Russell Simmons is a well-known American entrepreneur and the CEO and Chairman of Rush Communications. He is also a writer and producer. He is one of the co-founders of the music label Def Jam Recordings. Simmons has also founded several fashion companies, including Tantris, Argyleculture, and Phat Farm. He is a RushCard co-founder. Russell Simmons’ net worth, career, and earnings are summarized below.
Quick Facts
| Celebrated Name: | Russell Simmons |
|---|---|
| Real Name/Full Name: | Russell Wendell Simmons |
| Gender: | Male |
| Age: | 66 years old |
| Birth Date: | October 4, 1957 |
| Birth Place: | Hollis, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality: | American |
| Height: | 1.75 m |
| Weight: | 75 kg |
| Sexual Orientation: | Straight |
| Marital Status: | Divorced |
| Wife/Spouse (Name): | N/A |
| Children: | Yes (Ming Lee Simmons, Aoki Lee Simmons) |
| Dating/Girlfriend (Name): | N/A |
| Profession: | American entrepreneur, record executive, writer, and film producer |
| Net Worth in 2024: | $400 million |
| Last Updated: | August 2024 |
Russell Simmons Biography
Russell Wendell Simmons was born on October 4, 1957, in Queens, New York, to parents Daniel Simmons and Evelyn Simons. He was raised in Queens. Rev Run and Daniel Simmons Jr. are his brothers.
In 1975, he graduated from August Martin High School. Simmons then attended City College of New York in Harlem. He met Kurt Walker there, who advised him to join the hip-hop phenomenon.
Russell Simmons married Kimora Lee in December 1998. Ming Lee and Aoki Lee, the couple’s two daughters, were born in 2000 and 2002, respectively. In 2006, they divorced. He is a Christian Yogi who respects all religions. He practices Transcendental Meditation and is a vegan and Ahimsa advocate.
Simmons was accused of sexual assault by Keri Claussen Khalighi in 1991 in November 2017. Many other women, including Amanda Seales, Kelly Cutrone, Lisa Kirk, Natasha Williams-Blach, and Toni Sallie, have accused him of sexual abuse. Jennifer Jarosik, Drew Dixon, Tina Baker, Sherri Hines, and Jenny Lumet have also charged him with rape.
Russell Simmons Age, Height, Weight
Russell Simmons was born on October 4, 1957, and will be 66 years old in 2024. His height is 1.75 m, and he weighs 75 kg.
Career
Russell Simmons, along with Rick Rubin, founded Def Jam Records in 1983. He co-produced and starred in the film ‘Krush Groove two years later. He has also co-produced the HBO shows Def Poetry Jam’ and ‘Def Comedy Jam.’
He worked with Def Jam to release music for artists such as LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, and others. The music label was later purchased by Universal Music Group for $100 million and renamed The Island Def Jam Music Group.
He was a co-producer on the commercially successful 1996 film ‘The Nutty Professor.’ Simmons produced the film ‘Dude, Where’s My Car?’ in 2000 and ‘It’s a Funny Story in 2010.
In 1999, he began working for the company Rush Communications. He is the current CEO of Rush Communications. Simmons is also a published author, having written books such as ‘Life and Def: Sex, Drugs, Money, and God and ‘Success Through Stillness.’
Russell Simmons Achievements and Awards
Russell Simmons was nominated for a CableACE for Def Comedy Jam in 1993. At the GLAAD Media Awards in 2011, he received the Excellence in Media Award. He also received the Vanguard Award at the 2009 Image Awards. Simmons received the Visionary Award at the PGA Awards in 2013. In 2014, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humane Letters by Claremont Lincoln University.
Russell Simmons Net Worth in 2024
Russell Simmons’ estimated net worth is more than $400 million as of February 2024. He amassed this fortune by creating numerous commercially successful television shows and films. During his time at Def Jam, Simmons also produced music for a variety of artists. As the chairman of Rush Communications, he achieved considerable success. This fortune is also the result of many books, including ‘The Happy Vegan’ and ‘Super Rich: Inside and Out.’ He has also founded several clothing lines, including Phat Farm, which is now a multibillion-dollar business.
Russell Simmons is regarded as one of the world’s most successful businessmen. Aside from business success, Simmons was appointed by Ban Ki-moon as the UN Slavery Memorial Goodwill Ambassador in 2009. Despite this, he is accused of numerous sexual offenses, including rape, by numerous women.
