Sonequa Martin-Green – Biography, Age, Net Worth and Roles

Sonequa Martin‑Green is an American actress best known for her starring roles as Sasha Williams on The Walking Dead and Michael Burnham on Star Trek: Discovery. Born in Alabama, she has carved a path from supporting television roles to becoming a history‑making lead in one of science fiction’s most iconic franchises.

Her career reflects a steady rise through the television ranks. After early appearances on shows like The Good Wife and Army Wives, she gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of a sharpshooting survivor in the zombie drama. That visibility led to her casting as the central character in Star Trek: Discovery, a role that placed her at the forefront of a new era for the franchise.

Beyond her on‑screen work, Martin‑Green is known for keeping her personal life relatively private. She is married to actor Kenric Green, and the couple have two children. Public details about her parents are not widely documented, and her net worth remains an estimate based on industry figures.

What role did Sonequa Martin‑Green play on The Walking Dead?

Sonequa Martin‑Green played Sasha Williams on AMC’s The Walking Dead. Introduced in season 3, Sasha was a skilled survivor and sharpshooter who became a fan‑favourite character over multiple seasons. Her story arc concluded in season 7, when the character died. The role significantly raised Martin‑Green’s profile in the television industry.

Key insights

• She rose to fame as Sasha Williams on AMC’s The Walking Dead (2012–2017).
• She currently stars as the titular captain Michael Burnham on Paramount+’s Star Trek: Discovery (2017–2024).
• She had a guest role in Orange is the New Black as Bayley’s girlfriend.
• She married actor Kenric Green in 2018; they have one son, Xen Martin‑Green.
• Net worth is estimated at $3 million, though exact figures vary.

Snapshot facts

Who is Sonequa Martin‑Green married to?

Sonequa Martin‑Green is married to Kenric Green, an actor known for his own work in television and film. The couple married in 2018. Their relationship has largely remained out of the public spotlight, though both have spoken in interviews about their shared profession.

Children

The couple have two children together. Their eldest son, Xen Martin‑Green, was born in 2018. The names of their other child are not always consistently disclosed in reliable public sources, as the family is generally fairly private regarding their children’s identities.

Parents

Details about Martin‑Green’s parents are not widely documented. Public biographical sources commonly mention that she was born and raised in Russellville, Alabama, but her parents’ names and professions are not prominently featured in available sources. This area of her personal life remains largely private.

How old is Sonequa Martin‑Green?

Sonequa Martin‑Green was born on March 21, 1985, in Russellville, Alabama. As of 2026, she is 41 years old. Her age is consistently reported across reliable biographical sources.

Height

Her height is commonly listed as approximately 5 feet 6 inches (about 168 centimetres). Some sources list her at 5′7″ (1.70 m), but the most frequently cited figure is 5′6″.

Net worth

Net worth figures for celebrities are often speculative, and Martin‑Green’s is no exception. Common public estimates place her net worth in the low millions of dollars. A cautious summary would be an estimate in the range of several million dollars, with $3 million being the most commonly cited figure. Exact verified figures are not publicly confirmed.

Career timeline: Key milestones

1. 1985 – Born in Russellville, Alabama.
2. 2009 – First credited TV role in The Good Wife.
3. 2012–2017 – Recurring/starring role as Sasha Williams on The Walking Dead.
4. 2014 – Guest appearance on Orange is the New Black.
5. 2017–2024 – Starred as Michael Burnham on Star Trek: Discovery.
6. 2018 – Married actor Kenric Green; gave birth to son Xen.

What is confirmed and what is uncertain?

What is the broader context of Sonequa Martin‑Green’s career?

Sonequa Martin‑Green’s career reflects a breakthrough for Black women in sci‑fi and horror genres. Her role as Michael Burnham on Star Trek: Discovery made history as the first Black female lead in a Star Trek series. She represents a shift toward diverse casting in major franchises.

Her transition from supporting roles to lead status mirrors a broader industry trend. After building credibility on The Walking Dead, she took on a character that challenged traditional casting norms in a franchise with a long history. Her performance has been widely praised for bringing emotional depth to a complex role.

Off‑screen, Martin‑Green has spoken about representation and the importance of seeing people of colour and women in positions of strength and leadership. Her casting and continued presence in the franchise have been cited by industry observers as a milestone for inclusivity in television.

What have others said about her work?

“I think it’s important for people of colour, for women, for all people to see themselves in these positions of strength and leadership.”

Sonequa Martin‑Green, as quoted in an interview with Essence (2017), on her role as Michael Burnham.

“Sonequa Martin‑Green brings an emotional depth and strength to the role that is rare.”

Alex Kurtzman, Star Trek: Discovery executive producer, via Entertainment Weekly, praising her performance.

Summary: Key takeaways about Sonequa Martin‑Green

Sonequa Martin‑Green is an American actress best known for leading roles in The Walking Dead and Star Trek: Discovery. Born in 1985 in Alabama, she built her career through notable television guest spots before becoming a franchise lead. She is married to actor Kenric Green and has two children. While her professional achievements are well‑documented, details about her net worth and some aspects of her personal life remain unconfirmed. For a deeper look at her career, see our Sonequa Martin‑Green: Overview.

Frequently asked questions