Tracee Ellis Ross Siblings: Meet Her Brothers and Sisters

Tracee Ellis Ross has four siblings – two brothers and two sisters whose names are Rhonda Ross Kendrick, Chudney Ross, Ross Næss, and Evan Ross. Tracee is not the oldest but the second-born of her siblings.

Tracee Ellis Ross and her siblings are very close to each other, as they are known to frequently plan events to celebrate together. They spend lots of time together during holidays like Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and so on. Theirs is a close-knit family.

Tracee Ellis Ross’ Siblings Share The Same Mother But Not The Same Father

While all of Tracee Ellis Ross’ siblings have Diana Ross as their mother, they share different fathers. Rhonda Ross, Tracee’s eldest sister, was born during Diana’s relationship with Berry Gordy, the renowned American executive and record producer. After Rhonda’s birth, Diana and Gordy separated, and Diana later married Silberstein, with whom she had two children together—Tracee, born on Oct. 29, 1972, and Chudney, born on Nov. 4, 1975.

Following Diana’s separation from Silberstein in 1977, a decade passed before her next marriage. She married Norwegian businessman Naess in 1986, and they became parents shortly thereafter, welcoming two children, Ross on Oct. 7, 1987, and Evan on Aug. 26, 1988. Diana and Naess eventually divorced in 2000.

Rhonda Ross Kendrick

• Date of birth: August 14, 1971
• Age: 52 years old
• Occupation: Singer and former actress

Rhonda Ross Kendrick is the oldest of Tracee Ellis Ross’ siblings. Rhonda, who is now 52 years old, was born on August 14, 1971, in Los Angeles and is the daughter of singer Diana Ross and Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records. Rhonda’s upbringing in Los Angeles is notable for its unique family dynamics. Despite being the biological daughter of Diana Ross and Berry Gordy, Rhonda was raised by Diana and her first husband, Robert Ellis Silberstein, who became an enduring figure in her life.

This is because when Diana Ross was pregnant with Rhonda, she broke up with Berry Gordy and began a romance with Robert Ellis Silberstein, an American music executive and businessman, eventually marrying him. Consequently, at the time Rhonda was born, her mother, Diana Ross, was already wed to Silberstein, not her father, Berry Gordy. Remarkably, despite not being his biological daughter, Rhonda was lovingly raised as Silberstein’s child.

The knowledge of Rhonda’s true parentage was known by Diana Ross, Berry Gordy, and Silberstein, however, she was presented publicly as the daughter of Diana and Silberstein. So, Rhonda grew up under Silberstein’s care, initially believing him to be her biological father.

However, when she turned 13 years old, the revelation that Berry Gordy was, in fact, her true biological father was made to her by her mother. This disclosure provided Rhonda with a sense of relief, as she had started noticing physical differences between herself and her younger sisters, prompting her to question her familial identity.

Rhonda Ross Kendrick is very close to all her siblings, and they all share a very loving relationship today.

Rhonda Ross Kendrick is a Singer

Rhonda Ross Kendrick is now acclaimed as both a singer and former actress who embarked on her artistic journey in the ’80s, initially making waves as a teenage actress. Her debut on the big screen was in the 1985 Comedy/Action film The Last Drago. She subsequently garnered recognition for her portrayal of Toni Burrell on the soap opera Another World, a role she impeccably played from 1997 to 1999. Notably, her stellar performance earned her a Daytime Emmy Award nomination in 1998.

In addition to her television success, Rhonda showcased her acting prowess in the film The Personals (1999), where she starred alongside Malik Yoba. She also left an indelible mark in The Temptations miniseries, sharing the screen with her relative, Bianca Lawson. Following a two-year stint as an agent with Citi Habitats, Rhonda ventured into the real estate industry, establishing Ross Realty International in 2008, a testament to her versatility and entrepreneurial spirit.

Embracing her mother Diana Ross’s musical legacy, Rhonda carved her own path as a talented singer and songwriter, utilizing her music to challenge societal norms related to race, gender, sexuality, and spirituality. Rhonda released her debut live album, Rhonda Ross Live Featuring Rodney Kendrick, in 2004, marking the inception of her musical journey.

Rhonda’s artistry took center stage during the In the Name of Love Tour in 2013, where she joined her mother as the opening act for the concerts. Her solo endeavors gained momentum with the release of her studio album, also titled In Case You Didn’t Know, in July 2016, featuring singles like “Summer Day” and “In Case You Didn’t Know.”

Even during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 lockdown, Rhonda continued to contribute her exceptional songwriting talents. Notably, she played a pivotal role in her mother’s Grammy-nominated album, “Thank You”, released on Decca Records in late 2021. The album featured the single “All is Well,” a collaborative effort with celebrated songwriter and background singer Fred White, as well as the incomparable Diana Ross herself, showcasing the enduring power of musical talent within the Ross lineage.

Rhonda is Married and Has a Son

Rhonda Ross Kendrick is now a married woman. She has been happily married to Rodney Kendrick since 1996, and together, they share the joy of parenthood with their 12-year-old son, Raif-Henok Emmanuel. Over the years, Raif-Henok has not only grown in age but has also made charming appearances at award shows, stealing the spotlight with his undeniable cuteness while joining in to honor his grandmother.

Rhonda is also very close to her sister, Tracee Ellis Ross. The evident bond between Rhonda and Tracee is quite heartwarming as they have collaborated on different projects and are known to take time off to just travel together.

Chudney Ross

• Date of birth: November 4, 1975
• Age: 48 years old
• Occupation: Writer and producer

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Chudney Ross is the younger sister of Tracee Ellis Ross. She was born on November 4, 1975, and is now 48 years old. A well-read woman, Chudney attended Georgetown University, a private Jesuit research university in Washington, where she bagged a bachelor’s degree in English and fine arts in 1997.

In contrast to some of her siblings, Chudney has chosen a career behind the camera. But, while she has maintained a low profile, her contributions to the entertainment business are noteworthy. Chudney served as a producer on the show Mesmerized and took on the role of production manager for the series Fame in the early 2000s, as documented by her IMDb profile. Although she may have shifted away from the television industry, Chudney continues to embody the creative spirit that runs deep in her family.

After completing her education at Georgetown University in 1997, Chudney embarked on a unique journey. She became an elementary school teacher through AmeriCorps’ Teach For America program, dedicating herself to education in Washington D.C. and Los Angeles for three years before redirecting her focus toward writing.

During this period, Chudney also explored modeling on runways in Los Angeles and New York City. While her modeling endeavors might not have catapulted her to fame, she described the experience as transformative, providing her with newfound confidence in her beauty and a more graceful stride, as shared with Gazette Du Bon Ton.

Anticipating a return to working with children, Chudney realized her vision by opening Books and Cookies, a children’s bookstore in Los Angeles, in 2011. The store, aimed at fostering a love of reading among children and their families, operated both as a physical storefront in Santa Monica and an online platform. Although the physical storefront has since closed, Chudney’s commitment to literature endures.

In 2012, she authored her own children’s book titled “Lone Bean,” showing her passion for storytelling. Today, Chudney holds the role of Chief Kid Officer at The Jane Club, a coworking space designed to accommodate women and their children. At The Jane Club, she actively contributes to creating a supportive environment where children can learn, play, and grow alongside their working mothers, as outlined on the Books and Cookies website.

Chudney Ross is Married With Two Kids

Chudney Ross is happily married to her longtime partner, Joshua Faulkner, whom she first met through a mutual friend. Their initial connection led to a casual first date at a bar, and from there, their relationship blossomed. After six years of dating, Chudney and Joshua exchanged vows in a joyous wedding ceremony held in Maui, Hawaii, in June 2015. Interestingly, her mother, Diana Ross, helped to plan her destination wedding in Hawaii.

The couple’s union has been blessed with the birth of two beautiful children. Their first child, Callaway Lane, was born on September 19, 2012, and played a special role as the flower girl at her parents’ wedding. Subsequently, on October 11, 2019, Chudney and Joshua welcomed their second baby, Everlee Ernestine. Chudney shared the delightful news with her Instagram followers, expressing the joy of expanding their family.

As of 2024, Chudney Ross is still happily married and continues to find immense joy in her life alongside her husband and children, as shown through recent glimpses into their family moments, shared on Instagram.

Ross Naess

• Date of Birth: October 7, 1987
• Age: 36 years old
• Occupation: Businessman, Artist, and Producer

Ross Naess is one of Tracee Ellis Ross’ siblings who does not share the same father with her. After the dissolution of Diana Ross’ marriage to Silberstein in 1977, she waited for about ten years before finding love once again in 1986, this time with Norwegian businessman Naess. It was during their marriage that Ross Naess was born.

Born on October 7, 1987, in Greenwich, Connecticut, Ross Naess is now 36 years old. His upbringing took place in Connecticut, under the care of his parents. From a young age, Ross displayed an entrepreneurial spirit, influenced by the adventures shared with his father. These early experiences left an indelible mark on his mindset, paving the way for his foray into the business world.

According to his Instagram profile, Ross is a co-owner of the popular Los Angeles club Warwick. Additionally, he holds ownership of The Hideaway restaurant in Beverly Hills. Intriguingly, he shares the ownership of the Warwick Club with his younger brother, Evan Ross. Beyond his ventures in the culinary scene, Ross is a multifaceted individual. He is an artist, occasionally sharing glimpses of his creative work on Instagram.

Furthermore, Ross has made some contributions to the entertainment industry. His early involvement includes appearing in one of his mother’s music videos, “When You Tell Me That You Love Me,” in 1991. He has also taken on the role of executive producer for the film Acid Girls. Ross has made appearances on various television shows, showcasing his diverse talents. Some of these notable appearances include Celebrity Family Feud (2021), Essence’s Ninth Annual Black Women in Hollywood (2016), and The Oprah Winfrey Show (2011).

Evan Ross

• Date of Birth: 26 August 1988
• Age: 35 years old
• Occupation: Actor and musician

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Evan Ross is the youngest of Tracee Ellis Ross’ siblings. He is one of the most accomplished among the siblings. He was born on 26 August 1988 and is now 35 years old. Born Evan Olav Næss in Greenwich, Connecticut, he is the son of Diana Ross and Arne Næss Jr.

Evan is now an award-winning actor and musician. Initiating his acting career during his high school years, Ross gained recognition for his significant role in the film ATL in 2006, starring alongside T.I. and Big Boi. He also received acclaim for his portrayal of troubled teenager Amare McCarter in the HBO film Life Support, sharing the screen with Queen Latifah and his real-life half-sister Tracee Ellis Ross. Ross further showcased his acting prowess in films such as Pride in 2007, Linewatch in 2008, and Gardens of the Night.

His diverse acting career also includes roles in various projects like 90210, Mooz-lum, and the award-winning film All the Wilderness. Ross also joined the cast of the VH1 biopic CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story, portraying music producer Dallas Austin. He later played Messalla in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 and reprised the role in Part 2.

In addition to his acting, Ross is a talented musician who released his debut album in 2007. After releasing singles like “Yes Me” and “How To Live Alone,” he collaborated with rapper T.I. on the song “They” and formed the duo Ashlee + Evan with his wife, Ashlee Simpson Ross. Ross’s musical journey includes featured roles in the series “Star” and collaborations such as “Restricted” by Kronic.

He is also a reality TV star. In the realm of reality TV, Evan Ross and his wife starred in the show Ashlee+Evan, offering a glimpse into their lives. Their musical collaboration, the self-titled “Ashlee + Evan,” was released in 2018.

Evan Ross is Married to Ashlee Simpson

Evan Ross is now a happily married man. He is married to the popular singer-songwriter Ashlee Simpson. The couple made headlines in January 2014 when they got engaged. Their love story then culminated in their marriage on August 30, 2014, at Evan’s mother’s estate in Connecticut.

Evan and Ashley are now proud parents. Together, they share the joy of parenting two children: a daughter named Jagger Snow Ross, who was born on July 30, 2015, and a son named Ziggy Blu Ross, who was born on October 29, 2020.

Additionally, Evan has embraced the role of stepfather to Bronx Mowgli Wentz (born on November 20, 2008). Bronx is Ashlee Simpson’s son from her previous marriage to musician Pete Wentz.

Tracee Also Has Three Step-siblings From Her Mother’s Previous Marriage

In addition to her four biological siblings, Tracee Ellis Ross also has three step-siblings – Katinka, Christoffer, and Leona from her mother Diana’s marriage to Arne Næss Jr. Diana’s union with Naess introduced Tracee to her step-siblings who then became integral parts of her extended family.

Despite the eventual dissolution of Diana’s marriage to Naess, the bond between Tracee and her step-siblings remains strong. In a heartwarming gesture, Tracee marked National Sisters Day in 2022 by sharing a TikTok tribute. This delightful compilation featured photos of not only her biological sisters, Rhonda and Chudney, but also her step-sisters, Katinka and Leona.

In the accompanying caption, she affectionately referred to this group of remarkable women as her “first best friends,” underscoring the enduring significance of their familial connection. Tracee Ellis Ross’s siblings are all very close to each other and are always available to collaborate and help each other out.

Tracee once explained that their mother instilled this quality in them from childhood, explaining to them that family is everything and that they must endeavor to put family first in all they do. The siblings have continued to abide by this rule to this day.