When fans think of Hollywood success stories, they often look at the stars in front of the camera. However, the partners behind the scenes frequently play a massive role in that journey. Maurice Oldham was one such figure. He was best known as the husband of the acclaimed actress Kimberly Elise, the star of hit films like Diary of a Mad Black Woman and Beloved. While his famous wife spent her time on red carpets and movie sets, Maurice built his own path as a talented photographer and marketing executive. His life story is one of professional ambition, deep fatherly love, and ultimately, a tragic and untimely end that left his family devastated.
Quick Bio of Maurice Oldham
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Maurice Clifton Oldham |
| Date of Birth | December 30, 1958 |
| Place of Birth | Princeton, New Jersey, USA |
| Date of Death | May 17, 2007 |
| Age at Death | 48 Years Old |
| Cause of Death | Massive Blood Clot |
| Education | Rider College (BA), Atlanta University (MBA) |
| Profession | Photographer, Marketing Executive |
| Famous Ex-Wife | Kimberly Elise (m. 1989–2005) |
| Children | AjaBleu Oldham, JaelaRose Oldham |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
Who Was Maurice Oldham?
Maurice Oldham was an American photographer, business executive, and the former spouse of actress Kimberly Elise. Unlike many Hollywood partners who seek the limelight, Maurice preferred to stay somewhat private, focusing on his creative work and his family. He was a man of high intellect, holding advanced degrees in business, but he eventually followed his artistic side to become a professional photographer.
His life was marked by a strong dedication to his craft and his two daughters. Although his marriage to Kimberly ended in divorce, he remained a central figure in her life and the lives of their children until his sudden death. The story of Maurice Oldham is not just about being a celebrity spouse; it is about a man who navigated the corporate world, the arts, and fatherhood before passing away far too soon.
Early Life and Education
Maurice Oldham was born on December 30, 1958, in Princeton, New Jersey. Growing up in the quiet and academic atmosphere of Princeton, he developed a focus on education early on. He attended local schools in New Jersey before deciding to pursue higher education, which would eventually set the foundation for his early career in the corporate sector.
He enrolled at Rider College in Trenton, New Jersey, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. However, his academic journey did not stop there. Determined to succeed in the business world, Maurice went on to obtain a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Atlanta University. This strong educational background helped him secure high-level positions later in life.
Career Beginnings: The Marketing Executive
Before he ever picked up a professional camera, Maurice Oldham was a successful marketing executive. His MBA provided him with the skills needed to navigate the corporate landscape. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, he worked in various business roles, utilizing his strategic mind to manage brands and campaigns.
It was actually through the business world that his path crossed with Kimberly Elise. Her father owned an executive search firm, and it is believed that Maurice’s professional connections in the marketing and recruitment sectors led to their initial introduction. Even though he would later switch careers, his time as an executive proved he was a man of diverse talents.
Transition to Photography
After moving to Los Angeles in 1994, Maurice Oldham decided to pivot his career. While the corporate world offered stability, the vibrant creative energy of Hollywood seemingly sparked a new passion in him. He transitioned from marketing to the visual arts, establishing his own photography business called MTalent Photography.
As a photographer, Maurice found a new voice. He specialized in capturing moments within the entertainment industry, taking portraits and working on various creative projects. His work allowed him to travel and even exhibit his photos in galleries. This career shift demonstrated that Maurice Oldham was not afraid to reinvent himself to pursue what he loved.
Marriage to Kimberly Elise
The love story between Maurice Oldham and Kimberly Elise began long before she became a household name. The couple met in 1989, shortly after Kimberly had graduated from the University of Minnesota. At that time, neither of them was famous. They were simply two young professionals starting their lives together.
They got married later that same year, in 1989. For over a decade, they were viewed as a strong couple. Maurice supported Kimberly as she transitioned from an aspiring actress to a major movie star. He was by her side during her breakout roles in movies like Set It Off and John Q, providing stability while she navigated the chaos of Hollywood.
The Divorce
After 16 years of marriage, the relationship between Maurice Oldham and Kimberly Elise faced insurmountable challenges. In 2005, the couple made the difficult decision to file for divorce. The split was finalized that year, ending one of the longer marriages in the entertainment industry at the time.
Divorce is never easy, especially when children are involved. However, reports suggest that the two tried to maintain a level of civility for the sake of their family. While the marriage ended, the connection they shared through their history and their daughters meant that Maurice Oldham would always remain a part of Kimberly’s narrative.
Maurice Oldham’s Children
One of the most defining aspects of Maurice Oldham‘s life was his role as a father. He and Kimberly shared two daughters, AjaBleu Oldham and JaelaRose Oldham. Maurice was known to be a devoted dad who was actively involved in their upbringing.
AjaBleu, born in 1990, was their first child. She has often spoken fondly of her father and his influence on her life. Their second daughter, JaelaRose, was born in 1998. Even after the divorce, Maurice continued to be a presence in their lives, volunteering at their schools and spending time with them whenever possible.
How Did Maurice Oldham Die?
The most tragic chapter of this story occurred just two years after the divorce. On May 17, 2007, Maurice Oldham passed away suddenly. The news came as a massive shock to his family, friends, and his ex-wife. He was only 48 years old at the time of his death.
The cause of his untimely passing was a massive blood clot. This medical emergency struck without warning, cutting short the life of a man who still had so much ahead of him. His death left a void that could not be filled, particularly for his young daughters, who were just teenagers and children at the time.
The Aftermath for the Family
The death of Maurice Oldham was devastating for Kimberly Elise. In interviews following his passing, she described the period as incredibly “raw” and painful. Even though they were divorced, losing the father of her children was a profound blow. She had to navigate her own grief while being the rock for AjaBleu and JaelaRose.
Kimberly took time to help her daughters process the loss. It was a dark time for the family, but they leaned on each other for support. The sudden nature of his death served as a harsh reminder of how fragile life can be, changing the family’s dynamic forever.
Maurice Oldham Net Worth
Because Maurice Oldham worked primarily behind the scenes, his exact financial standing was never a matter of public record. Unlike his famous ex-wife, whose contracts were often reported in trade magazines, Maurice’s income came from his private business ventures.
However, estimates suggest he was financially comfortable. Between his early career as a marketing executive and his later work as the owner of MTalent Photography, he likely built a respectable net worth. While not in the millions like a blockbuster actor, Maurice Oldham was a successful professional who provided well for his family during his lifetime.
Was He an Actor?
There is often confusion online regarding Maurice Oldham and his involvement in movies. Some fans search for his filmography, wondering if he appeared alongside his wife. It is important to clarify that Maurice was not an actor by trade.
While he may have had very minor credits or worked on sets due to his proximity to the industry—such as potential association with the film Woman Thou Art Loosed—his primary identity was that of a photographer. The acting spotlight was reserved for Kimberly, while Maurice focused on capturing images rather than performing in them.
A Passion for the Arts
Although he started in business, Maurice Oldham had a true artistic soul. His photography was not just a job; it was a form of expression. He enjoyed documenting the world around him, and his move to Los Angeles allowed him to immerse himself in a community of creatives.
Friends and family remember him as someone who appreciated beauty and composition. This artistic sensibility is a trait he likely passed down to his children, who have grown up in a household that valued both creativity and education.
Remembering Maurice Oldham
Today, Maurice Oldham is remembered not just as the ex-husband of a celebrity, but as a distinct individual with his own accomplishments. He was a Princeton native, an MBA graduate, a business owner, and most importantly, a father.
His legacy lives on through AjaBleu and JaelaRose. Both daughters have grown into adults who carry the memory of their father with them. On social media and in private moments, the family continues to honor the man who helped shape their early lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was Maurice Oldham?
He was a marketing executive and professional photographer, best known as the ex-husband of actress Kimberly Elise. - How did Maurice Oldham die?
Maurice passed away suddenly on May 17, 2007, from a massive blood clot at the age of 48. - How many children did Maurice Oldham have?
He had two daughters with Kimberly Elise: AjaBleu Oldham (born in 1990) and JaelaRose Oldham (born in 1998). - Was Maurice Oldham an actor?
No, he was not an actor. While he worked in the entertainment industry, his primary profession was photography. - When did Maurice Oldham and Kimberly Elise divorce?
The couple finalized their divorce in 2005, just two years before his untimely death.
Conclusion
Maurice Oldham may have lived much of his life in the shadow of his famous wife’s career, but his story is significant in its own right. From his early days in New Jersey to his creative reinvention in California, he was a man who pursued his interests and loved his family deeply. His marriage to Kimberly Elise brought him into the public eye, but it was his character and his role as a father that defined him.
Tragically, his life ended far too soon at the age of 48. The loss of Maurice Oldham remains a poignant chapter in the lives of those who knew him. Through the memories of his daughters and the photographs he left behind, his spirit endures, reminding us of the man behind the camera.
Curious for more? Dive deeper on our site now! News Well
