Leon Robinson is an actor and singer who rose to prominence through his compelling performances in film and television, becoming a recognizable figure in the entertainment industry.

His breakout role as Derice Bannock, the determined leader of the Jamaican bobsled team in the 1993 film Cool Runnings, showcased his ability to portray characters with depth and authenticity.

Early Life and Education

Leon Robinson, now at the age of 63, was born on March 8, 1962, in New York City. He is the son of Leon Preston Robinson III and Antoinette Robinson.

Details about his siblings are not publicly disclosed. He attended Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California, where he was active in sports, particularly basketball.

Personal Life

Leon Robinson‘s personal life has attracted public interest, particularly his relationships and role as a father. He was in a relationship with Cynthia Bailey, a former model and reality television star known for her appearance on The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Together, they have a daughter named Noelle Robinson, born on November 9, 1999.

Leon and Cynthia have maintained an amicable co-parenting relationship, often expressing mutual respect and support for each other in public forums. In 2017, Leon married Kirbie Wallace. As of 2025, Leon and Kirbie are married, and there are no public records of him being married prior to his union with Kirbie.

Career

Leon Robinson‘s acting career commenced in the early 1980s, with his professional debut on the CBS Afternoon Playhouse production Journey to Survival in 1981.

He gained significant attention for his role as Saint Martin de Porres in Madonna‘s 1989 music video Like a Prayer, which was both controversial and groundbreaking at the time.

In 1993, Leon portrayed Derice Bannock in Cool Runnings, a film inspired by the true story of the Jamaican bobsled team’s debut in the Winter Olympics. His performance was well-received, contributing to the film’s success and his rising profile in Hollywood.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Leon took on various roles that showcased his talent as an actor. He portrayed David Ruffin in the 1998 television miniseries The Temptations, delivering a performance that captured the complexity of the famed singer’s life.

In 2000, he starred as Little Richard in the biographical film Little Richard, further demonstrating his ability to embody real-life figures with nuance and depth.

Beyond acting, Leon is also a musician. He is the lead vocalist and songwriter for the band Leon and the Peoples. The band has performed at various venues and festivals, blending elements of reggae, soul, and R&B in their music.

Net Worth

Leon Robinson‘s net worth is estimated to be approximately $1.5 million. This financial standing reflects his extensive career in acting and music.

Filmography

All the Right Moves (1983) – as Austin ‘Shadow’ Williams

The Flamingo Kid (1984) – as Fortune Smith

Colors (1988) – as Killer Bee

The Five Heartbeats (1991) – as J.T. Matthews

Cliffhanger (1993) – as Kynette

Cool Runnings (1993) – as Derice Bannock

Above the Rim (1994) – as Shep

Waiting to Exhale (1995) – as Russell

Bats (1999) – as Jimmy Sands

Little Richard (2000) – as Little Richard

Buffalo Soldiers (2001) – as Stoney

Ali (2001) – as Joe Simmons

Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (2005) – as Slim

Cover (2007) – as Ryan Chambers

The Heart Specialist (2011) – as Dr. Lee

And Then There Was You (2013) – as Joshua Gilbert

Soul Ties (2015) – as Dale Sr.

Her Only Choice (2018) – as Melvin

A Day to Die (2022) – as Tyrone Pettis

First Lady of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story (2023) – as Emerson