History of Gabrielle Union in Timeline

Gabrielle Union is an American actress who began her career in the 1990s with television sitcom appearances before transitioning to supporting roles in teen films like "She's All That" and "10 Things I Hate About You" in 1999. She achieved widespread recognition and a breakthrough role in the 2000 teen film "Bring It On."

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1999: Union met Chris Howard

In 1999, Gabrielle Union met NFL player Chris Howard at a party.

May 5, 2001: Union married Chris Howard

On May 5, 2001, Gabrielle Union married Chris Howard.

2004: Union became a spokeswoman for Neutrogena

In 2004, Gabrielle Union became a spokeswoman for Neutrogena.

October 2005: Union separated from Chris Howard

In October 2005, Gabrielle Union separated from Chris Howard.

2006: Union's divorce from Chris Howard finalized

In 2006, Gabrielle Union's divorce from Chris Howard was finalized.

2008: Union started dating Dwyane Wade

In 2008, Gabrielle Union began dating NBA player Dwyane Wade.

2008: Union supported Barack Obama in his presidential campaign

In 2008, Gabrielle Union supported Barack Obama in his presidential campaign.

2010: Launch of Love & Blessings clothing line

In 2010, Gabrielle Union launched Love & Blessings, a clothing line for plus-sized women inspired by her sister.

February 2012: Union subjected to hair patdown at airport

In February 2012, Gabrielle Union was identified as a suspicious person by airport security and subjected to a "hair patdown", after which she tweeted a joke about the experience.

June 2, 2012: Union ran in the Global Race for the Cure

On Saturday, June 2, 2012, Gabrielle Union ran in the Global Race for the Cure in Washington, D.C., in honor of her friend Kristen Martinez, who died from breast cancer.

August 2012: Union calls on Mitt Romney to release tax returns

In August 2012, Gabrielle Union called on Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney to release his tax returns and birth certificate.

2012: Union became a spokesperson for Planned Parenthood and launched the Women Are Watching campaign

In 2012, Gabrielle Union became a spokesperson for Planned Parenthood's breast health initiative and launched the Women Are Watching campaign with other actresses.

July 2013: Union's response to Zimmerman's acquittal

In July 2013, after George Zimmerman was acquitted in the Trayvon Martin case, Gabrielle Union remarked, "Apparently walking while black is a crime punishable by death."

August 23, 2013: Union unveils limited-edition 1963 March on Washington stamp

On August 23, 2013, Gabrielle Union unveiled a limited-edition 1963 March on Washington stamp at the Newseum in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the march.

March 2014: Release of Vanilla Puddin' wine

In March 2014, Gabrielle Union released her first wine, Vanilla Puddin'.

July 8, 2014: Union seeks information on Tanganyika Williams' murder

On July 8, 2014, after the murder of Tanganyika Williams, the aunt of NBA player Matt Barnes, Gabrielle Union used Instagram and Twitter to ask for information regarding Tanganyika's killer to be reported to authorities.

August 30, 2014: Union married Dwyane Wade

On August 30, 2014, Gabrielle Union married Dwyane Wade in Miami, Florida, becoming a stepmother to his three children.

October 2014: Union to design T-shirts for Women Are Watching campaign

In October 2014, it was announced that Gabrielle Union would be designing T-shirts to bring attention to the Women Are Watching campaign.

November 2014: Announcement of "Take a Stand" campaign and short film

In November 2014, the office of Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed announced the "Take a Stand" campaign and its commission of a short film featuring Gabrielle Union and Tika Sumpter.

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2014: Union reflects on marriage to Chris Howard

In a 2014 interview, Gabrielle Union reflected on her marriage to Chris Howard, stating she may have rushed into the relationship and realized the men in her life were "just human".

April 2017: Announcement of memoir "We're Going to Need More Wine"

In April 2017, Gabrielle Union announced her first book, a memoir titled "We're Going to Need More Wine", featuring personal stories and reflections on sexuality, womanhood, friendship, race, marriage, and beauty.

We're Going to Need More Wine: Stories That Are Funny, Complicated, and True

Check it on Amazon

October 17, 2017: Release of "We're Going to Need More Wine"

On October 17, 2017, Gabrielle Union's memoir, "We're Going to Need More Wine", was released. It was published by Dey Street Books, an imprint of HarperCollins.

We're Going to Need More Wine: Stories That Are Funny, Complicated, and True

Check it on Amazon

December 2017: "We're Going to Need More Wine" named a Best Book of the Year

In December 2017, Gabrielle Union's memoir, "We're Going to Need More Wine", was named a "Best Book of the Year by a Black Author" by The Root magazine.

We're Going to Need More Wine: Stories That Are Funny, Complicated, and True

Check it on Amazon

November 7, 2018: Birth of Kaavia James Wade

On November 7, 2018, Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade welcomed their daughter, Kaavia James Wade, who was born via surrogate.

May 2020: Release of "Welcome to the Party"

In May 2020, Gabrielle Union released her first children's book, "Welcome to the Party", inspired by her daughter and non-traditional families.

Welcome to the Party

Check it on Amazon

2020: Union collaborated with JusticeLA to create a PSA about the health of people in L.A. County jails

In 2020, Gabrielle Union collaborated with JusticeLA to create a public service announcement #SuingToSaveLives about the health of people in L.A. County jails amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Relaunch of Flawless haircare brand

In 2020, Gabrielle Union relaunched her haircare brand, Flawless, for women with textured hair, focusing on affordability and customization.

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2020: Union named in Time 100 list and encourages users to use VoteRiders

In 2020, Gabrielle Union was named in the Time 100 list of most influential people and encouraged Facebook users to make sure they had everything they needed to make their vote count by seeking out VoteRiders.