History of Halle Berry in Timeline
Halle Berry is an acclaimed American actress who began her career in modeling. She gained recognition through beauty pageants, becoming the first runner-up in Miss USA and placing sixth in Miss World 1986. Her breakthrough role in the film "Boomerang" (1992) propelled her to further success in movies like "The Flintstones" and "Bulworth." Her performance in the television film "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge" earned her both a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award.
August 14, 1966: Birth of Halle Berry
Halle Maria Berry was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on August 14, 1966.
1985: Miss Teen All American Win
Halle Berry won the Miss Teen All American pageant in 1985.
1986: Pageant Success
In 1986, Halle Berry competed in several beauty pageants, becoming the first runner-up in Miss USA and representing the US in Miss World, where she placed sixth.
1986: Miss Ohio USA and Miss USA Pageants
In 1986, Halle Berry was crowned Miss Ohio USA and went on to become the first runner-up in the Miss USA pageant.
March 1989: Beginning of Relationship with John Ronan
Halle Berry began dating Chicago dentist John Ronan in March 1989.
1989: Move to New York City and Acting Debut
Halle Berry moved to New York City in 1989 to pursue acting, facing financial struggles and even experiencing homelessness. She landed her first acting role in the television series "Living Dolls".
October 1991: End of Relationship with John Ronan
Halle Berry's relationship with John Ronan ended in October 1991.
1991: Film Debut in "Jungle Fever" and "Strictly Business"
Halle Berry made her film debut with a small role in Spike Lee's "Jungle Fever" and had her first co-starring role in "Strictly Business", both in 1991.
1991: Eardrum Injury
Halle Berry suffered a punctured eardrum and permanent hearing loss in her left ear due to a beating from an abusive ex-boyfriend during the filming of "The Last Boy Scout" in 1991.
February 1992: First Encounter with David Justice
Halle Berry's first encounter with David Justice happened in February 1992 when she saw him playing in a celebrity baseball game on MTV.
1992: Breakthrough Role in "Boomerang"
Halle Berry's breakout role was in the romantic comedy "Boomerang" in 1992, starring opposite Eddie Murphy.
1992: Public Statement about Estranged Father
In 1992, Halle Berry revealed that she had been estranged from her father since childhood.
1992: John Ronan's Bankruptcy Filing
John Ronan filed for bankruptcy in 1992, but he didn't identify Halle Berry as a debtor, a factor that played a role in the dismissal of his later lawsuit against her.
1992: Release of "Kings"
Halle Berry starred alongside Daniel Craig in the drama "Kings," which was released in 2017 but set during the 1992 Los Angeles riots. She portrayed a working-class mother navigating the chaos and upheaval.
January 1, 1993: Marriage to David Justice
Shortly after midnight on January 1, 1993, Halle Berry married baseball player David Justice.
November 1993: Lawsuit by John Ronan
John Ronan sued Halle Berry for $80,000 in November 1993, alleging unpaid loans he provided to support her career.
1994: Appearance in "The Flintstones"
Halle Berry appeared as Sharon Stone in the live-action adaptation of "The Flintstones" in 1994.
1995: Dramatic Role in "Losing Isaiah"
Halle Berry took on a more serious role as a recovering drug addict in the drama "Losing Isaiah" in 1995.
February 1996: Separation from David Justice
Halle Berry separated from David Justice in February 1996, a period during which she has spoken openly about struggling with severe depression.
1996: Revlon Spokesmodel
Halle Berry became a Revlon spokesmodel in 1996.
1996: "Race the Sun" and "Executive Decision"
Halle Berry starred in the adventure drama "Race the Sun" and appeared alongside Kurt Russell in the action thriller "Executive Decision", both released in 1996.
June 20, 1997: Divorce from David Justice
Halle Berry and David Justice officially divorced on June 20, 1997, after a separation that began in February 1996.
1997: Comedy Film "B*A*P*S"
Halle Berry starred in the comedy film "B*A*P*S" in 1997.
1998: Critical Acclaim for "Bulworth"
Halle Berry garnered praise for her role in the political comedy-drama "Bulworth" in 1998.
1998: Portrayal of Zola Taylor in "Why Do Fools Fall in Love"
Halle Berry played singer Zola Taylor in the biographical musical film "Why Do Fools Fall in Love", released in 1998.
1999: Emmy and Golden Globe Wins for "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge"
Halle Berry's performance as Dorothy Dandridge in the HBO biopic "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge" in 1999 earned her both a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award.
1999: Award-Winning Performance in "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge"
Halle Berry won a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award for her portrayal of Dorothy Dandridge in the HBO biopic "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge", released in 1999.
May 2000: Plea Deal in Hit-and-Run Case
In May 2000, Halle Berry entered a plea of no contest to a charge of leaving the scene of a car accident, resulting in three years of probation, a $13,500 fine, and 200 hours of community service.
2000: First Appearance as Storm in "X-Men"
Halle Berry originated the role of the mutant superhero Storm in the first "X-Men" film in 2000.
2000: Debut as Storm in "X-Men"
Halle Berry first appeared as the mutant superhero Storm in the film adaptation of "X-Men" in 2000.
January 24, 2001: Marriage to Eric Benét
After a two-year courtship, Halle Berry married singer-songwriter Eric Benét on January 24, 2001.
2001: Historic Oscar Win for "Monster's Ball" and Role in "Swordfish"
In 2001, Halle Berry made history by becoming the first African-American woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "Monster's Ball". The same year, she appeared in the thriller "Swordfish".
2001: Monster's Ball and Historic Oscar Win
In 2001, Halle Berry starred in "Monster's Ball" as Leticia Musgrove, a role that earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress, making her the first and only African-American woman to achieve this. Her performance also garnered awards from the National Board of Review and the Screen Actors Guild. While her achievement was celebrated by many, her role in the film, particularly a graphic nude scene, sparked controversy and debate within the African-American community.
2001: "Swordfish" and First Topless Scene
In 2001, Halle Berry starred in the thriller "Swordfish", which featured her first topless scene, a decision that sparked some controversy.
2002: Eric Benét's Treatment for Sex Addiction
During their marriage, Eric Benét sought treatment for sex addiction in 2002.
2002: Bond Girl in "Die Another Day"
Halle Berry starred as Jinx, a Bond girl, in the James Bond film "Die Another Day", released in 2002.
2002: Bond Girl and "Die Another Day"
In 2002, Halle Berry took on the iconic role of Bond girl Giacinta "Jinx" Johnson in "Die Another Day." Her character paid homage to Ursula Andress's famous scene in "Dr. No," with Berry emerging from the surf in a bikini. The role solidified her status as a Hollywood star, and her character became a fan favorite. During filming, Berry experienced an eye injury requiring surgery.
October 2003: Separation from Eric Benét
By early October 2003, Halle Berry and Eric Benét had separated, with their divorce proceedings concluding in early 2005.
November 2003: "Gothika," "Behind Blue Eyes," and Continued Success
November 2003 saw Halle Berry star in the thriller "Gothika" alongside Robert Downey Jr. Despite suffering a broken arm during filming, the movie performed moderately well at the box office. Berry also appeared in Limp Bizkit's music video for "Behind Blue Eyes," a song featured on the film's soundtrack. Her success was further cemented when she topped FHM's 100 Sexiest Women in the World poll.
2003: Reprising Storm in "X2"
Halle Berry returned as Storm in the sequel "X2", released in 2003.
2003: Ranked #1 on People's Most Beautiful and FHM's Sexiest
Halle Berry achieved the top spot on People's "50 Most Beautiful People in the World" list in 2003, having previously been in the top ten seven times. This same year, she also earned the #1 ranking on FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" list.
2004: Accusation Against Wesley Snipes
Christopher Williams, one of Halle Berry's former boyfriends, publicly accused Wesley Snipes in 2004 of being responsible for her eardrum injury, a claim Snipes has never publicly addressed.
2004: Title Role in "Catwoman"
Halle Berry played the title role in the superhero film "Catwoman" in 2004.
2004: Renewal of Revlon Contract
Halle Berry renewed her contract with Revlon in 2004.
January 3, 2005: Divorce from Eric Benét
Halle Berry and Eric Benét finalized their divorce on January 3, 2005, after a separation that began in late 2003.
November 2005: Berry and Aubry's Relationship Begins
Halle Berry began dating Gabriel Aubry, a French-Canadian model, whom she met at a Versace photoshoot, in November 2005.
2005: Exploring Diverse Roles: "Their Eyes Were Watching God" and "Robots"
In 2005, Halle Berry showcased her versatility with roles in both television and animation. She starred in the Oprah Winfrey-produced adaptation of "Their Eyes Were Watching God," earning an Emmy nomination for her portrayal of a free-spirited woman challenging societal norms. She also lent her voice to the animated film "Robots," voicing the character Cappy. Additionally, Berry expanded her career by executive producing "Lackawanna Blues."
2006: Storm in "X-Men: The Last Stand"
Halle Berry appeared as Storm once again in "X-Men: The Last Stand", which was released in 2006.
2006: Berry Fights Against LNG Facility
Halle Berry, along with other celebrities, successfully opposed the construction of the Cabrillo Port Liquefied Natural Gas facility off the Malibu coast in 2006, citing environmental concerns.
April 2007: Hollywood Walk of Fame Honor
In April 2007, Halle Berry received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her significant contributions to the film industry. This honor solidified her place as a prominent figure in Hollywood and acknowledged her successful career up to that point.
May 2007: Schwarzenegger Vetoes LNG Facility
In May 2007, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger rejected the proposed Cabrillo Port Liquefied Natural Gas facility, a project Halle Berry actively opposed due to environmental concerns.
2007: Release of "Perfect Stranger"
Halle Berry starred in the thriller "Perfect Stranger", which was released in 2007.
2007: Navigating Thrillers and Dramas: "Perfect Stranger" and "Things We Lost in the Fire"
2007 saw Halle Berry star in two distinct films. In the thriller "Perfect Stranger," she shared the screen with Bruce Willis, but the film received mixed reviews. On the other hand, "Things We Lost in the Fire," a drama co-starring Benicio del Toro, offered Berry a chance to work with a female director for the first time and garnered more positive critical reception, praising her performance.
February 2008: Berry Campaigns for Obama
Halle Berry participated in a large-scale cellphone banking campaign in February 2008 to support Barack Obama's presidential campaign.
March 2008: Berry Gives Birth to Daughter
Halle Berry gave birth to her daughter, fathered by Gabriel Aubry, in March 2008.
October 2008: Named Esquire's "Sexiest Woman Alive"
At the age of 42, Halle Berry was recognized as Esquire magazine's "Sexiest Woman Alive" in October 2008.
2009: Various Rankings and Recognition
In 2009, Halle Berry continued to be recognized for her beauty and appeal, ranking #23 on Empire's "100 Sexiest Film Stars" list and being celebrated in the song "Halle Berry (She's Fine)" by rapper Hurricane Chris.
April 30, 2010: Berry and Aubry Announce Separation
On April 30, 2010, Halle Berry and Gabriel Aubry publicly announced the end of their relationship, which had occurred a few months prior.
2010: Critically Acclaimed Performance in "Frankie and Alice"
Halle Berry delivered a powerful performance in the independent drama "Frankie and Alice" in 2010. She portrayed a multiracial woman battling dissociative identity disorder, a role that earned her critical acclaim and awards recognition, including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress.
January 2011: Custody Battle Begins Between Berry and Aubry
A highly publicized custody battle arose between Halle Berry and Gabriel Aubry in January 2011, primarily focused on Berry's wish to relocate their daughter from Los Angeles to France.
2011: Joining the Ensemble Cast of "New Year's Eve"
In 2011, Halle Berry joined a star-studded ensemble cast for Garry Marshall's romantic comedy "New Year's Eve." Despite receiving negative reviews, the film performed well commercially. Berry's supporting role as a nurse offered a heartwarming storyline within the larger narrative.
March 2012: Berry and Martinez Announce Engagement
Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez publicly confirmed their engagement in March 2012.
November 2012: Berry's Request to Move Daughter Denied
In November 2012, a judge denied Halle Berry's request to move her daughter with Gabriel Aubry to France, where Berry's then-partner, Olivier Martinez, resided.
November 22, 2012: Altercation Between Gabriel Aubry and Olivier Martinez
On November 22, 2012, a physical altercation occurred at Halle Berry's residence involving Gabriel Aubry and Olivier Martinez, resulting in both men receiving hospital treatment for injuries.
November 26, 2012: Aubry Files Restraining Order Against Martinez
On November 26, 2012, Gabriel Aubry filed a temporary restraining order against Olivier Martinez, alleging that Martinez had initiated a fight and threatened him.
November 29, 2012: Berry and Aubry Reach Custody Agreement
Halle Berry and Gabriel Aubry reached an amicable custody agreement in court on November 29, 2012, following a dispute regarding the custody of their daughter.
2012: From Thriller to Sci-Fi Epic: "Dark Tide" and "Cloud Atlas"
Halle Berry's 2012 film appearances showcased her range. In "Dark Tide," she starred alongside then-husband Olivier Martinez in a thriller that received limited attention. However, "Cloud Atlas," a visually ambitious sci-fi epic directed by the Wachowskis, provided a more substantial role. The film, featuring a complex narrative and multiple characters, received polarized reviews but highlighted Berry's willingness to take on challenging projects.
2012: Appearance in "Cloud Atlas"
Halle Berry was part of the ensemble cast of the science fiction film "Cloud Atlas", released in 2012.
April 2013: Berry Supports Gucci's "Chime for Change"
Halle Berry appeared in a video clip for Gucci's "Chime for Change" campaign in April 2013, advocating for women's rights in education, health, and justice.
July 13, 2013: Berry and Martinez Marry in France
Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez exchanged vows in a wedding ceremony held in France on July 13, 2013.
August 2013: Berry Testifies for Celebrity Children's Protection
Halle Berry joined Jennifer Garner in August 2013 to testify before the California State Assembly's Judiciary Committee, supporting a bill to protect celebrities' children from paparazzi harassment.
October 2013: Berry Welcomes Son with Martinez
Halle Berry gave birth to her son, fathered by Olivier Martinez, in October 2013.
2013: From Comedy Mishap to Thriller Success: "Movie 43" and "The Call"
Halle Berry experienced both critical disappointment and box office success in 2013. "Movie 43," a comedy anthology, was widely panned, but "The Call," a thriller where she portrayed a 9-1-1 operator trying to save a kidnapped girl, resonated with audiences and critics alike, proving to be a surprise hit. Berry's performance was lauded for its intensity and relatability.
2013: Thriller "The Call"
Halle Berry starred in the thriller film "The Call" in 2013.
2013: Passage of Anti-Paparazzi Bill (SB 606)
In 2013, the Anti-Paparazzi Bill (SB 606), which Halle Berry actively supported, was signed into law by California Governor Jerry Brown. This bill aimed to protect the privacy and safety of celebrities' children from intrusive paparazzi.
June 2014: Court Orders Berry to Pay Child Support
In June 2014, a Superior Court ruling mandated Halle Berry to pay $16,000 per month in child support to Gabriel Aubry, along with retroactive and legal fee payments.
2014: Launch of 606 Films and Start of "Extant"
In 2014, Halle Berry established her production company, 606 Films, and starred in the CBS science fiction series "Extant".
2014: Filming of "Kidnap"
Halle Berry filmed the abduction thriller "Kidnap" in 2014, where she played the role of a diner waitress whose son gets kidnapped.
2014: Final Portrayal of Storm in "X-Men: Days of Future Past"
Halle Berry's last appearance as Storm was in "X-Men: Days of Future Past", released in 2014.
2014: Leading Role in CBS Series "Extant" and Launching 606 Films
2014 marked Halle Berry's return to television with a leading role in the CBS sci-fi drama "Extant." She played Molly Woods, an astronaut grappling with the aftermath of a mysterious space mission. The show received positive reviews, particularly for Berry's performance, and ran for two seasons. Beyond acting, Berry ventured further into production, launching her company, 606 Films, named after the anti-paparazzi bill she championed.
2014: Final Appearance as Storm in "X-Men: Days of Future Past"
Halle Berry reprised her role as Storm for the last time in "X-Men: Days of Future Past", released in 2014.
2015: Berry and Martinez Announce Divorce
After two years of marriage, Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez made a public announcement in 2015 stating their decision to divorce.
2015: Conclusion of "Extant"
CBS drama series "Extant" concluded after two seasons in 2015.
2015: Conclusion of "Extant"
The CBS science fiction series "Extant", starring Halle Berry, concluded in 2015.
December 2016: Berry and Martinez Finalize Divorce
Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez's divorce was finalized in December 2016, concluding their marriage.
2016: Appearance in "Kevin Hart: What Now?" and Vocal Contribution
In 2016, Halle Berry made a cameo appearance as herself in the stand-up comedy concert film "Kevin Hart: What Now?" alongside Kevin Hart. She also provided uncredited vocals for Bruno Mars' song "Calling All My Lovelies" from his album "24K Magic."
October 24, 2017: Debut on "Drop the Mic"
On October 24, 2017, Halle Berry competed against James Corden in the first-ever rap battle on the debut episode of TBS's "Drop the Mic."
2017: Release of "Kidnap" and "Kingsman: The Golden Circle"
2017 saw the release of two films featuring Halle Berry: "Kidnap," which had been filmed in 2014, and "Kingsman: The Golden Circle." In "Kidnap," she played a mother desperately trying to rescue her kidnapped son. In "Kingsman: The Golden Circle," she portrayed an agent in a secret American spy organization.
2017: Role in "Kingsman: The Golden Circle"
Halle Berry appeared in the action spy comedy "Kingsman: The Golden Circle" in 2017.
February 12, 2019: Premiere of "Boomerang" TV Series
Halle Berry served as executive producer for the BET television series "Boomerang," which premiered on February 12, 2019. This series was based on the film of the same name in which Berry had starred.
February 2019: Executive Producer for "Boomerang"
By February 2019, Halle Berry was actively involved as an executive producer for the BET television series "Boomerang."
May 17, 2019: Release of "John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum"
"John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum," featuring Halle Berry as the assassin Sofia, premiered on May 17, 2019.
2019: Appearance in "John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum"
Halle Berry joined the cast of "John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum", released in 2019.
September 2020: Premiere of "Bruised" at TIFF
Halle Berry made her directorial debut with "Bruised," a film about a disgraced MMA fighter reconnecting with her son, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2020.
2020: Directorial Debut with "Bruised"
Halle Berry made her directorial debut with the sports drama film "Bruised", which was released on Netflix in 2020.
2020: Berry's Relationship with Van Hunt Revealed
Halle Berry's romantic involvement with American musician Van Hunt became public knowledge in 2020 through her Instagram account.
November 2021: Release of "Bruised" on Netflix
"Bruised," starring and directed by Halle Berry, was released on Netflix in November 2021 after its premiere at TIFF the previous year.
January 2023: Signing with Range Media Partners
In January 2023, Halle Berry entered a new phase in her career by signing with Range Media Partners as both a producer and director, further solidifying her presence in the entertainment industry.
August 2023: Berry and Martinez Settle Custody and Child Support
In August 2023, Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez reached a settlement regarding custody arrangements and child support for their son.
May 2024: Berry Advocates for Menopause Awareness
In May 2024, Halle Berry publicly advocated for increased research and education regarding menopause, supporting a bill by Senators Patty Murray and Lisa Murkowski and sharing her own experiences.