Gabrielle Union is not just a successful actress, entrepreneur, and advocate for family, but she’s also learning how to balance her demanding career with the responsibilities of caring for her father, Sylvester Union, who has been living with dementia since 2023.
During an appearance at the American Black Film Festival in Miami on June 12, Union shared the impact her father’s condition has had on her career choices and the financial reality that comes with it.
Family First: Navigating Her Career Choices
Union, 52, spoke candidly about how caring for her father affects the decisions she makes in her professional life. She explained that having a loved one in memory care requires significant financial responsibility, which can sometimes limit the career opportunities she can pursue.
“You know, nursing homes, what’s covered by insurance, what’s not, home health aids — like that all adds up,” Union said, referencing the financial strain of providing care.
“I have to go where the money goes,” she admitted, revealing the financial pressures she faces. Union explained that the need to support her extended family and make up for medical expenses means she can’t always afford to take on the independent film roles she might want.
“I don’t have the luxury of taking all the independent films that I want because I can’t afford to pay for my extended family in the way that they have grown accustomed to,” she said.
Union went on to describe how she must factor in endorsements and brand deals to help cover these costs. “When you see celebrities have fifty ‘leven jobs, there’s a reason,” she said. “We don’t get paid what y’all think that we get paid, and that check is split so many ways. You have to have multiple revenue streams to do the job that you really love.”
A Father’s Day Tribute to Her Dad and Husband
In addition to her career reflections, Union took to social media to share a touching Father’s Day tribute to both her father and her husband, retired NBA star Dwyane Wade. In the post, she praised her father for his daily battle with dementia, and also highlighted Wade’s advocacy for his children and others around the world.
“Happy Father’s Day to my two favorite Dads,” Union wrote. “My Dad, who is fighting dementia every day to hold onto his precious memories of his children and grandchildren and all the kids and adults he’s adopted as family along the way.”
The Heartfelt Moments with Her Father
Union has been open about her father’s condition, especially on his 80th birthday last October. She shared sweet memories of their time together, including a moment when her father, despite his memory loss, expressed his love for her and asked if she was happy.
“When my Dad saw me, he said, ‘I really love you.’ And I said, ‘I love you too Dad.’ Then he replied, ‘How’s your Mom?’ And with the gas face, I simply said, ‘Sir 😵💫.’ He then asked if I was happy and I told him I was. He nodded and with a grin asked, ‘You not taking no shit are you?’ And I said, ‘Never.’”
Union reflected on the emotional impact of that conversation, sharing how it reminded her to prioritize family, show love, and never let challenges hold her back. “What dementia has robbed him of, his heart and soul have recovered,” she said.
“It all just reminds me to be a good, loyal friend, a great neighbor, prioritize your family, have a spirit of adventure and don’t take no shit,” she added.
Gabrielle Union’s honesty about the intersection of her career and caring for her father with dementia shines a light on the difficult choices many people face when balancing family obligations with professional aspirations.
Her message resonates deeply, showing that while career success is important, family always comes first. Through her own journey, Union has learned to prioritize love, loyalty, and support for those who matter most.
