Bernadette Robi, a former model, is the wife of boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard. Despite her unique identity, she has successfully established herself in the modeling industry. However, she ultimately chose to step away from the limelight.
As an American boxing legend, Sugar Ray Leonard has achieved many incredible feats. But perhaps his biggest achievement is that he has been married to his beloved wife, Bernadette Robi, for so long.
Their enduring relationship has been the envy of many. Sugar Ray and his wife's unwavering commitment to each other has inspired all who know them.
Sugar Ray Leonard and Bernadette Robi attend the HollyRod Foundation's 16th Annual DesignCare in Los Angeles, California in July 2014. | Source: Getty Images
Bernadette has been Sugar Ray's beloved wife for three decades, and their unbreakable bond has endured since they got married 30 years ago, making him fortunate to have her in his life.
Sugar Ray's longtime wife is a thriving woman in the world of entrepreneurship. According to her Instagram account, her bio proudly declares her status as an accomplished businesswoman.
Bernadette Robi Had Difficulties Because of Her Mixed Heritage
Bernadette was born in a musician's family on April 18, 1959, in Brooklyn, New York. Her father was Paul Irvin Robi, one of the original members of the famous singing group The Platters. Bernadette's mother, Martha Robi, was a white Argentinian woman.
The family later moved to Southern California from New York. Bernadette grew up in a middle-class environment that shielded her from the worst of racism, but she faced discrimination in high school, where her troubles began.
Even though white students widely accepted Bernadette, she recalled that some black students, especially girls, threatened her, called her names, and even hurt her physically.
She said the experience was awful. The constant harassment made it hard for her to concentrate on her studies and caused her to dislike going to school.
After high school, Bernadette would eventually work as a model in Los Angeles. Bernadette had faced numerous challenges at work as a woman of mixed-race heritage. She said:
"But I have to deal with it ever since I was very young."
Bernadette Robi and Sugar Ray Leonard attend Sugar Ray Leonard's 2nd Annual Charity Boxing Night at the Santa Monica Pier on May 24, 2011, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images
According to Bernadette, most people often assume that she is a white woman, but some members of the black community have criticized her skin color as "unacceptable."
Having left her modeling job behind, Bernadette discovered an alternative calling in life beyond that of a businesswoman.
Whenever she attended interviews, clients commented she was "light-skinned" and expressed concerns that she might offend someone, suggesting she was not a suitable candidate for the job.
Sugar Ray Leonard and Bernadette Robi attend the "Creed" film premiere on November 19, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Bernadette Has Been Married Twice
Bernadette married her first husband, former football player Lynn Swann, on June 10, 1979, with a $30,000 reception and a $1,500 four-tiered wedding cake. The couple's wedding had over 500 guests.
Former sports celebrities such as O.J. Simpson, Julius Erving, and Sam Cunningham were among the notable guests of the newlyweds. The couple honeymooned in Paris and London and later nestled in Marina Del Rey, California, at the time.
However, after ten years of marriage, Bernadette and Lynn divorced in 1983. A few years later, in April 1989, the former model met Sugar Ray at a Luther Vandross concert.
Bernadette Robi and Sugar Ray Leonard attend th event A Sense of Home Gala on Novemebr 1, 2019, in Los Angeles, Califronia. | Source: Getty Images
Bernadette attended the concert with renowned saxophonist Kenny G and the latter's girlfriend. When Kenny G discovered Sugar Ray, he called and inquired about his marital status, noting Bernadette's interest.
When Sugar Ray met Bernadette, he was already divorced from his first wife, Juanita Wilkinson, with whom the former boxer was married from January 1980 to December 1990.
Bernadette stated that while Sugar Ray used to be a rough guy in the ring, his soft side and gentle demeanor blew her away. She described the athlete as "down-to-earth with an incredible heart."
After tying the knot on August 20, 1993, the couple welcomed two children named Camille and Daniel. Their two kids added to Sugar Ray's two children from his previous marriage, Ray Charles Jr. and Jarrel.
Bernadette and Sugar Ray Leonard are still married and have a healthy relationship. Sugar Ray frequently posts pictures of himself and his wife on Instagram, where they can be seen spending time together.
They would occasionally post sweet photos of themselves with their children, either they were enjoying a family night out or simply strolling around New York City.
Bernadette Robi Is the Director of the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation
To maintain her personal space, Bernadette has made her Instagram account private. But she highlighted the importance of believing in God and enjoying motherhood in her bio.
Having left her modeling job behind, Bernadette discovered an alternative calling in life beyond that of a businesswoman. She is now the director of the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation; she and her husband founded the nonprofit group in 2009.
The foundation's mission is to help children live healthier lives through diet and exercise while raising funds for research into type 1 and type 2 diabetes in kids. In addition, the foundation would also contribute to adult diabetes research.
Despite facing adversities in life, Bernadette Robi demonstrates her strength and resilience through her dedication to both her relationship with her husband and her successful business career.
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