Rutina Wesley Biography: Age, Husband, Net Worth, Movies & TV Shows, Height, Parents, Career

Rutina L. Wesley, famously addressed as Rutina Wesley, is an American actress best known for her role as Tara Thornton in HBO’s True Blood (2008–2014), a performance that showcased her ability to portray complex, resilient characters and earned her widespread recognition.

With a career rooted in theater and expanding into television and film, Wesley has appeared in projects like Hannibal (2015), Queen Sugar (2016–2022), and The Last of Us (2023).

Profile

• Full Name: Rutina L. Wesley
• Stage Name: Rutina Wesley
• Born: 21, December 1978
• Age: 46 years old
• Birthplace: Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actress
• Height: 1.66m
• Parents: Ivery Wheeler, Cassandra Wesley
• Siblings: 1
• Spouse: Jacob Fishel (married 2005–2013)
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $4 million

Early Life and Education

Rutina L. Wesley was born on December 21, 1978, in Las Vegas, Nevada, to Ivery Wheeler, a professional tap dancer, and Cassandra Wesley, a showgirl. Raised with one sibling, whose name is not publicly known, she grew up in a performance-oriented family that nurtured her artistic interests.

Wesley attended Las Vegas Academy of International Studies, Performing and Visual Arts, graduating in 1996. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Performance from the University of Evansville in 2001 and further honed her craft at The Juilliard School’s Drama Division (2001–2005), where she was part of Group 34.

She also studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London during a summer program. Her ethnicity is African-American, and her religious beliefs are not publicly disclosed.

Career

Rutina Wesley began her career in theater, making her Broadway debut in 2006 as Bianca in The Vertical Hour, directed by Sam Mendes and starring Julianne Moore. Her stage work, including a lead role in the 2007 off-Broadway play In the Continuum, showcased her ability to tackle intense, socially relevant roles, earning her critical praise.

She transitioned to film with a small part in How She Move (2007), but her breakthrough came in 2008 when she was cast as Tara Thornton in True Blood. Her portrayal of the fierce, loyal best friend to Sookie Stackhouse resonated with audiences, establishing her as a standout in the ensemble cast over seven seasons.

Wesley’s career expanded with roles in television and film, including a recurring part as Reba McClane in Hannibal (2015) and a starring role as Nova Bordelon in Ava DuVernay’s Queen Sugar (2016–2022), which earned her an NAACP Image Award nomination for its exploration of family and racial dynamics.

She also appeared in films like 13 Sins (2014) and Last Weekend (2014). Her theater roots remained strong, with performances in The Submission (2011) and a 2017 production of Othello at the Public Theater, where she played Desdemona. Her ability to balance stage and screen work highlighted her versatility.

Wesley’s recent projects include a critically acclaimed role as Maria in HBO’s The Last of Us (2023), where her performance in the episode “Long, Long Time” was lauded for its emotional depth. She also starred in the indie film Outsiders (2022) and continues to take on roles that challenge stereotypes, particularly for Black women in media.

Her commitment to authentic storytelling and her Juilliard-trained precision have made her a sought-after actress, with her work influencing discussions on representation and resilience in the industry.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @rutina_wesley
• Facebook Handle: Rutina Wesley
• Twitter Handle: @rutinawesley

Personal Life

Rutina Wesley married actor Jacob Fishel in 2005, whom she met at Juilliard; they divorced in 2013 after eight years, citing irreconcilable differences, and have no children. Wesley is currently single and has kept her romantic life private, with no publicly confirmed relationships since her divorce.

Based in Los Angeles, she is an advocate for mental health awareness and supports organizations like the Black Theatre United, reflecting her commitment to diversity in the arts.

Filmography

• How She Move (2007)
• True Blood (2008–2014)
• 13 Sins (2014) – Actress
• Last Weekend (2014)
• Hannibal (2015)
• Queen Sugar (2016–2022)
• Outsiders (2022)
• The Last of Us (2023)

Net Worth

Rutina Wesley has an estimated net worth of $4 million, primarily earned through her acting career, with significant income from her starring role in True Blood and Queen Sugar. Her work in high-profile projects like The Last of Us and stage performances, including Broadway and off-Broadway productions, contribute to her earnings.