Meet Cynthia Blaise: Actress, Dialect Coach, and Keegan-Michael Key’s Ex-Wife

Have you ever watched a movie and thought, “Wow, that actor’s accent sounds so real”? That might be thanks to someone like Cynthia Blaise. She’s one of those people in Hollywood who worked behind the scenes to make sure actors sound just right. But that’s not all she’s known for.

Many people first heard her name because of her marriage to comedian Keegan-Michael Key. They were together for 17 years before going their separate ways. But Cynthia’s story is much bigger than just being someone’s ex-wife.

In this article, we’ll get to know the real Cynthia Blaise. From her career as an actress and dialect coach to her marriage, divorce, and what happened after—it’s all here in a simple and friendly way.

Cynthia Blaise Quick Bio

Early Life and Love for Acting

Cynthia Blaise grew up in the United States and always had a passion for performance. Like many kids who dream of being on stage or in front of a camera, she loved theater from a young age. Acting wasn’t just a hobby for her—it was something she truly wanted to do with her life.

She followed her heart and worked hard to build a life in the arts. Cynthia believed that with the right training, she could turn her love for acting into a real career. And that’s exactly what she did.

Her story is inspiring because it shows how someone can take a dream and turn it into something real, even if they don’t become a household name. She found her place in the world of film and theater—and stayed in it for decades.

Cynthia Blaise’s Education and Training

To become good at something, you have to learn and grow. Cynthia took that seriously. She went to the University of Oregon, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre. But she didn’t stop there.

She continued her education at the University of California, Irvine, and got her Master’s degree in Fine Arts (also called an MFA). This is a big step for anyone in the world of acting, and it gave her strong skills in voice, performance, and stage work.

Thanks to her education, Cynthia didn’t just act—she learned how to teach, guide, and help others in the acting world. This made her stand out later on when she started helping actors with their voices and accents.

Her Acting Career in Hollywood

Cynthia began her acting career in a big way. In 1989, she landed her first major role in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. She played the young version of Amanda Grayson, Spock’s mother. Even though it was a small part, it was a big deal for her career.

She later appeared in films like Timequest and Hardcore Henry. In 2006, she had a role in the popular TV series Miami Vice. She also did a voice role in Robot Chicken in 2016, showing her talent in different styles of acting.

What makes Cynthia special is that she didn’t chase fame. She focused on quality work, choosing roles that allowed her to grow and stay connected to her love for storytelling and film.

Becoming a Hollywood Dialect Coach

After a few years of acting, Cynthia found a new calling—dialect coaching. If you’re wondering what that means, here’s a simple way to explain it: she helped actors learn how to speak with different accents. Whether someone had to sound British, Southern, or like they came from another country, Cynthia taught them how to do it naturally.

She became a go-to expert in this field. Her strong background in theater and voice made her a perfect fit for this behind-the-scenes role. And in Hollywood, this kind of work is super important.

Thanks to Cynthia’s help, many actors gave better performances and sounded more believable in their roles. She didn’t need to be in the spotlight to make a big impact.

Cynthia Blaise’s Most Famous Coaching Work

Cynthia’s coaching career really took off in the early 2000s. One of her most well-known projects was working with actor Mekhi Phifer in the hit film 8 Mile (2002). She helped him get the right accent for his role, and it paid off.

She also worked on several other big movies and shows, including:

• Bad Teacher (2011)

• The Truth About Emanuel

• Faster

• Beautiful & Twisted

• Justice (TV series, 7 episodes)

• The Tiger Hunter (2016, her last known credit)

Her skills were trusted by directors and actors alike. Many productions wouldn’t be the same without her work behind the scenes.

Teaching and Workshops in Top Universities

Before and during her Hollywood work, Cynthia also spent years teaching. She wasn’t just coaching actors on movie sets—she was teaching students how to use their voices on stage.

She worked at schools like:

• Temple University

• Wayne State University

• University of Illinois at Chicago

She also held workshops and taught speech and dialect at:

• Western Kentucky University

• Southern Birmingham College

• University of New Hampshire

Her students weren’t just learning how to speak. They were learning how to connect, how to perform, and how to become the character. Cynthia’s work helped shape many young actors before they ever stepped in front of a camera.

Cynthia Blaise and Keegan-Michael Key’s Love Story

Cynthia met Keegan-Michael Key at the Detroit Repertory Theater. They were working on a play called Hamtown, and something just clicked between them. They started dating, and after four years, they got married in 1998.

Their relationship was private but strong. They shared a love for the arts, theater, and storytelling. For years, they seemed like the perfect creative couple—supporting each other in their careers and appearing together at red carpet events.

They didn’t seek a lot of media attention. Instead, they focused on their work, their bond, and their shared dreams. For a long time, everything looked happy from the outside.

The Age Gap and Private Marriage Life

One detail that surprised some people was their age difference. Cynthia was 14 years older than Keegan. But to them, age was just a number. They didn’t let it affect their relationship.

They supported each other in public and in private. Cynthia even appeared on a few episodes of Key & Peele, the comedy show that made Keegan famous. It was clear they enjoyed working together and being part of each other’s lives.

They often appeared together at big events, including the 67th Emmy Awards and the Creative Arts Emmys in 2015. People admired them as a classy, talented, and down-to-earth couple.

Cynthia Blaise’s Divorce from Keegan-Michael Key

Even the strongest relationships can sometimes come to an end. That’s what happened with Cynthia Blaise and Keegan-Michael Key. After being together for nearly two decades, they decided to go their separate ways.

They officially separated on November 15, 2015, and Key filed for divorce shortly after. The process was long and emotional, and their divorce was finalized in November 2017. Many fans were shocked, especially since the couple had always appeared so supportive and close.

While Keegan’s career was on the rise at the time, the divorce hit Cynthia hard—not just emotionally, but financially and physically as well.

Divorce Settlement and Financial Details

The court records showed some surprising numbers. Keegan-Michael Key was ordered to pay Cynthia $34,000 per month in spousal support. On top of that, she would receive 21% of his annual income if it went above $2.15 million. But the total spousal support would not go over $700,000 per year.

She also received a $655,000 lump sum to help balance out the division of their shared assets. The court awarded her the couple’s timeshare, a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek, and a vacation home in Mexico.

These numbers may seem high, but for Cynthia, it wasn’t just about money. She had supported their life and helped behind the scenes while Key built his public career. The financial settlement was part of recognizing her contribution to their long partnership.

Health Struggles After the Divorce

The end of her marriage deeply affected Cynthia Blaise. According to reports, she suffered from severe depression, anxiety, and even PTSD. She also experienced hair loss, weight loss, and other health issues.

She was reportedly on multiple medications starting in 2015 to help manage these conditions. For someone who had spent years helping others find their voice on stage, she suddenly felt lost in her own life.

It was clear the divorce didn’t just break her heart—it also shook her sense of stability and peace. Many people go through hard times after a breakup, but Cynthia’s case showed how deep the emotional pain can go.

Where Is Cynthia Blaise Now?

After her divorce, Cynthia Blaise chose to live a quiet and private life. She slowly stepped away from Hollywood and didn’t take on any new film or dialect work after 2016. Her last known project was the movie The Tiger Hunter.

She has not remarried, and as of now, there are no public details about her dating life or current career. It seems she decided to take time for herself and focus on healing—both emotionally and physically.

While her ex-husband moved on and married producer Elisa Pugliese in 2018, Cynthia remained out of the spotlight. She didn’t give interviews or appear at public events. She simply disappeared from Hollywood and has kept her life offline ever since.

Cynthia Blaise’s Net Worth

Even though Cynthia Blaise is no longer active in film, her work still matters. She spent over 35 years helping actors find their voice. From big movies like 8 Mile to working in top universities, she made a lasting impact in both Hollywood and education.

As of 2025, her net worth is estimated to be around $1 million, much of which came from her long career and her divorce settlement. But her real value isn’t in dollars—it’s in the voices she helped shape, the students she trained, and the performances she improved.

She may not be on camera anymore, but behind the scenes, she played a powerful role.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to remember Cynthia Blaise as Keegan-Michael Key’s ex-wife, but that’s only one part of her story. She was already a talented artist before they met—and she built a full career of her own.

Yes, her divorce was painful. Yes, it changed her life. But it didn’t erase the years of hard work she put into acting, coaching, and teaching. Cynthia Blaise was—and still is—a strong, smart, and skilled woman who gave a lot to the world of film and theater.

She may live in silence now, away from the public eye, but her voice still echoes through the actors she trained and the work she left behind.

(FAQs)

How old is Cynthia Blaise, and when is her birthday?

Cynthia Blaise was born on April 6, 1958, so she’s 67 years old in 2025. Many people are surprised to learn that she’s 14 years older than her ex-husband, Keegan-Michael Key.

What movies and TV shows has Cynthia Blaise been in?

Cynthia appeared in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, Miami Vice, Hardcore Henry, and Robot Chicken. She also worked behind the camera as a dialect coach for big movies like 8 Mile, Bad Teacher, and Faster.

Does Cynthia Blaise have any children?

No, Cynthia never had any children. She and Keegan-Michael Key were married for 17 years, but they didn’t have kids together.

Why did Cynthia Blaise and Keegan-Michael Key get divorced?

Their marriage ended in 2017 after 17 years together. The reason was listed as “irreconcilable differences.” The divorce hit Cynthia hard — she struggled with stress, anxiety, and depression afterward.

What is Cynthia Blaise’s net worth?

Cynthia Blaise has an estimated net worth of around $1 million. She earned most of it from her Hollywood career and a divorce settlement that included monthly support payments from Keegan-Michael Key.