating a nurturing environment akin to a big sister mentorship program. The inaugural GRL:WMN event took place in 2018, and Zolee was delighted with the event’s successful turnout.
Her thoughts on success
Success, according to Zolee, isn’t just about hitting big goals; it’s about conquering the small ones too, and always reaching for more. She realizes that what she wants today might shift in the future. So, success, for her, is a constant journey of improvement and turning aspirations into reality. It’s not just about talking the talk; it’s about putting in the work. Zolee emphasizes that true success comes from putting in the effort to make your goals happen.
Being a role model
Zolee expressed a sense of responsibility in being a role model, acknowledging that young women look up to her. However, she emphasized the importance of remaining authentic. Understanding that it’s impossible to please everyone, she strives to strike a balance between being genuine while ensuring that her actions convey the right kind of messages, and being a positive influence.
Personal Life
There isn’t much information available about Zolee’s dating history, as she hasn’t disclosed details about her relationships. It is widely believed that she’s currently single, and her social media posts do not suggest any indication of a significant other. However, in a 2021 interview, she mentioned having a boyfriend who gave her a highly advanced air fryer as a Christmas gift the previous year. Zolee considers this a thoughtful and excellent gift, particularly since she loves cooking.
Interesting Facts
- Describing herself as somewhat weird in her younger years, Zolee admitted to being disinterested in everyone, including celebrities, whom she viewed simply as ordinary individuals. However, at the age of 14, her perspective shifted when she ‘fell in love’ with the American producer and rapper, Tyler, The Creator, captivated by his distinctiveness and rebellious spirit. She doesn’t know him personally, but feels a real connection with him just because they are both from Los Angeles.
- One of the most unfortunate dating experiences occurred during her high school years. While thoroughly enjoying the festivities at a football game at another school, where she danced unabashedly and relished the moment, she encountered a guy who found her cool and asked if they could hang out. Although she wasn’t romantically interested, she agreed to join him as friends for Universal Studios’ annual Halloween-themed event. However, the night took an unexpected turn when she discovered that, unfortunately, the ticket he had given her was fraudulent.
- Zolee shared her passion for animation and cartoons, expressing a childhood dream she’s always held. As a young girl, she avidly watched timeless classics like “Tom and Jerry” and “SpongeBob SquarePants.” However, she also indulged in adult animation shows like those on Adult Swim, including “Family Guy” and “American Dad,” albeit in secret. Zolee found these cartoons to be immensely enjoyable, appreciating their lighthearted and silly nature. Being part of the world of animation is a dream she continues to nurture, drawn to the fun and whimsy it offers.
- In December 2020, Zolee accompanied by a couple of friends created a vision board on the night of the full moon, on which she placed elements that held significance to her life and future desires. Notably, she included a corner dedicated to international travel, specifically Greece. She said, ‘I didn’t know how or what or when but I don’t question God or the universe, I simply put it out there and do the work and they handle the rest.’ Remarkably, her vision began to materialize when she had the opportunity to travel to Greece to film “The Enforcer.” In a reassuring Instagram post in July 2021, Zolee wanted to convey a message of encouragement to anyone currently feeling stuck. Drawing from her own experiences, she emphasized the efficacy of hard work, manifestation and perseverance.
Appearance
Zolee Griggs is a striking individual, blessed with a captivating countenance framed by her lusciously black afro curls and warm hazel eyes. Complementing her distinct appearance is a broad and welcoming smile that effortlessly mirrors her cool and charismatic personality. Standing at 5ft 7ins (168cms) tall, Zolee carries herself with grace and confidence. Her slender physique, weighing approximately 126lbs (58kgs), adds to the overall allure that defines her. She is often mistaken for being of mixed race due to her light-colored eyes and fair skin, but she clarified that both of her biological parents are black.
Net Worth
As of December 2023, Zolee Griggs is estimated to have a net worth of $1 million, according to authoritative sources. The primary contributors to her income include revenue generated through her flourishing acting career. Furthermore, she continues to augment her earnings from TV guest appearances and brand deals.
Zolee continues to build on her success in the entertainment industry. It’s anticipated that she will take on new and diverse roles, further showcasing her versatility as an actress. Additionally, her influence on social media is likely to grow, as she continues to connect with fans and share her passion for acting, fashion and advocacy.
