The name Ruth Roper Givens (often known as Ruth Roper) frequently appears in the archives of American pop culture, primarily recognized as the mother of the talented actress Robin Givens. While many know her through the lens of her daughter’s high-profile career and marriage to Mike Tyson, Ruth’s own life is a testament to resilience, ambition, and the strength of a single mother. Born as Ruth Newby in Kentucky in 1946, she journeyed from the suburbs of Lexington to the fast-paced corporate world of New York City. Throughout her life, she navigated personal challenges and professional triumphs, ultimately becoming a successful computer consultant and a pivotal figure in her daughters’ lives.
Ruth Roper Givens: Quick Profile & Bio
| Full Name | Ruth Newby Givens (commonly known as Ruth Roper) |
| Date of Birth | 1946 |
| Birthplace | Lexington, Kentucky, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Education | Studied in Lexington and New York City |
| Profession | Computer Consultant, Entrepreneur, and Former Travel Agent |
| Known For | Being the mother and manager of actress Robin Givens |
| Spouse | Reuben Givens (married June 6, 1964; divorced 1969) |
| Children | Robin Givens (Actress), Stephanie Givens (Professional Athlete/Actress, d. 2014) |
| Grandchildren | Michael Givens, William Givens Jensen |
| Residence | Primarily based in New York and New Jersey |
| Faith | Catholicism |
| Notable Associations | Mike Tyson (former son-in-law), Dave Winfield (former partner) |
The Early Life of Ruth Newby Givens
The story of Ruth Roper Givens begins in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky, where she was born into the Newby family. Growing up in a period of significant social change, Ruth experienced the complexities of a changing America firsthand. Her childhood was marked by the divorce of her parents, an event that led her to move to New York City with her mother at a young age. This transition from the Southern landscape to the urban sprawl of New York would later define her adaptability and drive for success. Despite the distance, she maintained a connection to her roots, returning to Lexington during her teenage years to visit her father.
Meeting Reuben Givens and Early Marriage
It was during one of those teenage visits to Lexington that Ruth met Reuben Givens, a local high school basketball and baseball star. Reuben was a prominent figure in the community, known for his athletic prowess at Douglass and Lafayette High Schools. The connection between them was immediate, leading Ruth to stay in Kentucky to be near him. The couple married on June 6, 1964, when Ruth was still very young. This marriage marked the beginning of a new chapter, as the young couple soon welcomed their first daughter, Robin Givens, on November 27, 1964.
Transitioning to Motherhood in New York
Shortly after their marriage, the family relocated to New York, where Reuben Givens sought professional opportunities in sports. However, the pressures of early marriage and the demands of raising a family in a competitive city took their toll. After the birth of their second daughter, Stephanie Givens, in 1962, the relationship began to fracture. By 1969, Ruth and Reuben officially divorced, leaving Ruth as a single mother of two young girls at the age of just 20. This period was a defining moment for Ruth Roper Givens, as she was forced to balance the emotional weight of a divorce with the practicalities of providing for her children.
Ruth Roper’s Career as a Single Parent
Facing the world as a single parent in the late 1960s, Ruth Roper Givens displayed incredible tenacity. She initially found work at Trans World Airlines (TWA), a role that likely fueled her interest in travel and organization. She later transitioned into the role of a travel agent, a career that allowed her to develop the professional skills she would later use to launch her own business. Her focus remained steadfastly on her daughters’ education and future, ensuring they had access to the best opportunities despite the absence of their father, who remained largely estranged from their lives.
The Rise of a Computer Consulting Entrepreneur
As the 1970s and 80s progressed, Ruth’s professional ambitions evolved. She recognized the growing importance of technology and transitioned into the field of computer consulting. This was a significant shift, as the tech industry was largely male-dominated at the time. Ruth founded her own firm, a move that established her as a successful entrepreneur in her own right. Her success in business provided the financial stability needed to enroll Robin and Stephanie in prestigious private schools like the New Rochelle Academy, laying the groundwork for their future academic and professional achievements.
Influence on Robin Givens’ Academic Success
Ruth Roper Givens was known for being an exceptionally involved mother, often described as a precursor to the modern “helicopter mom.” She held high expectations for her daughters, particularly concerning their education. Under her guidance, Robin Givens excelled academically, enrolling at Sarah Lawrence College at 15 as a pre-med major. While Ruth initially pushed for Robin to become a physician, her influence ensured that Robin had the intellectual foundation to succeed in any field she chose. This push for excellence was a hallmark of Ruth’s parenting style, driven by a desire to see her children achieve the security she had to fight for.
Supporting the Arts and Hollywood Dreams
While Ruth valued traditional academic paths, she also encouraged her daughters’ creative interests. She enrolled Robin in acting classes at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and supported Stephanie’s pursuit of a professional tennis career. When Robin Givens decided to pivot from medicine to acting, Ruth eventually supported the change, especially after Bill Cosby offered to mentor the young actress. This balance of discipline and support allowed Robin to land her breakthrough role in the ABC sitcom “Head of the Class” in 1986, a success that Ruth witnessed with immense pride.
The High-Profile Marriage to Mike Tyson
In 1988, the Givens family became the center of intense media scrutiny when Robin Givens married heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson. As the mother of the bride, Ruth Roper Givens was often portrayed in the press as a controlling figure. During the tumultuous eight-month marriage, she was a constant presence, often appearing alongside her daughter. The media’s portrayal of Ruth was frequently polarizing, with some accusing her of being too involved in the couple’s finances and others seeing her as a protective mother shielding her daughter from a volatile environment.
Ruth Roper and the Dave Winfield Legal Battle
In the early 1980s, prior to Robin’s marriage to Tyson, Ruth Roper Givens had a notable relationship with New York Yankees star Dave Winfield. The relationship ended in 1985, followed by a high-profile lawsuit where Ruth accused Winfield of giving her a communicable disease. The case was eventually settled out of court in 1988 with no admission of guilt from Winfield. This legal battle was one of the first times Ruth’s personal life was thrust into the public eye, showcasing her willingness to fight for herself in a legal and social arena.
Life After the Headlines
Following the high-profile divorce of Robin and Mike Tyson, the media attention eventually subsided, allowing Ruth Roper Givens to return to a more private life. She continued to be a pillar of support for her daughters and her grandchildren. Her resilience through the “Champ and the Vamp” era of the late 80s demonstrated her ability to withstand public pressure while keeping her family unit intact. She remained a fixture in the lives of her grandsons, Michael and William, continuing the tradition of strong matriarchal leadership in the Givens family.
The Loss of Stephanie Givens
A significant tragedy in Ruth’s life was the passing of her younger daughter, Stephanie Givens, in 2014. Stephanie, who had been a professional tennis player and later an actress, died after a brief illness. The loss was a devastating blow to the family. Ruth Roper Givens and Robin leaned on their faith and each other during this difficult time. This event further highlighted the deep bond between Ruth and her daughters, a bond forged through decades of shared triumphs and trials.
Ruth Roper Givens’ Legacy as a Matriarch
Today, Ruth Roper Givens is remembered as more than just a celebrity mother. She represents a generation of women who navigated the challenges of single motherhood and professional entrepreneurship with grace and grit. Her story is one of transformation—from a young girl in Kentucky to a business owner in New York. Her legacy lives on through her daughter Robin’s enduring career and the strong family values she instilled in her children and grandchildren.
Personal Beliefs and Faith
Throughout her life, especially during the more turbulent years, Ruth remained grounded in her faith. Raised Catholic, the family’s spiritual beliefs provided a source of comfort during times of crisis, including the legal battles and the loss of loved ones. In her memoir, “Grace Will Lead Me Home”, Robin Givens speaks extensively about the influence of the women in her family, including her mother Ruth and grandmother Grace, noting how their prayers and resilience shaped her own journey through the storm.
Conclusion
In summary, Ruth Roper Givens is a figure whose life story is rich with complexity and strength. Far from being just a footnote in a celebrity’s biography, she is a woman who carved out her own path as a business executive and a dedicated parent. From the streets of Lexington to the heights of New York society, her journey reflects a relentless drive to provide for her family and protect her legacy. Her influence on Robin Givens and the late Stephanie Givens remains her most significant achievement, marking her as a true matriarch of the entertainment world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Ruth Roper Givens?
Ruth Roper Givens is the mother of American actress Robin Givens. She was a successful computer consultant and entrepreneur who raised her two daughters as a single mother in New York.
2. Was Ruth Roper Givens married to Dave Winfield?
No, they were never married. They had a relationship in the early 1980s, which ended in 1985, followed by a settled legal dispute in 1988.
3. What was Ruth Roper Givens’ profession?
She worked as a travel agent before founding her own computer consulting firm. She was a highly successful business executive during the 1980s.
4. Where was Ruth Roper Givens born?
She was born as Ruth Newby in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1946.
5. How many children does Ruth Roper Givens have?
She had two daughters: the famous actress Robin Givens and the late professional tennis player and actress Stephanie Givens.
6. Did Ruth Roper Givens write a book?
While she hasn’t published a standalone autobiography, she is a central figure in her daughter Robin Givens’ memoir, “Grace Will Lead Me Home”, which details the family’s history and Ruth’s influence.
