Terri J. Vaughn Balances Family Life and Acting Success

LOS ANGELES, CA — Actress Terri J. Vaughn, known for her role as Antoinette Dunkerson in the new series ‘She the People,’ has been happily married to Karon Riley since January 19, 2008. The couple, who shares two children, is navigating both family and career as they shine in the entertainment industry.

Vaughn’s latest role depicts Mississippi’s first Black lieutenant governor, a character who must contend with sexism and family pressures. The series, created by a team of talented writers, consists of 16 episodes released in two parts, with the first half premiering on May 22, 2025. The second half is scheduled for an August 14 release.

Off-screen, Vaughn attributes her strong relationship with Riley to their shared commitment to growing together, a sentiment she expressed during a recent interview on the Relationships Matter podcast. “We’re not the same individuals that we were when we first met,” she said. Their marriage continues to flourish as they balance their personal and professional lives.

Vaughn first met Riley while working on a stage play. During a January 2024 conversation, Riley reminisced about being drawn to Vaughn’s “light spirit.” The couple welcomed children Kal’El Joseph and Lola, while Vaughn also has a son, Daylen Ali, from a previous marriage.

Other cast members from ‘She the People’ also maintain long-term partnerships. Payton, who plays Dunkerson’s mother Cleo, is married to Leonard Downs. Novah, who has a role as Dunkerson’s cousin, wed music producer Devin Johnson in December 2015.

In an interesting twist, comedian Dyon “Mojo” Brooks, who plays Dunkerson’s driver, confirmed he is currently single after a humorous breakup experience last year.

As ‘She the People’ captivates audiences, Vaughn’s reflections on marriage and family life resonate, showing that love and commitment endure in both personal and professional realms.