Kenya Duke is known for her entrepreneurial endeavors but for all her achievements, Duke is rarely famous for her success in the field of business. All the fame that comes her way is down to her spousal relationship with Gary Owen. From a small-time comedian to enjoying his career as one of the best, Owen remains a darling in the eyes of the media. But despite all that, not much is talked about Kenya Duke who was married to Gary Owen for nearly two decades. So, for this article, we will take a closer look at the wiki-bio of Kenya Duke.
Early Life:
Kenya Duke was born on the 26th of July 1974 in Ohio, United States. Born and raised in Ohio, Duke grew up in the absence of her father who passed away when she was six years old. Her mother Barbara Jean raised her working as an accountant. While enrolled in high school, Duke took up soccer and also started the school’s drama club. She graduated from high school and continued with her Bachelor’s studies following in the footstep of her mother taking major account.
Professional Career:
Duke worked as an accounting manager until her marriage to Gary Owen. And following the marriage, much of Duke’s career has been intertwined with Owen. But despite leaning into the star’s fame, Duke has managed to make a distinct career for herself. She currently works as the owner and CEO of Premier Sports and Corporate Travel, which helps to organize tours and transport for sports teams.
Apart from her business aspirations, Duke has also enjoyed a bit of time in the entertainment industry. Her first work in the industry was as a producer for the TV special Gary Owen: Breakin’ Out the Park, which was released in 2008 and followed her husband, Gary Owen. She also played a part in launching the TV special documentary, DeRay Davis: Power Play, which was released in 2010. She is also credited for managing the traveling of Aries Spears: Hollywood, Look I’m Smiling. She has also been credited a few times for her on-screen appearances, including a couple of appearances on The Gary Owen Show, and also in The Steve Harvey Show.
Personal Life
Meeting and Marriage to Gary Owen:
Kenya Duke was married to Gary Owen for the longest time. The pair first met at a comedy club and began dating soon after. Talking about the pair’s first meeting, Owen revealed that he was the one who got her number despite thinking he never had a shot.
“I was like, ‘Look, I know I’m supposed to wait three days, but you’re gonna meet a lot of dudes in three days. I’m just letting you know now I’m interested.’”
The risk paid off and the duo began dating. Given the pair’s interracial relationship, many think about how they make it work but for Owen, things couldn’t be more simple. Talking about the pair’s relationship, Owen once revealed that he was the first Caucasian man Duke had ever dated.
“That to me is a bigger honor than having a show on BET!. The fact that my game was so strong, that I was able to pull this beautiful black lady.”
After years of relationship, the pair tied the knot on July 2003 at a small wedding.
In the years as a couple, the Duke and Owen gave birth to two children. While in a living together relationship the pair welcomed their first Austin Owen on November 26, 2000. He was followed by a second child Kennedy Owen born on July 3, 2002. However, these are not the only children Duke gave birth to. She was previously married and had her first child Emilio Owen from the relationship.
Divorce:
Kenya Duke and Gary Owen tied the knot in 2003 and after years of relationship Duke filed for divorce in March 2021. As to the reason for the divorce, there are two sides to the story. Duke publicly shared her views suggesting Gary Owen cheated on her and bashed alleged mistress Brianna Johnson through her Instagram account. Meanwhile, Gary revealed there was no major catalyst for the divorce, the couple was divorcing simply because the marriage had come to an expiry date. According to the divorce filing, Duke had asked for $44,000 in spousal support.
A quick write on Gary Owen:
Gary Owen is an American comedian and actor, known for his stand-up comedy and appearances in films and television shows. He was born on July 26, 1974, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Owen began his career as a military man serving six years for the country. He began his career as a stand-up comedian in 1997, and he quickly gained a following for his edgy, irreverent humor. He appeared on BET’s “ComicView” and “Def Comedy Jam,” and he released his first stand-up DVD, “Breakin’ Out the Park,” in 2008. He has since released several more successful comedy specials, including “I Agree with Myself” and “True Story.”
In addition to his stand-up career, Owen has also appeared in numerous films and television shows. He made his film debut in the 2001 movie “Daddy Day Care,” and he has since appeared in a variety of comedies, including “Little Man,” “Meet the Blacks,” and “Think Like a Man.” He has also had recurring roles on television shows like “House of Payne,” “Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse,” and “The Gary Owen Show.”
Owen has won several awards for his work, including the Funniest Black Comic in San Diego award and the Funniest Black Comic in Phoenix award. He has also been named the “Funniest Serviceman in America” by the Armed Forces Entertainment organization.
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