Charli Kekuʻulani represents a beautiful blend of Hollywood glamour and deep Hawaiian cultural significance. As the daughter of acclaimed actor Stephen Bishop and model-actress Jesiree Dizon, she holds a unique position among celebrity children.
Her father’s successful transition from professional baseball to acting has created an estimated Stephen Bishop net worth of $3 million in 2026. This article explores who Charli Kekuʻulani truly is, her family’s entertainment industry roots, and how her parents balance fame with cultural identity and family values in their mixed heritage household.
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Meet Charli Kekuʻulani Bishop
Charli Kekuʻulani Bishop entered the world on November 29, 2017, becoming the cherished daughter of Stephen Bishop and Jesiree Dizon. As of 2026, she is 8 years old, growing up in Los Angeles with connections to both the entertainment industry and her rich Hawaiian heritage. Despite having celebrity parents, Charli enjoys a relatively private upbringing away from constant media attention.
Quick Facts About Charli Kekuʻulani
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Charli Kekuʻulani Bishop |
| Birth Date | November 29, 2017 |
| Age (2026) | 8 years old |
| Father | Stephen Bishop (Actor) |
| Mother | Jesiree Dizon (Model/Actress) |
| Siblings | Kaiden Bishop (half-brother) |
| Heritage | Mixed (African American, Hawaiian, Filipino) |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California |
The Meaning Behind Her Hawaiian Name
The name Kekuʻulani carries profound Hawaiian cultural significance, translating to “royal sky” or “heavens of royalty” in the Hawaiian language. This beautiful name reflects the sacred connection between earth and sky in Hawaiian tradition. Stephen Bishop and Jesiree Dizon chose this meaningful name to honor Jesiree’s Hawaiian roots and ensure their daughter maintains a strong connection to her cultural identity.
In Hawaiian culture, names aren’t just identifiers—they carry mana (spiritual power) and connect individuals to their ancestors and the natural world. The element “ke” means “the,” while “kuʻulani” combines “kuʻu” (my/mine) and “lani” (sky/heaven/royal), creating a name that speaks to nobility, heritage, and divine connection.
Early Life and Upbringing
Growing up in Los Angeles, Charli Kekuʻulani experiences a childhood that balances Hollywood glamour with cultural traditions and family values. Her parents have made conscious decisions to provide her with a private upbringing, shielding her from excessive media exposure despite their celebrity status. This approach allows Charli to develop her own personality and interests away from public scrutiny.
Her early years are filled with experiences that honor both sides of her heritage. While living in the entertainment capital of the world, she’s also immersed in Hawaiian cultural practices, language, and traditions through her mother’s family. This dual exposure creates a rich tapestry of experiences for young Charli.
Though details about her specific interests remain private, those close to the family describe her as bright, curious, and connected to nature—traits that reflect both her Hawaiian heritage and her parents’ values. Her parents prioritize normalcy, ensuring she enjoys typical childhood experiences like playdates, school activities, and family time.
Her Famous Parents
Father – Stephen Bishop: From Diamond to Screen
Stephen Bishop was born September 14, 1970, in Chicago, Illinois. Standing at an impressive 6’3″ (191 cm), his physical presence initially served him on the baseball diamond before becoming an asset in Hollywood. The Stephen Bishop actor journey is one of reinvention and determination.
Before becoming known as a talented actor, Stephen Bishop pursued professional baseball with passion. He played college baseball at the University of California, Riverside, where his skills caught the attention of major league scouts. He was drafted by the Atlanta Braves organization and later played in the Baltimore Orioles minor league system. However, when his baseball career didn’t reach the major leagues as hoped, Stephen made a bold decision to transition into acting—a move that would ultimately define his legacy.
This career transition wasn’t easy. Stephen had to start from scratch, taking acting classes, going to countless auditions, and building a network in an entirely different industry. His athletic background, however, gave him discipline, physical coordination, and the ability to handle rejection—all valuable traits in the entertainment industry.
Today, Stephen Bishop is recognized for numerous memorable roles across television and film. His breakthrough came with the critically acclaimed film Moneyball (2011), where he portrayed baseball player David Justice alongside Brad Pitt. This role felt particularly meaningful given his own baseball background, allowing him to bring authentic experience to the character.
His most prominent television role was in BET’s Being Mary Jane (2013-2015), where he played Darius, a love interest to Gabrielle Union’s character. This role significantly raised his profile and contributed substantially to the Stephen Bishop net worth. He followed this with starring roles in Imposters (2017-2018) and Run the World (2021-2023), showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Mother – Jesiree Dizon: Model and Actress
Jesiree Dizon brings her own entertainment industry credentials and deep Hawaiian heritage to the family. As a model and actress, she’s appeared in notable productions including HBO’s True Blood and the rebooted Hawaii Five-0, where her Hawaiian background added authenticity to her roles.
Jesiree’s mixed heritage includes Hawaiian and Filipino ancestry, making her a proud representative of Pacific Islander culture in Hollywood. Her connection to Hawaiian traditions runs deep through her family, and she’s committed to passing this cultural knowledge to her daughter, Charli Kekuʻulani.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jesiree is known for her advocacy of cultural preservation and her dedication to raising culturally-aware Stephen Bishop children. Her relationship with Stephen Bishop began around 2014, and together they created a loving environment for their daughter before their romantic relationship ended in 2019.
Even after their separation, Jesiree and Stephen maintain a respectful co-parenting relationship, prioritizing Charli’s wellbeing and ensuring she benefits from both parents’ active involvement in her life. Jesiree’s influence is evident in Charli’s Hawaiian name, cultural education, and connection to Pacific Islander traditions.
Siblings and Extended Family
Charli Kekuʻulani has a half-brother named Kaiden Bishop from her father’s previous relationship. The family dynamics emphasize connection, love, and mutual respect despite the complexities that come with blended families in the entertainment industry.
Stephen Bishop and Jesiree Dizon have demonstrated exemplary co-parenting since their 2019 separation. Rather than allowing their romantic relationship’s end to affect their daughter negatively, they’ve maintained open communication and coordinated parenting approaches. This maturity ensures Charli experiences stability, consistency, and the love of both parents.
The extended family includes Jesiree’s Hawaiian relatives, who play an active role in Charli’s cultural education. Family gatherings often incorporate traditional Hawaiian practices, language lessons, and stories passed down through generations. This extended family network provides Charli with a strong sense of belonging and cultural identity beyond the Hollywood environment.
Stephen’s side of the family also contributes to Charli’s upbringing, ensuring she understands her African American heritage and the diversity that makes her unique. This multicultural exposure—African American, Hawaiian, and Filipino—gives Charli a rich understanding of different perspectives, traditions, and histories.
Stephen Bishop Net Worth Analysis
Current Net Worth Estimate
As of 2026, Stephen Bishop net worth is estimated at approximately $3 million. This figure represents the culmination of his successful acting career, residuals from popular television series, and various entertainment ventures. However, it’s important to note that celebrity net worth estimates vary across sources, with some reporting ranges between $1 million and $5 million.
The variation in estimates occurs because exact financial details of actors’ contracts, residuals, investments, and personal expenses aren’t publicly disclosed. What we do know is that Stephen has enjoyed consistent work in quality productions, which typically translates to substantial earnings in the entertainment industry.
When compared to other television actors with similar career trajectories, a $3 million net worth in 2026 represents solid success, especially for someone who started their entertainment career later after pursuing professional baseball. His strategic career choices, focusing on meaningful roles in well-received productions, have contributed to both his artistic reputation and financial stability.
Income Sources
Stephen Bishop’s income derives from multiple streams within the entertainment industry. His primary earnings come from acting roles in television series and films, where actors typically earn per-episode fees for series and negotiated rates for movie roles.
Television series provide particularly lucrative income. His role in Being Mary Jane over three seasons (2013-2015) would have included per-episode payments that increased as the show gained popularity and his character became more central to storylines. Similarly, his starring roles in Imposters and Run the World provided steady income during their runs.
Film roles, while sometimes offering lower per-project fees than ongoing series work, can provide substantial paydays for major productions. His role in Moneyball (2011), a major Hollywood production, likely came with a significant paycheck, and the film’s success may have generated additional bonuses or opportunities.
Residuals and royalties represent another important income source. When shows like Being Mary Jane air in syndication, stream on platforms, or sell internationally, actors receive residual payments. These ongoing payments can continue for years after the original production, providing passive income that contributes to the Stephen Bishop net worth over time.
Beyond acting, Stephen may have income from endorsements, personal appearances, and potentially investments, though these aren’t publicly documented.
Career Earnings Breakdown
Breaking down Stephen Bishop’s career earnings requires looking at his major roles and industry payment standards. While exact figures aren’t public, we can make educated estimates based on industry norms:
Television Series:
- Being Mary Jane (2013-2015): Supporting actors in successful cable dramas typically earn $20,000-$50,000 per episode in later seasons. Over approximately 50 episodes, this role likely generated $1-2 million.
- Imposters (2017-2018): As a series regular on a cable network show, earnings would be similar, potentially $500,000-$1 million for two seasons.
- Run the World (2021-2023): Streaming and cable series for established actors can pay $30,000-$75,000 per episode, potentially earning $800,000-$1.5 million across seasons.
Film Roles:
- Moneyball (2011): Supporting roles in major studio films can range from $50,000 to several hundred thousand dollars, depending on the actor’s profile and negotiation.
- Fatal Affair (2020): Netflix original films typically pay competitive rates for featured roles.
- Various other film appearances contribute additional income.
Residuals: Popular shows like Being Mary Jane that stream on platforms like Netflix and BET+ continue generating residual income years after original broadcast.
His baseball career, while not reaching the major leagues, provided valuable experience but modest financial returns compared to his acting success.
From Baseball Diamond to Hollywood Spotlight
Professional Baseball Career
Stephen Bishop’s journey began on the baseball field, not in front of cameras. At the University of California, Riverside, he showcased impressive athletic ability that caught professional scouts’ attention. His performance earned him a spot in the Atlanta Braves organization, a dream come true for any young baseball player.
After time with the Braves’ minor league system, Stephen also played in the Baltimore Orioles minor league organization. While he demonstrated skill and dedication, the leap from minor leagues to the major leagues proved elusive—a reality for the vast majority of professional baseball players, as only about 10% of minor leaguers ever reach “The Show.”
Rather than viewing this as failure, Stephen recognized it as a redirection. His baseball background instilled discipline, teamwork, physical fitness, and mental resilience—all qualities that would serve him well in his next career. The transition to acting wasn’t impulsive; it was a calculated decision by someone who understood the value of pursuing dreams while adapting to reality.
Major Acting Roles
Stephen Bishop’s acting career encompasses diverse roles across television and film, demonstrating his range and talent:
- Being Mary Jane (2013-2015): This BET drama starring Gabrielle Union became Stephen’s breakout television role. Playing Darius, a romantic interest with depth and complexity, Stephen brought charm and authenticity that resonated with audiences. The show’s success over four seasons established him as a credible television actor and opened doors to subsequent opportunities.
- Moneyball (2011): Portraying real-life baseball player David Justice in this Oscar-nominated film allowed Stephen to merge his two worlds—baseball and acting. Working alongside Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, and director Bennett Miller, Stephen delivered a performance that benefited from his genuine understanding of professional baseball culture.
- Imposters (2017-2018): In this Bravo series, Stephen played Ezra Bloom, one of three people conned by the same woman. The show’s clever premise and Stephen’s nuanced performance garnered critical praise and cult following, even though it lasted only two seasons.
- Run the World (2021-2023): This Starz series about four Black women navigating careers, friendships, and relationships in Harlem featured Stephen in a supporting role that showcased his ability to contribute to ensemble casts.
- Fatal Affair (2020): This Netflix thriller starring Nia Long featured Stephen in a key role, demonstrating his ability to work across streaming platforms and traditional networks.
- Criminal Minds: Stephen’s recurring appearances on this long-running CBS procedural added another dimension to his resume, showing versatility in handling dramatic crime content.
These roles collectively demonstrate Stephen Bishop’s ability to navigate different genres, platforms, and character types—a versatility that’s essential for long-term success in Hollywood.
Recent Projects and Future
In 2025-2026, Stephen Bishop continues actively working in the entertainment industry. While specific upcoming projects may not always be publicly announced until closer to release, his consistent career trajectory suggests ongoing opportunities in both television and film.
The entertainment landscape has evolved significantly with streaming platforms creating more content than ever before. This expansion benefits established actors like Stephen, who have proven their reliability and talent. His experience across networks (BET, Bravo, Starz), streaming services (Netflix), and traditional broadcast (CBS) positions him well for diverse opportunities.
Industry insiders note that actors with Stephen’s profile—recognizable but not A-list—often enjoy steady careers with regular work, which can be more sustainable than the feast-or-famine pattern some celebrities experience. His ability to play both leading and supporting roles increases his employability.
Looking forward, the Stephen Bishop actor career appears stable with potential for growth. As he approaches his mid-50s, he enters an age range where Hollywood increasingly offers substantial character roles, particularly in the expanded television landscape that values experienced, skilled performers.
Growing Up with Hawaiian Roots in Hollywood
Preserving Cultural Identity
For Charli Kekuʻulani, cultural identity isn’t abstract—it’s woven into her daily life through intentional efforts by her family. Jesiree Dizon, proud of her Hawaiian heritage, ensures that Charli doesn’t just know about her ancestry intellectually but experiences it through practice and participation.
Hawaiian traditions that the family maintains include:
- Language Education: Learning Hawaiian words, phrases, and songs helps Charli connect with her heritage linguistically. While she may not be fluent, familiarity with the language creates cultural bonds and respect for ancestors.
- Cultural Practices: Participation in Hawaiian customs, whether through food preparation (traditional dishes like poi, poke, or kalua pig), music (ukulele, traditional chants), or dance (hula), provides tangible connections to culture.
- Family Connections: Regular interaction with Hawaiian family members, including trips to Hawaii when possible, reinforces cultural identity beyond theoretical knowledge. Hearing stories from kupuna (elders) and participating in family gatherings rooted in Hawaiian traditions creates lasting impressions.
- Values Transmission: Hawaiian values like aloha (love, compassion), ohana (family), malama (care for land and people), and pono (righteousness) guide family interactions and decision-making.
This dedication to cultural preservation ensures Charli Kekuʻulani grows up with pride in her mixed heritage—African American, Hawaiian, and Filipino—understanding that each element contributes to her unique identity.
Privacy vs Public Life
Despite being the daughter of well-known parents in the entertainment industry, Charli Kekuʻulani enjoys remarkable privacy for a celebrity child. Stephen Bishop and Jesiree Dizon have made deliberate choices to protect their daughter from excessive public exposure and social media scrutiny.
Their approach to social media is particularly thoughtful. While many celebrity parents regularly post photos and updates about their children, Stephen and Jesiree limit such posts, sharing only occasional glimpses that don’t compromise Charli’s privacy or safety. This selective approach respects her right to a childhood not defined by public consumption.
Public appearances are similarly limited and controlled. Rather than bringing Charli to red carpet events, premieres, or industry functions as some celebrity parents do, Stephen and Jesiree typically attend such events separately, maintaining clear boundaries between their professional and family lives.
This protective approach serves multiple purposes:
- Normal Childhood: By limiting exposure, they allow Charli to develop relationships, interests, and personality without the pressure of public observation or judgment.
- Safety: Reduced online presence and public appearances minimize security risks and unwanted attention.
- Future Choice: By not establishing a public persona for Charli in childhood, they preserve her ability to choose later whether she wants public visibility or privacy.
- Mental Health: Growing up without constant social media scrutiny protects Charli from the psychological pressures that can affect celebrity children.
Looking ahead, as Charli matures, she may choose to embrace or avoid public life. Her parents’ current approach ensures that choice remains hers rather than something decided for her in childhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Charli Kekuʻulani’s full name?
Her full name is Charli Kekuʻulani Bishop, combining a Western first name with a Hawaiian middle name that means “royal sky.”
How old is Charli Kekuʻulani in 2026?
Born on November 29, 2017, Charli Kekuʻulani is 8 years old in 2026, growing up in Los Angeles with her family.
What does the name Kekuʻulani mean?
Kekuʻulani translates to “royal sky” or “heavens of royalty” in Hawaiian, reflecting cultural significance and noble heritage connections.
What is Stephen Bishop’s net worth in 2026?
Stephen Bishop’s net worth is estimated at approximately $3 million in 2026, earned through his acting career and residuals.
Are Stephen Bishop and Jesiree Dizon still together?
No, Stephen and Jesiree separated in 2019 but maintain a respectful co-parenting relationship for Charli’s wellbeing.
Does Charli Kekuʻulani have siblings?
Yes, she has a half-brother named Kaiden Bishop from her father’s previous relationship, creating a blended family dynamic.
What is Stephen Bishop best known for?
Stephen Bishop is best known for roles in Being Mary Jane, Moneyball, Imposters, and Run the World.
What is Stephen Bishop’s ethnic background?
Stephen Bishop is African American, born in Chicago, Illinois, adding cultural diversity alongside Jesiree’s Hawaiian-Filipino heritage.
How does the family honor their Hawaiian heritage?
They honor it through language education, cultural practices, traditional foods, family ties to Hawaii, and values like aloha and ohana.
Does Charli Kekuʻulani appear on social media?
Her parents keep a strict privacy policy, rarely posting about her to protect her childhood and future choices.
Conclusion
Charli Kekuʻulani Bishop represents the beautiful intersection of Hollywood families and cultural heritage. With Stephen Bishop’s successful career creating a $3 million net worth and Jesiree Dizon’s commitment to Hawaiian traditions, Charli experiences both worlds authentically. Her parents’ dedication to family values, cultural identity, and private upbringing ensures she develops naturally despite the entertainment industry spotlight. The future holds endless possibilities for both Charli and her father Stephen, whose career continues thriving in 2026.
