Tony Cornelius Biography
Tony Cornelius (full name: Anthony Cornelius), is an American television producer known for productions like Pacific Blue (1996), Soul Train (1971) and American Soul (2018). He is also known for being the son of the legendary television show host and producer, Don Cornelius.
Tony Cornelius Age
Tony is 60 years old as of 2019. He was born in 1959.
Tony Cornelius Don Cornelius – Tony Cornelius Delores Harrison
Don Cornelius and Delores Harrison are the parents of Tony. Nothing much is known about his mother but his father, Don Cornelius, was the founder of Soul Train in the early 70s. This was an iconic dance show that gave African-Americans a forum to display their talents. It gained so much popularity that it became one of television’s longest-running syndicated programs, making Cornelius a household name.
The late Cornelius used to end the show with the words, “I’m Don Cornelius, and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul.” Don died at the age of 75 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head in his Sherman Oaks, California home on February 1, 2012.
Tony Cornelius Raymond Cornelius
Tony has a sibling: a brother by the name Raymond. Both are from their father’s first marriage to Delores Harrison.
Tony Cornelius Wife
Tony is not married though, he was however married to Amy Hunter, an American model, actress, and presenter, since Dec 1997 till their break up. Their marriage resulted in the birth of a daughter.
Tony Cornelius Christina Cornelius – Daughter
Christina Marie Cornelius, a two-time captain of the Harvard Women’s Volleyball team, is the daughter of Tony and his ex-wife Amy Hunter.
She has studied at Harvard University undertaking a major in Sociology and a minor in African American Studies. According to her LinkedIn page, she has been an SMB Partner Manager Intern at Facebook who also previously worked with Sony Pictures Entertainment, Warner Bros. Television.
Tony Cornelius Net Worth
From all his work in the entertainment industry, Tony has an estimated net worth of $16 Million.
Tony Cornelius Twitter
Tony Cornelius American Soul
Tony Cornelius Keeping his Father’s Legacy Alive
Tony Cornelius opens up about his father’s suicide and keeping the ‘SOUL TRAIN’ legacy alive
Published: February 5, 2019
Anthony “Tony” Cornelius, is helping to shed light on his father’s journey in creating one of the longest-running shows in TV history through a new series called American Soul. The 10-episode series, which premiered on BET February 5, 2019, offers viewers who grew up watching Soul Train a captivating dose of nostalgia while introducing a new generation to a program that changed the course of black history.
DON’S SOUL
“Little known fact: my father always wanted to do a Soul Train movie,” said Anthony, who serves as one of the executive producers on the series, to BLACK ENTERPRISE.
According to the show’s description, American Soul unfolds the trials and tribulations that his father encountered while creating Soul Train “against the backdrop of an unforgiving Hollywood in the 1970s.” It also chronicles the “rise and fall” that he took in his personal life.
The series opens with a chilling scene of Cornelius’ last moments on earth on Feb. 1, 2012. That day changed Anthony’s life and outlook on mental illness. “I always thought suicide was for people who could not handle life—never even imagining that one day I would actually be talking about it…and experience someone in my family who committed suicide.”
The tragedy and a subsequent conversation he had with Stevie Wonder moved him to launch The Don Cornelius Foundation Inc., a nonprofit organization that works to identify and support programs that provide awareness, prevention, and support for those contemplating suicide along with support to those who have lost loved ones from suicide. “I spoke to him days after my father’s death and he gave me some inspiration to stand up and talk about it,” he recalled of his conversation with the legendary singer.
In 2018, Anthony was also appointed to sit on the board of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, where he advocates for mental health. According to the American Psychiatric Association, only one-third of black Americans who need mental healthcare receive it, while lack of culturally competent counseling deters many from seeking care.
“Many times, a lot of black men don’t have anywhere to turn. We struggle with our feelings,” said Anthony. “A lot of black folks go to the church for their soothing of their mental capacity, which is fine, but many times it gets even more complicated,” he added. “There are professionals out there who can diagnose the problem. It’s about education.”
American Soul gives viewers a look at some of the warning signs of someone in mental distress by presenting a different side of Cornelius and the empire he built.
“My father’s legacy will continue to live on—it’s living right now,” he said.
Adopted from: blackenterprise.com