Key Takeaways
- Whitfield was raised in a single-parent household by his mother.
- His father went to prison for manslaughter when Dondré was 13.
- He honoured his grandmother’s fearless spirit on her birthday.
Known for his roles in The Cosby Show and Queen Sugar, Dondré Whitfield was brought up by his mother, Vonda Bembry, who served as the primary parent in his life, as his father’s presence was minimal.
Born on May 27, 1969, in Brooklyn, he spent his childhood with his brother in a household led by a single parent.
Having graduated from Baruch College with a focus on business marketing, Vonda worked hard to support her family.
She later secured a position as a billing specialist for the City of New Bern, North Carolina.
Vonda’s strong determination and commitment taught Dondré the importance of resilience and discipline.
He frequently praises her, as shown in a Facebook post from April 2022, where he shared:
As I have always said, my mother did a PHENOMENAL job at raising a great human being.
Via Facebook
The connection Dondré had with his father was much more difficult.
His father was recognized as a hustler who navigated Brooklyn’s harsh streets, living life on the edge.
His 1977 Lincoln Mark V embodied his way of living.
Leading a risky life filled with crime, his father was imprisoned for manslaughter when Dondré was just 13 years old.
Dondré reconnected with his father later in life, shortly before his father passed away in 2021.
In the absence of his father, his stepfather stepped up to guide him.
He credits his stepfather with defining true manhood for him by emphasizing responsibility and showing care.
In a heartfelt post, he wrote:
And my bonus Dad (stepdad) showed me the first example of what a man looks like by taking care of another man’s child.
Via Facebook
Additionally, his grandmother, Callie Mae, played an essential role in his life, providing him with wisdom and spiritual direction.
On her birthday, he paid tribute to her legacy, recalling her bravery and confidence in his abilities.
He attributes his success to both his mother and grandmother, acknowledging that their influence remains a cornerstone of his life and career.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- From 1991 to 1994, Dondré Whitfield played Terrence Frye on “All My Children,” earning three Daytime Emmy and two Soap Opera Digest nominations.
- He tied the knot with actress Salli Richardson in 2002, and together, they have a daughter and a son.
