Award-winning actor Dondre Whitfield, raised by his mother and stepdad, has a tumultuous relationship with his father.
Key Takeaways
- Dondre was majorly brought up by his mother and stepfather.
- His father was a hustler, who went to jail for manslaughter when Dondre was 13.
- His relationship with his father inspired him to write his book and be a role model for young black men in America.
Dondré Whitfield, born on May 27, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York, has become a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
He is known for his roles in The Cosby Show, Queen Sugar, and many other successful television series.
However, behind his achievements lies a complex family history that has profoundly shaped the man he is today.
Vonda Bembry: The Pillar of Strength
At the heart of Dondré’s story is his mother, Vonda Bembry.
Vonda played a pivotal role in his upbringing, providing a foundation of love, discipline, and resilience.
A graduate of Baruch College, where she studied business marketing, Vonda was a single mother who worked tirelessly to support her children.
Her career eventually led her to become a billing specialist for the City of New Bern, North Carolina Government.
Vonda’s influence on Dondré is undeniable.
She instilled in him the importance of education, hard work, and integrity.
Despite the challenges they faced, she ensured that Dondré and his siblings were raised in a nurturing environment.
In a Facebook post in April of 2022, Dondre says,
As I have always said, my mother did a PHENOMENAL job at raising a great human being.
VIA FACEBOOK
The Shadow of His Father
Dondré’s relationship with his father is a more complicated chapter in his life.
His father was known as a hustler, a man who navigated the rough streets of Brooklyn and lived a life on the edge.
He drove a 1977 Lincoln Mark V, a symbol of his lifestyle.
However, this life caught up with him when Dondré was just 13 years old.
His father was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 13 years in prison.
The absence of his father during these formative years left a void in Dondré’s life.
Yet, it was this experience that motivated him to seek positive male role models and later to become one himself.
His father’s story serves as a cautionary tale, but it also fuels Dondré’s desire to break the cycle and create a better path for himself.
Dondré’s father was released after serving his sentence, and Dondre was able to rekindle his relationship with him.
In 2021, his father passed away, closing a chapter filled with both pain and reflection.
In an interview with ABC during the promotion of his book Male vs Man, during the final moments of his father’s life, he said,
he (My father) said: “i would have been a better man, had someone taught me how to be.”
VIA ABC
This sentimental statement from his dying father made him feel that he had the assignment of healing men of the world to matriculate into manhood, and helping couples be the best they can be for each other.
A Stepfather’s Influence
In the absence of his biological father, Dondré found guidance and support from his stepfather.
In the aforementioned Facebook Post, he also stated,
And my bonus Dad (stepdad) showed me the first example of what a man looks like by taking care of another man’s child.
VIA FACEBOOK
This man stepped into the role of a father figure, providing the stability and mentorship that Dondré desperately needed.
He became a role model, demonstrating what being a responsible, caring, and upright man meant.
This relationship was crucial in shaping Dondré’s values and his approach to life and fatherhood.
The Role of Family in Dondré’s Life
Dondré has repeatedly credited his mother, Vonda Bembry, and his grandmother, Callie Mae, throughout his life for his well-rounded upbringing.
In a Facebook post commemorating his grandmother’s birthday, he says:
My mother did everything to support me and challenge me. My Grandmother, Callie Mae, helped my journey because she said “you’re going to make it because God said so!”
VIA FACEBOOK
They were the anchors in his life, offering wisdom, love, and guidance.
Their influence has been a constant source of strength for Dondré, helping him navigate the challenges of his career and personal life.
In many interviews, Dondré has spoken about the importance of family and how his experiences growing up have driven him to be a devoted husband and father.
He often shares the lessons he learned from his mother and grandmother, emphasizing the importance of nurturing strong family bonds.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Dondre’s daughter Parker Whitfield, is currently dating Bronny James, son of legendary basketball player LeBron James.
- Dondre is married to his partner of 23 years, Sallie Richards.
- Dondre has a book titled Male vs. Man: How to Honor Women, Teach Children, and Elevate Men to Change which he published in April of 2020.
