Gabrielle Union Opens Up About Working to Afford Dad’s Dementia Care

Gabrielle Union is showing fans what it really means to “prioritize your family.” While many know her as an actress, entrepreneur, and advocate, behind the scenes she’s also a devoted daughter doing everything she can to support her father, Sylvester Union, who is currently living with dementia.

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During a conversation titled “Sisterhood & Savings” at the American Black Film Festival in Miami on June 12, Union, 52, spoke openly about how her father’s move to memory care in 2023 has had a major impact on her life — especially when it comes to finances and career decisions.

“More recently, my father is in memory care,” she shared, referencing the rising costs of nursing homes, home health aides, and out-of-pocket expenses that aren’t always covered by insurance. “I have to go where the money goes,” she said frankly.

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Union explained that while she would love to do more independent films and passion projects, the financial responsibility of caring for extended family — not just her dad — limits her options. “I don’t have the luxury of taking all the independent films that I want,” she said. “I have to factor in endorsements and brands and brand building.”

She added that being a celebrity doesn’t mean what people think. “We don’t get paid what y’all think that we get paid, and that check is split so many ways. You have to have multiple revenue streams to do the job that you really love.”

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Just days later, on Father’s Day, Union posted a heartfelt tribute to her dad and husband Dwyane Wade, honoring their roles as loving, present fathers. In the Instagram post, she wrote, “My Dad, who is fighting dementia every day to hold onto his precious memories of his children and grandchildren…” alongside a touching photo of the two men.

Union has also spoken about her father’s condition in the past. On his 80th birthday last October, she shared a deeply personal message about what he still remembers — from his favorite whiskey to his days in Hawaii — and the moments that still connect them. “What dementia has robbed him of, his heart and soul have recovered,” she wrote.

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Union recalled a tender exchange from that visit: “When my Dad saw me, he said, ‘I really love you.’ And I said, ‘I love you too Dad.’ Then he replied, ‘How’s your Mom?’… He then asked if I was happy and I told him I was. He nodded and with a grin asked, ‘You not taking no shit are you?’ And I said, ‘Never.’”

For Gabrielle Union, these experiences are more than just memories — they’re reminders to live with intention, loyalty, and strength. “Always show up and show love,” she said. And that’s exactly what she continues to do.

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