What is Vanessa Bryant's Net Worth?
Vanessa Bryant is an American philanthropist, widely known as the widow of NBA legend Kobe Bryant. With a net worth of $600 million, Vanessa co-founded the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Foundation in 2007 to provide scholarships to minority college students worldwide. She also leads the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation and serves as president and CEO of Granity Studios.
The couple's love story began when Vanessa, then 17, met Kobe, 21, while working as a background dancer for a music video. They became engaged just six months later, overcoming objections from Kobe's parents and married on April 18, 2001, in Dana Point, California. Their union produced four daughters, although they faced significant challenges, including a divorce filing in 2011 that was later called off, and the tragic helicopter accident in 2020 that claimed Kobe and their daughter Gianna's lives.
Early Life
Born Vanessa Laine on May 5, 1982, in Los Angeles, her birth name was Vanessa Cornejo Urbieta. She is of Mexican descent and has an older sister named Sophie. After her parents' divorce when she was a baby, Vanessa was raised by her mother and stepfather, Stephen Laine. The family settled in Huntington Beach, where she attended Marina High School.
Career Beginnings
In August 1999, Vanessa's life changed when she was approached at a hip hop concert to work as an extra in music videos. This led to appearances in videos for artists like Snoop Dogg and Krayzie Bone. It was on the set of the Tha Eastsidaz's "G'd Up" that she met Kobe Bryant. The media frenzy surrounding their relationship compelled Vanessa to complete her senior year of high school via independent study.
Marriage to Kobe Bryant
Vanessa married Kobe Bryant in the spring of 2001. The couple welcomed their first daughter, Natalia, in early 2003. Kobe's 2003 sexual assault case put a strain on their marriage; however, Vanessa stood by him, acknowledging adultery but forgiving him. Kobe's lavish gift of an eight-carat, $4 million ring spotlighted their personal struggles and reconciliation. Intense media scrutiny continued throughout their marriage, especially after Vanessa accused Lakers player Karl Malone of inappropriate behavior. Despite a miscarriage in 2005, they persevered and had more children: Gianna in 2006, Bianka in 2016, and Capri in 2019.
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Philanthropy
Vanessa and Kobe established the VIVO Foundation, later renamed the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Foundation, in 2007. The foundation offers scholarships to minority students and supports various global causes. In addition to her joint efforts with Kobe, Vanessa actively collaborates with Baby2Baby, aiding underprivileged women and children, and received a philanthropy award from the organization in 2021. She also continues to champion the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, which her husband founded to support young athletes, and has launched a clothing line in memory of her daughter Gianna.
Granity Studios
Vanessa Bryant serves as the president and CEO of Granity Studios, a multimedia production company established by Kobe in 2013. The company produced the Academy Award-winning animated short film "Dear Basketball" in 2017. Additionally, Granity Studios has published young adult novels created by Kobe, including the "Wizenard" and "Epoca" series.
Kobe Bryant Death and Lawsuit
Following the tragic helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant and their daughter Gianna in January 2020, Vanessa sued Los Angeles County for invasion of privacy over photos taken at the crash site. In August 2022, she was awarded $16 million in damages, with the proceeds planned for the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation. In February 2023, the case was settled for an additional $28.85 million. Although a significant portion will go to taxes and legal fees, the settlement underscores Vanessa's determination to protect her family's privacy and honor their legacy.
