Tisha Campbell and Duane Martin: What Really Happened With Their 27-Year Run

When Tisha Campbell and Duane Martin first linked up in the early 90s, they weren't just another Hollywood couple. They were the couple. If you grew up watching Martin or caught Duane in Above the Rim, they felt like the blueprint for Black excellence and long-term stability in an industry that usually eats relationships for breakfast.

Twenty-seven years is a lifetime in Hollywood. So, when Tisha hit Twitter in 2018 to announce she had filed for divorce, the shockwave was real. People didn’t just want to know what happened; they wanted to know how a pair that seemed so solid could end up in a legal battle that looked more like a thriller script than a celebrity split.

The Breaking Point Nobody Saw Coming

Honestly, for a long time, the public image was polished. Behind the scenes? Not so much. While we were all laughing at Tisha’s comedic timing, she was privately navigating a marriage that she later described as "toxic."

The divorce wasn't just a quiet "irreconcilable differences" situation. It was messy. Tisha filed for a restraining order in 2019, alleging physical and emotional abuse that she claimed had been happening since the beginning of their marriage in 1996. It’s heavy stuff. She basically said she kept quiet for decades to protect their brand, their family, and Duane’s public persona.

Duane, for his part, has always denied these claims. He even went after her parenting skills in court, suggesting their kids didn't do their homework when they were with her because he was the "NYU graduate." It was petty. It was loud. And it was a far cry from the "power couple" vibes they’d spent years cultivating.

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The $15 Million Financial Disaster

You’ve probably heard the rumors about their money. They weren't just rumors. In 2016, a couple of years before the split, they filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. We’re talking $15 million in debt.

Imagine being a household name and having only $200 in cash. That was the reality. They owed money everywhere:

• Over $14 million in unpaid loans and business debts.
• Massive back taxes to both the IRS and the state of New York.
• Leases on multiple high-end cars (Range Rovers, Jeeps) that they couldn't actually afford.
• A restaurant in Sherman Oaks, Xen, that was bleeding money.

Tisha later dropped a bombshell, claiming she didn't even know the full extent of their financial ruin because Duane handled the money. She famously told Entertainment Tonight that when she finally left, she had maybe $7 to her name. She had to start over from absolute zero at 50 years old.

Where Are They Now?

The divorce was finalized in December 2020, but the legal drama over their bankruptcy case actually dragged on until 2024. It took nearly a decade to untangle that web.

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Tisha has been the definition of "resilient." She didn't just sit in the devastation; she went back to work. From Uncoupled on Netflix to recurring roles on Lopez vs Lopez, she’s been rebuilding her career and her bank account. She’s been very open about the "beautiful devastation" of starting over, focusing heavily on her sons, Xen and Ezekiel. Xen, who was diagnosed with autism at a young age, has always been her primary focus, and seeing him thrive as an adult has been her biggest win.

Duane has stayed a bit more under the radar, though he recently made headlines again. In February 2024, he announced his engagement to model Ashley Marie Jones. He’s also stayed connected to his longtime friend Will Smith, appearing in the Bel-Air reboot.

The Real Lessons from the Tisha and Duane Saga

What can we actually learn from this? It’s not just celebrity gossip; it’s a cautionary tale about life and partnership.

1. Financial Transparency is Non-Negotiable
You can't leave 100% of the financial "handling" to a partner without at least looking at the books. Tisha’s struggle to regain her royalties and her $7 starting point is a reminder that "trust" shouldn't mean "blindness."

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2. Starting Over is Possible at Any Age
If Tisha Campbell can go from $15 million in debt and $7 in her pocket to a successful, working actress with her own peace of mind, anyone can pivot. Age is just a number; the hustle is what matters.

3. Peace is More Valuable Than a Brand
Protecting a "public image" at the cost of your mental or physical safety is a losing game. It took 27 years, but Tisha eventually chose herself.

If you’re looking to get your own finances in order after a major life change, start by auditing every single account you have access to. Don't wait for a crisis to understand where your money is going. If you're currently navigating a high-conflict separation, prioritize your legal protections and mental health support over trying to keep up appearances. Your "brand" doesn't matter if you aren't around to enjoy it.