Tami Roman is a multifaceted American television personality, model, actress, singer, businesswoman, and producer. Born as Tamisha Akbar on April 17, 1970, in White Plains, New York, Tami’s journey to fame is marked by resilience and determination. Her life story reflects the challenges she faced growing up and her subsequent rise to stardom in the entertainment industry.
Table of Contents
Who is Tami Roman?
- Age: 54 years
- Family: Nadine Buford (mother) and Puerto Rican father
- Husband: Reggie Youngblood
- First Husband: Kenny Anderson
- Daughters: Lyric Chanel and Jazz Lauren
- Illness: Diabetes, body dysmorphic disorder, and lupus
- Net Worth: $3.5 million
- Weight Loss: 90 pounds
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Tami Roman Age and Early Life
Raised in a single-parent household, Tami’s early life was marked by challenges that shaped her resilience and determination. Her mother worked multiple jobs to support the family, often leaving Tami to navigate life independently as a “latch-key” kid. This upbringing instilled in her a profound appreciation for hard work and perseverance.
During her childhood, Tami and her mother faced significant hardships, including a period of homelessness after her mother lost her job. Despite these difficulties, they developed a close bond that would serve as a foundation for Tami’s character and future endeavors. The experience taught her valuable lessons about survival and the importance of family support.
Tami’s life took a transformative turn when her mother married Ali Akbar, who introduced her to the values of education and spirituality rooted in the Muslim faith. This influence helped shape Tami’s worldview, although she also grappled with the cultural expectations placed upon women within that framework.
Despite the challenges she faced, Tami excelled academically and was involved in various extracurricular activities during her high school years. She was particularly drawn to the arts, participating in theater productions and school performances. This early interest in performance art laid the groundwork for her future career in entertainment.
Education and Early Career
Tami Roman’s aspirations for a career in entertainment began to take shape during her teenage years. She attended The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, where she pursued studies in fashion design. However, her passion for performance art led her to explore opportunities in modeling and acting.
In 1992, Tami seized a breakthrough opportunity when she was cast on MTV’s groundbreaking reality series The Real World: Los Angeles. The show showcased real-life interactions among a diverse group of young adults living together. This show not only marked the beginning of her television career but also positioned her as one of the first African American women to gain widespread recognition on reality television.
Her candid personality and willingness to share personal struggles resonated with audiences, making her a memorable figure on the show. After The Real World, Tami ventured into modeling and acting. She landed guest appearances on various television shows and films throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.
Movies and TV Shows, Rise to Fame
Her notable roles included appearances on The Cosby Show, Nash Bridges, The Twilight Zone, Married… with Children and Silk Stalkings. However, it was her role as a cast member on VH1’s reality series Basketball Wives that catapulted her to mainstream fame. The show focused on the lives of women who were romantically linked to professional basketball players.
From 2010 to 2019, Tami became known for her outspoken nature and dynamic personality, which often led to dramatic moments on the show. Her time on Basketball Wives not only solidified her status as a reality TV star but also opened doors for other opportunities in acting and producing. Tami leveraged her newfound fame to expand her brand beyond reality television.
During her time on Basketball Wives, Tami navigated personal challenges, including her highly publicized divorce from former NBA player Kenny Anderson. The couple shares two daughters, Lyric and Jazz. Tami used her experiences to connect with fans on a deeper level, often discussing themes of love, heartbreak, and personal growth. Tami’s versatility as an actress allowed her to explore different genres, from drama to comedy.
Acting Career
In addition to reality television, Tami Roman has pursued acting roles in scripted series and films. She has appeared alongside notable actors such as Halle Berry, Taraji P. Henson, and Kevin Hart in various projects. Some of her significant roles include:
- The Family Business (2018-present): A drama series where she plays a prominent role.
- Truth Be Told (2019-2023): A series featuring Octavia Spencer that showcases Tami’s versatility as an actress.
- Haus of Vicious (2022-present): Another project that highlights her talent in drama.
- The Ms. Pat Show (2021-present): A comedy series where she continues to demonstrate her range as an actress.
Tami has also starred in Lifetime movies, including Girl in the Closet, which received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling.
Future Endeavors
Looking ahead, Tami Roman shows no signs of slowing down. She is actively involved in multiple projects across television and film while continuing to expand her brand as an entrepreneur. Her upcoming memoir titled “The B.I.T.C.H Chronicles” promises an unfiltered look at her life experiences—both triumphs and challenges—offering readers insight into what it takes to succeed in the entertainment industry.
As she embraces new opportunities in acting and production, Tami remains committed to empowering others through storytelling. Her journey serves as an inspiration for those navigating similar paths in pursuit of their dreams.
Social Media Influence
Tami Roman has established a significant presence on social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter. With over 1.2 million followers across various platforms, she utilizes these channels to connect with fans and share insights into her life and career. Her engaging content often includes personal anecdotes, motivational messages, and glimpses into her entrepreneurial endeavors.
In addition to sharing her journey as an actress and businesswoman, Tami has used social media to address important issues such as mental health awareness and body positivity. She has been open about her struggles with self-image and has encouraged others to embrace their uniqueness.
Tami Roman Husband
Tami Roman is presently married to Reggie Youngblood. Roman began dating Reggie Youngblood in 2013. Their relationship started amidst her appearances on Basketball Wives, where their age difference (Tami being 17 years older) became a topic of discussion.
Tami and Reggie secretly married in Las Vegas on August 17, 2018. They obtained a marriage license and tied the knot the same day. This event was later documented in their VH1 special titled Tami Ever After. The couple celebrated their five-year marriage anniversary in 2024, indicating a strong ongoing relationship despite the challenges they have faced.
In 2021, Tami mentioned that she had given Reggie the opportunity to find someone else to have a child with due to her focus on her career at that time. As of now, Tami and Reggie do not have children together, but they have discussed expanding their family through surrogacy. While specific details about their residence are not publicly disclosed, Tami Roman and Reggie Youngblood are known to reside in Los Angeles, California, where they continue to build their life together.
Tami Roman First Husband and Daughters
Roman and Kenny Anderson began dating in November 1992. Tami and Kenny Anderson got married on August 26, 1994. Tami Roman has two daughters, Lyric Chanel (born in 1994) and Jazz Lauren (born in 1996), from her previous marriage to NBA player Kenny Anderson, which ended in divorce on February 15, 2001.
Following the divorce, Tami faced financial difficulties and had to rely on food stamps to support her daughters due to the terms of their prenuptial agreement.
Tami Roman Net Worth
As of January 2025, Tami Roman’s estimated net worth is approximately $3.5 million. This figure reflects her diverse income sources, including reality television, acting, entrepreneurship, and social media influence. Her financial journey illustrates a blend of strategic career moves and entrepreneurial ventures that have contributed to her wealth.
Tami has ventured into several business initiatives. One of her notable achievements is becoming a global spokesperson for NV Supplements and NV Sprinkles, a popular weight loss product. Tami has also ventured into cosmetics with plans to launch her own affordable makeup line called “TAMI ROMAN.”
This move highlights her desire to empower women through beauty products that are accessible to all. Additionally, she has expressed interest in releasing a series of low-calorie cookbooks that cater to health-conscious consumers. In 2021, Tami founded Roman Ramsey Productions with the goal of creating content that resonates with audiences while providing opportunities for other aspiring creators.
Her first project under this production company was the talk show Get Into It with Tami Roman, which aired on Fox Soul. She has also served as an executive producer for Haus of Vicious, Whatever It Takes and So Fly Christmas.
Sickness, Weight Loss, and Health History
Tami Roman has undergone a remarkable transformation in her health and wellness journey. As of 2025, she has successfully lost over 90 pounds, a change that reflects not only her commitment to physical fitness but also her dedication to reclaiming her overall health. Tami’s weight loss journey has been both challenging and inspiring.
She has openly discussed the struggles she faced with her weight and health, particularly highlighting the impact of diabetes on her life. In her own words, she stated, “I didn’t lose weight, I lost my willingness to die. DIABETES IS NO JOKE!” This statement underscores the serious health risks she faced and her motivation to make significant lifestyle changes.
Tami has also disclosed her battle with body dysmorphic disorder, a mental health condition characterized by an obsessive focus on perceived flaws in appearance. She has emphasized that this disorder affects self-esteem and can lead to extreme weight loss measures in an attempt to conform to an idealized body image. In addition to diabetes and BDD, Tami Roman has shared that she suffers from lupus, an autoimmune disease that can cause various symptoms, including fatigue and joint pain.
To achieve her weight loss goals, Tami practiced detoxing and suppressing her appetite through mindful eating practices. She also adopted proper hydration and regular exercise. Tami’s commitment to losing weight was not solely about aesthetics; it was a matter of health.
By addressing her diabetes and focusing on wellness, she has significantly improved her quality of life. Her journey serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing health over societal beauty standards.
FAQs About Tami Roman
is Tami Roman sick?
She has revealed she suffers from diabetes, body dysmorphic disorder, and lupus
who is Tami Roman married to?
Tami and Reggie secretly married in Las Vegas on August 17, 2018.
is Tami Roman still married?
Yes, Tami is presently married to Reggie Youngblood.
how much does Tami Roman weigh?
As of January 2025, Tami Roman has lost over 90 pounds as part of her ongoing health and wellness journey. However, specific figures have not been disclosed in the latest reports.
who is Tami Roman?
Roman is a multifaceted American television personality, model, actress, singer, businesswoman, and producer.