TV producer/creator Kenya Barris, best known for the popular television series “black-ish” and its spinoffs, “grown-ish” and “mixed-ish,” recently bought a residence in Toluca Lake for $7.25 million. He also placed his Encino mansion on the market for $10.25 million. Barris’ Encino estate was used as a model for the home in the producer’s semi-autobiographical Netflix series, “#blackAF.”
Barris’ foray into the television industry spans more than 20 years and he has a net worth of $75 million. He began his career as a writer for the UPN sitcom “Girlfriends” in 2000. Three years later, Barris locked arms with Tyra Banks as a co-creator and producer for “America’s Next Top Model.” At the same time, he was a writer for the Showtime series “Soul Food,” “Listen Up!,” which aired on CBS, and “The Game.”
In 2014, Barris began producing “black-ish,” which ran for eight seasons and won an Emmy for Outstanding Contemporary Hairstyling after 26 nominations. Barris also wrote the screenplays for “Shaft” and “Coming 2 America.” He made his directorial debut for the comedy series “You People,” which he co-wrote with Jonah Hill. Finally, Barris co-produced the animated series “We The People ” with Barack and Michelle Obama. After ending his business relationship with Netflix, Barris, with two partners, is launching BET Studios with Viacom CBS.
Divorce and Real Estate Acquisitions
In June 2022, Barris, is the father of six children, filed for divorce from his wife, Rania “Rainbow” Edwards-Barris. Barris has been married to his wife, an anesthesiologist, since 1999. The couple filed for divorce twice before, in 2014 and 2019, only to reconcile. However, the couple has been separated since September 2020, with Edwards-Barris having custody of the children.
It’s not clear if Barris and his soon-to-be ex-wife are selling the Encino mansion as a result of their divorce proceedings but what is certain is they intend to make a profit as the asking price is more than $7.55 million than they paid for the property three years ago.
The 9,100-square-foot mansion features a modern aesthetic with natural materials softening the sharp appeal of the home. The glass-walled mansion wraps around a central courtyard and includes seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms complete with walk-in closets. A huge main suite includes disappearing glass walls that connect to a private terrace overlooking the outdoor pool.
A shallow moat conceals the lower level’s living and entertaining spaces.
Two staircases made of steel, wood, and glass connect the upper and lower levels. There’s also a screening room, a kitchen featuring a 20-foot long island with a separate pantry and catering kitchen.
The interior’s open plan space naturally connects to the residence’s outdoor spaces with floor-to-ceiling glass walls.
The courtyard features a mosaic-tiled, zero-edge swimming pool and spa. There’s also a covered dining terrace with a built-in barbecue, in-ceiling speakers and an outdoor television.
Inside Barris’ New Toluca Lake Estate
Barris purchased his new home in May 2022. It was once leased by recording artist Justin Beiber and his wife, Hailey.
The three-story, 6,500-square-foot home built in 2000 features five bedrooms and six-and-a-half bathrooms.
Described as a “Spanish contemporary oasis” by Dirt, the home is made of white stucco and includes clay-tiled roofing.
When guests enter the home, they are placed in a double-height rotunda. A staircase leads to a formal living and dining room areas. The dining space leads into the backyard while the chef’s kitchen is present.
The en-suite bedroom is located on the home’s main floor. It features French doors that also lead to the backyard. On the second floor of the en-suite, there is a lakeview terrace. Guest bedrooms are also located on the second floor and include a lake view.
The home’s subterranean level includes a six-car garage, a gym and a recording studio.
Finally, a dining terrace overlooks a lagoon-style swimming pool.
Other Real Estate Holdings
In addition to these two residences, Barris also owns a 7,700-square-foot residence in Studio City. The property was purchased in 2020, for $4.6 million and is currently listed for $7.25 million.
