Cheryl Pepsii Riley net worth isn’t just a number—it’s the result of decades of work across music, film, and stage. From topping charts in the late ’80s to starring in multiple Tyler Perry productions, she has carved out a unique and lasting place in the entertainment world.
Her financial success comes from multiple income streams, and many fans are curious to know how she earns, where the money comes from, and how it’s changed over time. If you want the full picture, keep reading.
Cheryl Pepsii Riley Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Cheryl Bridget Riley |
| Popular Name | Cheryl Pepsii Riley |
| Birth Date | October 18, 1968 |
| Age | 56 (as of March 23, 2025) |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Education | Clara Barton High School |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | David Jones (m.1985–2000), Mike Grace (m.2003–2011) |
| Children | 1 |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | 1 sibling |
| Parents | James Madison Riley, Lucia Viola Riley |
| Height (meters) | N/A |
| Net Worth | $4 million |
| Source of Wealth | Music and Acting |
What is the Net Worth Of Cheryl Pepsii Riley in 2025?
As of 2025, Cheryl Pepsii Riley has an estimated net worth of $4 million. Her career spans over four decades, and her income sources include music royalties, acting roles in stage plays, film appearances, and live performances.
Compared to other performers in her genre and era, her net worth places her comfortably within mid-tier celebrity financial status.
What makes her journey unique is her ability to adapt from a chart-topping singer in the 1980s to a consistent presence in Tyler Perry productions.
Related names and entities connected to her work and financial journey:
- Tyler Perry
- Full Force
- The Beatnuts
- David Jones
- Mike Grace
- Madea’s Big Happy Family
- Diary of a Mad Black Woman
- House of Payne
- Me, Myself and I
- Clara Barton High School
If you’re curious about how other entertainers measure up, check out this list of most successful stars in entertainment.
Cheryl Pepsii Riley Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
How She Built Her Wealth Over the Years
She started her career in the early ’80s as the lead singer of the band Stargaze, who released “You Can’t Have It” in 1982.
However, it wasn’t until 1988 that she gained national attention with the emotional ballad “Thanks for My Child,” written by Full Force. The single topped the R&B charts and reached the Top 40 on the pop charts.
Her debut album Me, Myself and I reached #9 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, establishing her as a powerful voice in contemporary R&B. Over the years, she followed up with albums like Chapters, All That!, Let Me Be Me, and Still Believe.
Aside from music, her work in Tyler Perry’s plays and films added a steady and likely lucrative income stream.
Titles like Madea’s Class Reunion, Madea Goes to Jail, and House of Payne helped keep her in the public eye, providing recurring revenue from stage tours, film releases, and soundtrack appearances.
What Are Her Main Sources of Income?
Riley’s income flows from a mix of:
- Music royalties from hit songs and album sales
- Stage performances, primarily in Tyler Perry plays
- Film and television roles with recurring and supporting characters
- Soundtrack appearances for films such as Diary of a Mad Black Woman
She also contributed to projects by other artists, such as The Beatnuts, and participated in gospel and collaborative music efforts. While there’s no public salary breakdown, her consistent presence in entertainment projects for over 40 years suggests ongoing income.
How Much Does She Earn from Music and Acting?
While individual project earnings aren’t public, her chart performance and acting history point to moderate but sustainable earnings. Songs like “Thanks for My Child” are still in circulation, likely generating royalty income.
Her long-term collaboration with Tyler Perry—a major entertainment figure—also implies she received competitive compensation for stage and screen appearances.
How Her Financial Profile Reflects Her Career Growth
Her financial rise followed her major musical success in the late 1980s. That foundation allowed her to remain active through the ’90s and 2000s, even after taking short breaks.
The release of Let Me Be Me in 2006 and Still Believe in 2015 highlighted her comeback strategy, bringing her music to a new generation of fans while leveraging her existing fame.
How Her Collaborations Influenced Her Earnings
Working with Full Force played a big role in launching her solo career. Later, she collaborated with The Beatnuts, appearing on tracks like “I Love It.”
Tyler Perry has been one of her most significant creative and professional partners, casting her in numerous plays and film adaptations. Each collaboration added not just credibility but likely direct earnings to her portfolio.
Where She Stands Among Similar Artists
In terms of longevity and versatility, Riley holds her own. She transitioned from chart-topping singer to stage actress, while many of her peers faded.
Her continued relevance through Tyler Perry’s productions places her in a unique category—someone who’s remained visible and financially active without constant mainstream media coverage.
How Her Personal Life Affected Her Financial Journey
Riley’s personal life also shaped her career. She was married to David Jones for 15 years, and later to Mike Grace, raising his son. Life events, such as motherhood and divorce, may have influenced her career pauses and comebacks.
Her ability to return to the spotlight after breaks reflects both personal resilience and smart career planning.
Conclusion
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