Tanya Hijazi, born Tanya Anne Hijazi, is a renowned American actress and costume designer, widely recognized as the ex-wife of iconic funk musician Rick James. With a career spanning acting and costume design, she has made a lasting impact in Hollywood, combining creativity with resilience to maintain her professional presence.
Born around 1972 in the United States into a mixed-ethnicity family, Tanya developed a passion for the arts from an early age. Known for her work on films like The Unseen (2005) and documentaries such as I’m Rick James (2009), she has built a career that blends entertainment, artistic expression, and dedication to her craft.
Key Fact
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tanya Anne Hijazi |
| Birth Year | 1972 |
| Age (2025) | 53 |
| Birth Place | United States of America |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (Caucasian and Middle Eastern) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Family Background | Mother: Suzanne Shapiro; sister: Tashia; one son (Tazman James) |
| Marital Status | Divorced from Rick James (married 1997, divorced 2002) |
| Relationship History | Began relationship with Rick James in late 1980s; legal issues and incarceration in early 90s |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 121 pounds (55 kg) |
Who Is Tanya Hijazi?
Tanya Hijazi is an American actress and costume designer, best known for her marriage to funk legend Rick James. She gained recognition not only through her relationship with James but also for her work in Hollywood, including costume design for films like The Unseen (2005) and appearances in documentaries such as Unsung (2008-2015) and Bitchin’: The Sound and Fury of Rick James (2021).
Tanya is admired for her creativity, resilience, and contributions to the entertainment industry, building a professional identity that extends beyond her personal life. Her journey reflects a blend of artistic talent and determination, making her a notable figure in American media and culture.
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Early Life of Tanya Hijazi
Tanya Hijazi was born around 1972 in the United States into a mixed-ethnicity family with Caucasian and Middle Eastern roots. Growing up with her mother, Suzanne Shapiro, and younger sister, Tashia, she developed a passion for creativity and the arts from an early age. This nurturing environment played a key role in shaping her future career in acting and costume design.
Despite limited public information about her formal education, Tanya’s childhood in a creatively supportive household allowed her to explore her artistic talents. Her early exposure to the entertainment world laid the foundation for a career that would eventually combine performance, design, and storytelling in both Hollywood projects and documentaries.
Full name/Real name:
Tanya Anne Hijazi
Birth date/Birth place:
Born in 1972, United States of America
Family background:
Tanya was raised in the United States in a mixed-ethnicity family. Her mother is Suzanne Shapiro, and she has a younger sister named Tashia. Details about her father are not publicly known.
School/University:
There is no publicly available information regarding Tanya Hijazi’s school or university education.
Career Journey of Tanya Hijazi
Breakthrough
Tanya Hijazi entered the entertainment industry through a combination of acting and costume design, gradually making her mark in Hollywood. Her breakthrough came with her work as a costume designer for the 2005 film The Unseen, which showcased her talent behind the scenes. Additionally, her appearances in documentaries about Rick James, including Unsung (2008-2015) and Behind the Music (1997-2021), helped her gain recognition and connect with wider audiences.
Peak Years
During her peak years, Tanya became widely known for both her creative contributions and her high-profile marriage to Rick James. She gained visibility through documentaries and interviews that chronicled her life and career, further establishing her reputation in Hollywood. Her ability to blend on-screen appearances with behind-the-scenes work allowed her to maintain relevance and influence within the entertainment industry.
Notable Work
Some of Tanya Hijazi’s most notable works include her costume design for The Unseen, as well as her appearances in documentaries like I’m Rick James (2009) and Bitchin’: The Sound and Fury of Rick James (2021). Beyond these, her contributions to stage outfits and Hollywood projects highlight her versatility, artistic skill, and enduring presence in the entertainment world.
Fame Reason & Future Plans of Tanya Hijazi
Tanya Hijazi rose to fame primarily through her high-profile marriage to funk legend Rick James, which brought her into the public eye. Beyond her personal life, she built recognition through her work as an actress and costume designer, contributing to films like The Unseen (2005) and appearing in documentaries such as Unsung (2008-2015) and Bitchin’: The Sound and Fury of Rick James (2021). Her creative talent, resilience, and ability to maintain a professional identity amid personal challenges have all contributed to her lasting reputation in Hollywood.
Another reason for her prominence is her versatility in the entertainment industry, seamlessly blending on-screen performances with behind-the-scenes contributions. Tanya’s involvement in documentaries, interviews, and costume design projects allowed her to connect with audiences on multiple levels, reinforcing her image as a multi-talented figure in American media.
Looking ahead, Tanya Hijazi continues to focus on her career in Hollywood costume design, maintaining a low-profile yet steady professional presence. While she keeps future plans largely private, her dedication to creative work and her legacy in both acting and design suggest that she will continue to contribute meaningfully to the entertainment industry, balancing professional growth with personal stability.
Physical Appearance of Tanya Hijazi
Age:
Tanya Hijazi was born in 1972, making her approximately 53 years old as of 2025.
Height:
She is reported to be about 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall.
Weight:
Her weight is around 121 pounds (55 kg).
Body measurement:
36-27-39
Physical attributes:
Tanya has brown hair and brown eyes.
Major Achievements of Tanya Hijazi
Tanya Hijazi has made a significant mark in Hollywood through her work as an actress and costume designer, earning recognition for her creativity and professional resilience. Her costume design for the 2005 film The Unseen showcased her artistic talent, while her appearances in documentaries like I’m Rick James (2009) and Bitchin’: The Sound and Fury of Rick James (2021) helped preserve and highlight the legacy of the legendary musician.
Beyond her creative contributions, Tanya’s ability to maintain a successful career after personal and legal challenges, including her divorce from Rick James, demonstrates her determination and professionalism. Her continued presence in Hollywood’s costume and design industry, along with her involvement in high-profile projects, underscores her status as a versatile and influential figure in American entertainment.
Personal Life of Tanya Hijazi
Family:
Tanya Hijazi’s mother is Suzanne Shapiro. She has a younger sister named Tashia. She has one son, Tazman James, with Rick James.
Nationality:
American
Religion:
Christianity
Ethnicity:
Mixed ethnicity, details unspecified but includes Caucasian and Middle Eastern heritage.
Marital status/Relationship:
Divorced from Rick James; they were married from December 24, 1997, until 2002.
Net worth:
Estimated between $4 million and $5 million.
Social media presence:
Tanya Hijazi is not active on popular social media platforms like Instagram.
| Platform | Handle/URL | Followers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| @tanyahijazi | 5 | Low activity; “La vida es bella” bio | |
| Search “Tanya Hijazi” profiles | N/A | Multiple unverified profiles | |
| TikTok | No personal account identified | N/A | Mentions in videos only |
Interesting Facts About Tanya Hijazi
- Tanya Hijazi is best known as the ex-wife of funk legend Rick James.
- She began her creative career as a costume designer for films like The Unseen (2005).
- Tanya appeared in documentaries including Unsung (2008-2015) and Bitchin’: The Sound and Fury of Rick James (2021).
- She met Rick James at age 17 and married him in 1997, despite a 24-year age difference.
- Tanya maintains a low public profile while continuing her professional work in Hollywood costume design.
Conclusion of Tanya Hijazi
Tanya Hijazi has successfully established herself as a talented actress and costume designer in Hollywood, earning recognition for her creativity, resilience, and contributions to the entertainment industry. From her early beginnings in a mixed-ethnicity family to high-profile appearances alongside Rick James, Tanya’s journey reflects a blend of artistic talent and personal determination.
Despite facing personal and legal challenges, she has maintained a professional career in costume design while appearing in notable documentaries that preserve Rick James’ legacy. Her ongoing dedication to her craft and ability to balance creativity with professionalism ensures that Tanya Hijazi remains a respected and influential figure in American media and entertainment.
FAQs About Tanya Hijazi
1. Who is Tanya Hijazi?
Tanya Hijazi is an American actress and costume designer, best known as the ex-wife of funk musician Rick James.
2. When was Tanya Hijazi born?
She was born around 1972 in the United States, with some sources citing October 8, 1967.
3. What is Tanya Hijazi famous for?
She is famous for her work in costume design, acting roles, and her connection to Rick James.
4. What is Tanya Hijazi’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is between $4–5 million, earned from her Hollywood career.
5. What are some notable works of Tanya Hijazi?
Her notable works include costume design for The Unseen (2005) and appearances in documentaries like I’m Rick James (2009) and Bitchin’: The Sound and Fury of Rick James (2021).
