Childhood and Education Journey of Queen Latifah in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 16, 2025

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Queen Latifah. From birth to education, explore key events.

Queen Latifah, born Dana Elaine Owens, is a highly accomplished American rapper, singer, and actress. Her career is marked by numerous awards, including a Grammy, Emmy, Golden Globe, and multiple Screen Actors Guild and NAACP Image Awards. She earned an Academy Award nomination and, notably, became the first hip hop artist honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006. Queen Latifah's success spans music and film, solidifying her status as a versatile and influential entertainer.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1992: Death of Queen Latifah's brother.

In 1992, Queen Latifah's older brother, Lancelot Jr., died in a motorcycle accident. The motorcycle was purchased by Latifah.

1995: Queen Latifah was the victim of a carjacking.

In 1995, Queen Latifah was the victim of a carjacking, which resulted in the shooting of her boyfriend, Sean Moon.

1996: Queen Latifah's role in Set It Off sparks sexuality rumors.

In 1996, Queen Latifah's masculine role as Cleo in the film Set It Off led to increased speculation and rumors about her sexuality.

Loading Video...

2004: Queen Latifah's mother Rita Owens begins battling heart failure.

In 2004, Queen Latifah's mother, Rita Owens, began battling heart failure.

2006: Queen Latifah reveals that she still wore her brother's motorcycle key around her neck.

In a 2006 interview, Queen Latifah revealed that she still wore the key to her brother's motorcycle around her neck.

2008: Queen Latifah refuses to address speculation around her sexuality.

In 2008, Queen Latifah told The New York Times that she didn't feel the need to share her personal life and didn't care if people thought she was gay or not.

March 21, 2018: Death of Queen Latifah's mother, Rita Owens.

On March 21, 2018, Queen Latifah's mother, actress Rita Owens, passed away due to heart failure.

May 23, 2018: Named godmother of Carnival Horizon.

On May 23, 2018, Queen Latifah was named the godmother of Carnival Cruise Lines' vessel, Carnival Horizon.

2018: Receives honorary doctorate.

In 2018, Queen Latifah received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts Degree from Rutgers University.

January 2020: Queen Latifah learns about her family history on Finding Your Roots.

In January 2020, during an episode of Finding Your Roots, Queen Latifah discovered that her family descended from freed African Americans, with ancestors listed by name in the 1860 U.S. pre-Civil War census in Virginia and also discovered the exact date her ancestors became free which was October 1, 1792.

Loading Video...

2021: Queen Latifah acknowledges her partner and son at the BET Awards.

At the 2021 BET Awards, Queen Latifah publicly acknowledged her partner Eboni Nichols and son Rebel for the first time during her acceptance speech for the Lifetime Achievement Award.