Gelila Bekele net worth has been a topic of interest for fans and followers of the Ethiopian model, humanitarian, and filmmaker. Known for her striking beauty and philanthropic work, Gelila has made a name for herself both in the fashion industry and through her activism.
With successful modeling contracts, brand endorsements, and contributions to film and writing, her wealth is a reflection of her multifaceted career. As of recent estimates, Gelila Bekele net worth showcases how talent and purpose can go hand in hand, elevating her status beyond just a public figure to a global inspiration. Her journey continues to influence many across various fields.
Gelila Bekele Profile Summary
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Gelila Bekele |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of Birth | September 4, 1986 |
| Age | 34 years old (as of August 2021) |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Place of Birth | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
| Nationality | Ethiopian |
| Ethnicity | Black |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Height | 5′ 9” (175 cm) |
| Weight | 134 lbs (61 kg) |
| Body Measurements | 33-24-35 in (84-61-89 cm) |
| Shoe Size | 6 (US) |
| Bra Size | 32B |
| Hair Colour | Dark Brown |
| Eye Colour | Dark Brown |
| Siblings | Anna Wrossetti |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Ex-Partner | Tyler Perry |
| Children | 1 |
| Profession | Model, Activist, Author, Filmmaker |
| Estimated Net Worth | $600 Million (disputed; likely tied to Perry) |
| @iamGelilabekele |
Gelila Bekele: Ethiopian Model, Filmmaker, and Humanitarian
Model and filmmaker Gelila Bekele is known for her activism and art. Born in Addis Ababa, she relocated to Europe at age 8, later moving to the U.S. for her college education. Her modeling career began after signing with Ford Models, leading to campaigns with brands like Levi’s, Diesel, and Pantene .
Transitioning into filmmaking, Gelila directed Mai: Life is not Honey (2015), a short documentary highlighting the challenges faced by young girls in rural Ethiopia due to climate change and limited educational opportunities. She also produced Anbessa (2019), which premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival .
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Gelila is a passionate advocate for women’s rights, education, and access to clean water. She collaborates with organizations like Charity: Water and has been involved in various philanthropic initiatives to support these causes .
Gelila Bekele Net Worth: A Multifaceted Career and Philanthropy
Gelila Bekele has built a diverse career that contributes to her estimated net worth of $5 million as of 2025 . Her financial success stems from multiple ventures, including her modeling career, film production, and philanthropic efforts.
Modeling Career
Bekele’s modeling journey began at age 19 when she was discovered by a scout from Ford Models. She has since collaborated with renowned brands such as Levi’s, Diesel, and Pantene, and has graced the covers of magazines like Marie Claire, Essence, and Allure . Her work with these high profile brands has significantly contributed to her wealth.
Filmmaking and Writing
Transitioning into filmmaking, Bekele directed and produced the documentary Mai: Life is not Honey, which sheds light on the challenges faced by Ethiopian women due to climate change and limited educational opportunities . She is also the author of Guzo!, a book that provides insight into the daily lives of native Ethiopians, further diversifying her income streams.
Philanthropy
Beyond her professional endeavors, Bekele is deeply committed to humanitarian causes. She has been actively involved in various initiatives, particularly those focused on providing access to clean water and education in Ethiopia. Her philanthropic work not only reflects her dedication to social issues but also enhances her public profile, indirectly contributing to her financial success .
Gelila Bekele Age
Gelila Bekele, a renowned Ethiopian model, humanitarian, and documentary filmmaker, was born on September 4, 1986. As of 2025, she is 38 years old. Raised between Ethiopia and Europe, Gelila’s multicultural upbringing greatly influenced her perspective and work. She started her modeling career in the early 2000s and quickly rose to fame due to her striking features and powerful presence.
Over the years, she has worked with top global brands and graced the pages of major fashion magazines. Despite her success in the fashion industry, Gelila is equally recognized for her activism and advocacy, particularly for clean water access and education in rural African communities.
Her age reflects not just years but decades of impactful work in both creative and philanthropic fields. Her commitment to positive change and cultural storytelling continues to inspire many. Gelila’s age marks a timeline of accomplishments and unwavering dedication to purpose.
Gelila Bekele Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
Gelila Bekele boasts an elegant and statuesque figure, standing tall at 5 feet 9 inches, which perfectly complements her modeling career. She weighs around 64 kilograms, maintaining a healthy and balanced physique. Known for her natural beauty, she has deep brown eyes and thick, dark brown hair that often enhances her radiant presence.
Her body measurements, 32-25-33 inches, reflect her dedication to wellness and self care. With a slim yet strong frame, Gelila embodies both grace and confidence on international runways and in advocacy work. Her effortless style and commitment to authenticity make her a role model far beyond the fashion industry.
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 64 kg (141 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Body Measurements | 32-25-33 inches |
| Bra Size | 32A |
| Body Type | Slim |
| Skin Tone | Medium to Dark |
Gelila Bekele Early Life and Education
Gelila Bekele was born on September 4, 1986, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Raised in a culturally rich environment, she spent her early years in a rural village, often under the care of her grandmother. At the age of eight, her family relocated to Europe, where she completed her schooling and was exposed to diverse cultures. Later, she moved to the United States to pursue higher education.
Gelila attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she majored in Political Science and International Relations. During her freshman year, she was discovered by a modeling scout and signed with Ford Models, leading her to pause her academic journey to pursue modeling professionally.
Despite her success in the fashion industry, Gelila has remained committed to her educational roots, emphasizing the importance of education in achieving long term success. Her diverse upbringing and academic background have significantly influenced her multifaceted career and advocacy work.
Gelila Bekele Family and Professional Life
Gelila Bekele is an Ethiopian American model, actress, and social activist, known for her remarkable achievements in both her professional and personal life. Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, she moved to the United States to pursue her education.
Gelila’s modeling career began at a young age, and she quickly gained recognition for her striking looks and unique background.
Beyond modeling, she has appeared in several films, showcasing her talent in acting. However, her work as a social activist is equally important, as she advocates for causes such as education and women’s rights, especially in Ethiopia.
In her personal life, Gelila is known for her long term relationship with actor Tyler Perry, though the couple tends to keep their private life low key. Despite her fame, Gelila remains grounded and dedicated to her philanthropic endeavors, balancing her career and family with grace and purpose.
Gelila Bekele Husband
Gelila Bekele is an accomplished model, activist, and entrepreneur, known for her work in the fashion industry and advocacy for social causes. While her career has gained significant recognition, there has been a lot of curiosity surrounding her personal life, particularly regarding her relationship.
Gelila was in a long term relationship with actor, director, and producer Tyler Perry, although the couple has since parted ways. Their relationship was private, yet their shared values on social impact and giving back to the community were well known.
Gelila Bekele Son
As of my last update, she has a son with actor and entrepreneur Tyler Perry, but details about her son are kept private. Gelila tends to maintain a relatively low public profile when it comes to her family, and information about her child is not widely shared in the media. Her personal life, especially regarding her son, is kept out of the public eye in order to maintain privacy.
Aman Tyler Perry
Gelila Bekele and Tyler Perry’s son, Aman Tyler Perry, was born on November 30, 2014. The couple, who had been in a relationship for over a decade, welcomed their first child together, and both parents were overjoyed by the arrival of their son .Aman’s name, “Aman,” translates to “peace,” symbolizing the true meaning of Thanksgiving and the holiday season .
In lieu of gifts, the couple requested that donations be made to Charity: Water, an organization dedicated to providing clean water to developing countries, reflecting their commitment to philanthropy .Despite their high profile careers, Gelila and Tyler have prioritized keeping Aman grounded.
They made intentional choices, such as having him fly coach for several years, to ensure he doesn’t grow up feeling entitled . Additionally, for Christmas, Tyler chose budget friendly gifts like books and Legos, emphasizing the importance of appreciating the value of things.
In 2020, after over a decade together, Tyler and Gelila mutually agreed to end their romantic relationship. However, they have remained committed to co-parenting Aman and continue to raise him together as friends .
Where Is Gelila Bekele Now
As of now, Gelila Bekele continues to make significant strides in her multifaceted career. She is primarily based in the United States but maintains a global presence through her work in modeling, filmmaking, and activism. Bekele’s recent project, Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story, showcases her dedication to storytelling and her ability to capture profound narratives.
The documentary, which took nearly a decade to complete, offers an intimate look into Tyler Perry’s life and career. Bekele’s work reflects her commitment to shedding light on important stories and issues, further solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the creative industry.
Gelila Bekele Movies
She transitioned from a successful modeling career to filmmaking in 2013, using her platform to highlight pressing social issues.
Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story (2023)
In this documentary, Bekele co-directed with Armani Ortiz, offering an intimate look into Tyler Perry’s journey from adversity to success. The film explores his personal and professional challenges, providing a deeper understanding of his life and career.
MAi: Life Is Not Honey (2019)
This short documentary, directed by Bekele, follows a day in the life of young girls in a rural Ethiopian village. It sheds light on the impacts of climate change on gender inequality and the importance of educating girls.
Anbessa (2019)
Bekele served as the executive producer for this film, which tells the story of a young boy in Ethiopia who imagines himself as a lion to cope with the challenges posed by modern development and environmental threats.
Model Activists (2017)
In this short documentary, Bekele highlights the stories of models who use their platform to advocate for social justice and activism, showcasing the intersection of fashion and activism.
Conclusion
Gelila Bekele is a multifaceted Ethiopian model, filmmaker, and humanitarian, with an estimated net worth of $5 million in 2025. Her wealth is derived from her successful modeling career, film production, and philanthropic efforts, particularly focused on women’s rights, education, and clean water access in Ethiopia.
Bekele has worked with global brands and directed impactful documentaries such as Mai: Life is Not Honey and Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story. Through her diverse career, she has become an influential figure, combining talent and purpose to inspire change globally.
FAQs
Is Tyler Perry still married to Gelila Bekele?
No, Tyler Perry and Gelila Bekele are no longer together, having separated after being in a long term relationship.
Where does Gelila Bekele live?
Gelila Bekele primarily resides in Los Angeles, California, where she focuses on her career and philanthropic efforts.
What is Tyler Perry’s net worth?
Tyler Perry’s net worth is estimated at $1 billion, making him one of the wealthiest figures in entertainment.
How long was Tyler Perry with Gelila Bekele?
Tyler Perry and Gelila Bekele were together for over 13 years, though they are no longer in a relationship.
