Brandy Norwood

Brandy Norwood Headshot

Singer • Actress

Birth Name: Brandy Rayana Norwood

Birth Date: February 11, 1979

Age: 45 years old

Birth Place: McComb, Mississippi

Siblings: Ray J

Brandy's deep, raspy voice and hip girl-next-door appeal was like a breath of fresh air from the heavy rap, sugary pop and alternative rock music that dominated the charts in the early 1990s. She was the voice behind the monster hits, "I Wanna be Down" (1994), and "Sittin' Up in My Room" (1995), radio-friendly ballads that reflected the singer's youthful musings about first loves and heartache. Her 1998 duet with singer, Monica, "The Boy Is Mine," scored Brandy her first No. 1 hit on the Billboard charts. Far from being a one-note, Brandy nabbed the title role on the popular sitcom, "Moesha" (UPN, 1996-2001), as a trendy teenager navigating her way around high school. With an image less diva than Mariah Carey yet more urban than Whitney Houston, Brandy became a role model anyone's mother could easily approve of.

After struggling with personal tragedy in the early 2000s, Brandy starred in the VH1 reality series "Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business" (2010- ), and competed on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" (2005- ). They were both testaments of the singer's talent and an inner resilience that made the performer truly unique.

Brandy Rayana Norwood was born on Feb. 11, 1979 in McComb, MS. When she was four, her parents moved the family to Los Angeles to jumpstart her singing career as well as her brother's, Willie "Ray J" Jr., then two. A newly relocated Brandy performed at various functions as part of a youth group, and while barely in her teens, sang backup to an R&B trio. A natural in front of the camera, she also tried her luck at acting and quickly landed guest spots on a number of television award shows and specials. Shortly after, she was cast on the comedy series "Thea" (ABC, 1993-95) as the precocious daughter of a single mother.

In 1994, Brandy released her self-titled debut album featuring the about-to-be smash hits, "I Wanna be Down," "Baby," "Best Friend" and "Brokenhearted." The star-making album showcased her smoky, slightly husky voice, and lyrics that reflected her innocent image. Selling more than four million copies worldwide, the album earned numerous accolades, including two Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. The following year, Brandy scored another hit, "Sittin' Up in My Room," a cut from the soundtrack of the film "Waiting to Exhale" (1995).

She also performed the song, "Where Are You Now," for the "Batman Forever" (1995) soundtrack, and collaborated with Chaka Khan and Gladys Knight on the single, "Missing You," from the soundtrack of the film "Set It Off" (1996).

While her music career flourished, Brandy returned to television as the lead of the popular sitcom "Moesha," which centered on the life an upper middle-class, African-American family as seen through the eyes of Moesha Mitchell, a trendy and independent high school student. The show's realistic depiction of a black, middle-class family as they dealt with real teen issues - sex, drug use and race relations - resonated with viewers, making it one of the network's top-rated shows. Brandy's wholesome personality also helped her land the lead part on the Disney special, "Cinderella" (ABC, 1997), a remake of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical of the classic fairytale. The updated version featured an all-star, multiracial cast that included R&B artist, Whitney Houston, as Cinderella's fairy godmother, and Bernadette Peters as the wicked stepmother, and was seen by more than 60 million viewers.

In 1998, Brandy came out with her long-awaited sophomore album, Never Say Never, featuring the singer's deep vocals and well-worn tone. The album spawned the hit single, "The Boy Is Mine," a duet with singer, Monica, and inspired by Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson's classic duet, "The Girl Is Mine" (1982). Fueled by a sexy music video showing the teen divas fighting over the love of one man, the song soared to the No.1 spot on the Billboard charts, and garnered the pair a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. Hoping to branch out as a more mature actress, Brandy starred in the slasher film, "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer" (1998), where she engaged in her first onscreen make-out session with co-star Mekhi Phifer.

Brandy's music always took center stage, but as was the case for many celebrities who grew up in the public spotlight, her personal life also attracted tabloid attention. She briefly dated Boyz II Men lead singer, Wanya Morris, and before he was an NBA star, Kobe Bryant took Brandy to his high school prom in 1996. Brandy maintained a squeaky-clean public persona, until she announced in 2002 that she was having a baby with music producer, Robert Smith, whom she claimed she secretly married in 2001. She gave birth to her daughter, Sy'rai, in June 2002, as documented on the show "Brandy: Special Delivery" (MTV). The couple separated in 2003.

A year later, Smith revealed that they feigned marriage to preserve Brandy's image. He made the announcement while making appearances to promote a new artist. Brandy's camp issued a statement saying that the singer was "hurt and shocked" by Smith's revelations, and confirmed that instead of a legally recognized marriage, the couple had a "spiritual union and a true commitment to each other."

Brandy appeared to have bounced back into the limelight with the album, Afrodisiac (2004), which showcased a decidedly more mature singer with richer and warmer vocals. The most successful cuts were her collaborations with musician Timbaland ("I Tried"), and the pop-soul gem "Talk About Our Love" produced by and featuring future hip-hop phenomenon, Kanye West. While Afrodisiac earned rave reviews from critics, sales were dismal compared to Brandy's previous work. Her studio album, Human (2008), was similarly panned by critics who called it "emotional but unadventurous," and it also failed to make the charts or sales.

In June 2006, Brandy was cast as one of the celebrity judges on the first season of "America's Got Talent" (NBC, 2006- ) along with Piers Morgan and David Hasselhoff. She was scheduled to return for a second season, but she declined so she could focus on legal battles following her involvement in a fatal, four-car freeway accident in December 2006. According to police reports, Brandy's Land Rover failed to slow in traffic and rear-ended a Honda, causing a chain reaction that ultimately killed Awatef Aboudihaj, a 38-year-old waitress and mother of two children. Brandy faced multiple lawsuits, including a possible charge of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter that, if convicted, would have sent her to jail. In December 2007, news broke that Brandy would not face criminal charges stemming from the crash; two years later, the singer reached a settlement with Aboudihaj's family who filed a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit in 2008. She had previously inked settlements with three other parties involved in the accident.

Brandy tried to revive her career by starring on the series, "Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business," which followed the siblings as they took on bigger roles in managing the family's production company. She also hit the ballroom dance floor as one of the contestants on season 11 of "Dancing with the Stars" (ABC, 2005- ) along with comedian Margaret Cho, former pro athletes Kurt Warner and Rick Fox, and singer Michael Bolton.

Credits

Brandy & Monica & Ariana Grande: Boy Is Mine (Remix) (Karaoke Version)

Music Performer
Show
2024

Descendants: The Rise of RedStream

Actor
Cinderella
Movie
2024
57%

The Front RoomStream

Actor
Belinda
Movie
2024
42%

Birthday Battle: Brandy v Kelly Rowland

Self
Show
2023

Best. Christmas. Ever!Stream

Actor
Jackie Jennings
Movie
2023
38%

Access Daily With Mario & Kit

Guest
Show
2022

Cinderella: The ReunionStream

Self
Special
2022

Cinderella: The Reunion

Self
Show
2022

Vibe: R&B Queens

Music Performer
Show
2022

QueensStream

Actor
Naomi aka Xplicit Lyrics
Series
2021
100%

Nick Cannon

Guest
Talk
2021

Disney Princess Remixed — An Ultimate Princess CelebrationStream

Self
Special
2021

SuperstarStream

Self
Series
2021

Brandy: Starting Now

Music Performer
Show
2021

Tiwa Savage and Brandy: Somebody's Son

Music Performer
Show
2021

Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2021

Music Performer
Show
2020

2020 Soul Train Awards

Self
Show
2020

2020 Billboard Music Awards

Music Performer
Show
2020

Urban One Honors: Celebrating 40 Years of Radio One

Music Performer
Show
2020

Brandy: Baby Mama

Music Performer
Show
2020

Brandy Talks Baby Mama and 7th Album Release

Music Performer
Show
2020

Brandy: Borderline

Music Performer
Show
2020

The Kelly Clarkson Show

Guest
Talk
2019

Access Daily

Guest
Show
2019

Tamron HallStream

Guest
Talk
2019

Best of 2004

Music Performer
Show
2019

Women In R&B

Music Performer
Show
2019

Brandy: Full Moon

Music Performer
Show
2019

Remy's Icons

Music Performer
Show
2018

Sir The Baptist: Deliver Me

Music Performer
Show
2018

Sir the Baptist Feat. Brandy: Deliver Me

Music Performer
Show
2018

Live with Kelly and Ryan

Guest
Talk
2017

My Kitchen RulesStream

Contestant
Reality
2017

Mystery Skulls Feat. Brandy and Nile Rodgers: Magic

Music Performer
Show
2017

StarStream

Actor
Cassie
Series
2016

StarStream

Guest Star
Cassie
Series
2016

Yung Joc Feat. Brandy Ms. B Hambrick: I Know You See It (feat. Brandy Ms. B Hambrick)

Music Performer
Show
2016

Today's Take

Guest
Show
2016

Star: Extras

Actor
Show
2016

Celebrity PageStream

Guest
News
2016

Zoe Ever AfterStream

Actor
Zoe Moon
Series
2016

Zoe Ever AfterStream

Co-Executive Producer
Series
2016

99 Souls Feat. Brandy, Destiny's Child: The Girl Is Mine

Music Performer
Show
2016

99 Souls Feat. Destiny's Child and Brandy: Girl Is Mine

Music Performer
Show
2016

The Perfect MatchStream

Actor
Avatia
Movie
2016
22%

FABLife

Guest
Talk
2015

The BET Life of

Guest Star
Show
2015

99 Souls Feat. Destiny's Child & Brandy: The Girl Is Mine

Music Performer
Show
2015

Mystery Skulls Feat. Brandy & Nile Rodgers: Magic

Music Performer
Show
2015

The Meredith Vieira Show

Guest
Talk
2014

Hollywood Today Live

Guest
Show
2014

The Daily Helpline

Guest
Show
2014

Brandy: Essence Music Festival

Music Performer
Show
2014

The Queen Latifah Show

Guest
Talk
2013

The Arsenio Hall Show

Guest
Show
2013

The Real

Guest
Talk
2013

The Real

Host
Talk
2013

The Game: Extras

Actor
Show
2013

Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage CounselorStream

Actor
Melinda
Movie
2013
21%

Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2013

Music Performer
Show
2012

Oprah: Where Are They Now?Stream

Guest
Talk
2012

Anderson Live

Guest
Show
2012

Anderson Live

Host
Show
2012

Live! With Kelly and Michael

Music Performer
Talk
2012

MDA Show of Strength

Music Performer
Show
2012

83rd Annual Bud Billiken Back-to-School Parade

Guest Star
Show
2012

The Soul ManStream

Guest Star
Rita
Series
2012

Brandy Feat. Chris Brown: Put It Down

Music Performer
Show
2012

Brandy: Wildest Dreams

Music Performer
Show
2012

Brandy: It All Belongs To Me

Music Performer
Show
2012

Brandy: Put It Down

Music Performer
Show
2012

Brandy: U Dont Know Me (Like U Used To)

Music Performer
Show
2012

LIVE with Kelly

Music Performer
Talk
2011

The Chew

Guest
Talk
2011

82nd Annual Bud Billiken Back-to-School Parade

Guest Star
Show
2011

Dish NationStream

Guest
Talk
2011

Big Morning Buzz Live

Guest
Show
2011

The VoiceStream

Guest
Reality
2011

The VoiceStream

Self
Reality
2011

New Year's Eve Live

Correspondent
Show
2010

The Talk

Guest
Talk
2010

The Talk

Music Performer
Talk
2010

Access Hollywood Live

Guest
Show
2010

The 81st Annual Bud Billiken Back-to-School Parade

Guest Star
Show
2010

Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business

Executive Producer
Show
2010

Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business

Self
Show
2010

The Dr. Oz Show

Guest
Talk
2009

Watch What Happens Live With Andy CohenStream

Guest
Talk
2009

Drop Dead DivaStream

Guest Star
Elisa Shayne
Series
2009
78%

Feel the Beat

Music Performer
Show
2009

90210Stream

Guest Star
Marissa Harris-Young
Series
2008

The Wendy Williams Show

Guest
Talk
2008

The Wendy Williams Show

Music Performer
Talk
2008

Brandy: Right Here (Departed)

Music Performer
Show
2008

Brandy: Long Distance

Music Performer
Show
2008

The Morning Show With Mike & Juliet

Music Performer
Show
2007

The GameStream

Actor
Chardonnay Pitts
Series
2006

The GameStream

Guest Star
Series
2006

Our World With Black Enterprise

Music Performer
Show
2006

Rachael Ray ShowStream

Guest
Talk
2006

etalk

Guest
Show
2006

Made in Hollywood

Guest
Series
2005

The Tyra Show

Guest
Talk
2005

Entertainment Tonight Canada

Guest
Show
2005

Dancing With the StarsStream

Contestant
Reality
2005

Brandy: Afrodisiac

Music Performer
Show
2005

HouseStream

Guest Star
Herself
Series
2004
90%

Brandy: Who Is She 2 U

Music Performer
Show
2004

Brandy Feat. Kanye West: Talk About Our Love

Music Performer
Show
2004

Steve Harvey's Big Time Challenge

Guest Star
Show
2003

The Ellen DeGeneres Show

Guest
Talk
2003

American Dreams

Guest Star
Series
2002
85%

One on OneStream

Guest Star
Series
2001

Osmosis Jones

Voice
Leah
Movie
2001

The Early Show

Music Performer
Show
1999

The ParkersStream

Guest Star
Series
1999

Double Platinum

Actor
Kayla Harris
Movie
1999

Double Platinum

Executive Producer
Movie
1999

Brandy and Monica: The Boy Is Mine

Music Performer
Show
1998

Brandy: Have You Ever

Music Performer
Show
1998

I Still Know What You Did Last SummerStream

Actor
Karla Wilson
Movie
1998
7%

The View

Guest
Talk
1997

Rodgers & Hammerstein's CinderellaStream

Actor
Cinderella
Movie
1997
86%

Access Hollywood

Guest
News
1996

MoeshaStream

Actor
Moesha "Mo" Mitchell
Series
1996

Brandy: Sittin' Up In My Room

Music Performer
Show
1995

Entertainers: With Byron Allen

Guest
Show
1994

New York UndercoverStream

Guest Star
Series
1994

Extra

Guest
News
1994

All ThatStream

Music Performer
Series
1994

Brandy: Best Friend

Music Performer
Show
1994

Brandy: I Wanna Be Down

Music Performer
Show
1994

Brandy: Baby

Music Performer
Show
1994

Thea

Actor
Danesha Turrell
Show
1993

The Tonight Show With Jay Leno

Music Performer
Talk
1992

Entertainment Tonight

Guest
News
1981

Good Morning America

Guest
News
1975

Good Morning America

Music Performer
News
1975

The Wonderful World of Disney

Actor
Cinderella
Series
1969

Today

Guest
News
1952

Today

Music Performer
News
1952

News aboutBrandy Norwood

Kim Kardashian as Nikki LePree on 'Drop Dead Diva'

Kim Kardashian, Gina Torres & More Stars Who Appeared on ‘Drop Dead Diva,’ Which Ended 10 Years Ago

Kelly Clarkson & Reba McEntire, Niecy Nash, Dolly Parton

‘Reba:’ The Guest Stars You Forgot Joined the WB Sitcom

Hugh Laurie as Gregory House and Lin-Manuel Miranda as Juan

‘House’ Streaming on Hulu: 12 Big-Name Guest Stars You’ll See on the Series

Paolo Montalban and Brandy as Cinderella and King Charming on set of Disney+'s 'Descendants: The Rise of Red'

See ‘Cinderella’ Stars Brandy & Paolo Montalban Reunite on ‘Descendants: The Rise of Red’ (VIDEO)

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella Brady Whitney Houston

10 Fun Facts About ‘Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella,’ Now 25 Years Old

Brandy Norwood

Brandy Shares Update After Report of Hospitalization, Says She’s ‘Following Doctors’ Orders’

Victor Garber, Brandy Norwood, Whoopi Goldberg in Cinderella

ABC Reuniting ‘Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella’ Cast for 25th Anniversary

Eve as Brianna on Queens
Spoiler Alert

‘Queens’ Creator Zahir McGhee on Brianna’s Fate After the Midseason Finale

Eve, Brandy, Naturi Naughton, Nadine Velazquez in Queens
Q&A

‘Queens’ Production Designer Goes Inside the ABC Drama, Teases Changes for Eve’s Pregnancy

Queens Season 1 premiere on ABC

Can’t Miss Episode of the Week: ‘Queens’ Premiere Is Both Fun and Relatable

Queens - Eve, Brandy, Naturi Naughton, Nadine Velazquez
Preview

Get to Know the 4 ‘Queens’ of ABC’s New Hip-Hop Drama

Queens on ABC - Eve, Brandy, Naturi Naughton, and Nadine Velazquez
Fall Preview

Brandy on Why the Women of ‘Queens’ & ‘Their Friendship’ Will Hook You

Queens - Naturi Naughton as Jill aka Da Thrill, Eve as Brianna aka Professor Sex, Brandy as Naomi aka Xplicit Lyrics, and Nadine Velazquez as Valeria aka Butter Pecan

‘Queens’ Trailer: A ’90s Hip-Hop Girl Group Reunites to Reclaim the Throne (VIDEO)

the voice season 20 gihanna zoe
Spoiler Alert

‘The Voice’ Battles: Watch 7 Must-See Performances From Night 2 (VIDEO)

the voice season 20 ryleigh modig
Spoiler Alert

‘The Voice’ Battles Begin: Watch All 6 Powerhouse Moments From Night 1 (VIDEO)

The Voice Season 20 - Brandy and John Legend
Exclusive

Meet ‘The Voice’ Battle Advisors Darren Criss, Brandy, Dan+Shay & Luis Fonsi (VIDEO)

Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella 1997

‘Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella’ to Stream on Disney+ This February

STAR - Brandy Norwood
Q&A

3 Questions With ‘Star’ Actress Brandy Ahead of Season 3

Brandy, Patti LaBelle

Patti LaBelle, Brandy Join Fox’s ‘Star’