Tika Sumpter — Biography
Born on June 20, 1980, Tika Sumpter has carved out a notable career as an American actress, producer, and television personality. Her work spans popular television series like The Haves and the Have Nots and Mixed-ish, as well as the action-packed Sonic the Hedgehog movies. Hailing from Queens, New York, Sumpter's journey into entertainment began in the realm of daytime dramas before she moved on to bigger screen and small screen opportunities. As of June 2025, she is 45 years old.
In television, Sumpter first gained significant attention for her portrayal of Layla Williamson on One Life to Live, a role she held from 2005 to 2011. She continued to build her resume with appearances on Gossip Girl and, most notably, as Candace Young in Tyler Perry's long-running series, The Haves and the Have Nots, from 2013 to 2021. More recently, she took on the role of Alicia Johnson in ABC's Mixed-ish.
On the cinematic front, Sumpter brought Maddie Wachowski to life in the Sonic the Hedgehog film series, appearing in the 2020 installment and its subsequent sequels. She also took on a dual role as star and producer for Southside with You, a 2016 film that explored the initial romance between Michelle and Barack Obama.
In her personal life, Sumpter is married to fellow actor Nicholas James, with whom she tied the knot on May 14, 2022. Her educational background includes a degree from Marymount Manhattan College. Prior to her acting success, she also worked as a model and host. Sumpter is admired for her adaptability, moving seamlessly between the worlds of soap operas, comedies, and action films, while also expanding her influence behind the camera as a producer.
In television, Sumpter first gained significant attention for her portrayal of Layla Williamson on One Life to Live, a role she held from 2005 to 2011. She continued to build her resume with appearances on Gossip Girl and, most notably, as Candace Young in Tyler Perry's long-running series, The Haves and the Have Nots, from 2013 to 2021. More recently, she took on the role of Alicia Johnson in ABC's Mixed-ish.
On the cinematic front, Sumpter brought Maddie Wachowski to life in the Sonic the Hedgehog film series, appearing in the 2020 installment and its subsequent sequels. She also took on a dual role as star and producer for Southside with You, a 2016 film that explored the initial romance between Michelle and Barack Obama.
In her personal life, Sumpter is married to fellow actor Nicholas James, with whom she tied the knot on May 14, 2022. Her educational background includes a degree from Marymount Manhattan College. Prior to her acting success, she also worked as a model and host. Sumpter is admired for her adaptability, moving seamlessly between the worlds of soap operas, comedies, and action films, while also expanding her influence behind the camera as a producer.
