Brief Introduction of Claudia Jordan
Claudia Jordan is a multifaceted American television and radio personality, actress, model, and businesswoman. Born on April 12, 1973, she has built a dynamic career spanning over three decades, captivating audiences with her charisma and versatility. Jordan is widely recognized for her prominent roles as a model on popular game shows such as The Price Is Right and Deal or No Deal. She further solidified her public presence through appearances on reality television, notably as a main cast member in the seventh season of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta and as a contestant on The Celebrity Apprentice. Her engaging personality and diverse talents have established her as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Claudia Jordan Overview
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Claudia Angela Jordan |
| Date of Birth | April 12, 1973 |
| Age (as of August 2025) | 52 years old |
| Birthplace | Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American (father) and Italian (mother) |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Profession | Television Personality, Actress, Host, Model, Businesswoman, Radio Personality |
| Net Worth (approx.) | USD $500 thousand (approx.) |
| Marital Status | Not currently married; previously married to Datari Turner (m. 2009; div. 2010/annulled) |
| Children | N/A |
| Alma Mater | Baldwin Wallace University, Long Island University (BA) |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
Early Life and Education of Claudia Jordan
Claudia Angela Jordan was born on April 12, 1973, in Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.. Her background is a blend of cultures, with an African-American father and an Italian mother. Her parents met in Italy while her father was stationed there with the U.S. Air Force.
During her high school years, Jordan was a successful athlete, excelling in track and field where she earned all-state honors as a sprinter and competed in three Junior Olympics. After high school, she transitioned into the world of beauty pageants. In 1990, she was crowned Miss Rhode Island Teen USA and went on to compete in the Miss Teen USA pageant. Seven years later, in 1997, she won the title of Miss Rhode Island USA, becoming the second African-American woman to achieve this. This victory led her to compete in the Miss USA 1997 pageant, where she placed in the Top 10.
Jordan initially considered a career in biology but switched her major after receiving positive feedback for an article she wrote for her college newspaper. She pursued higher education, studying broadcasting and journalism at Baldwin Wallace University and later earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Long Island University. During her college years, she hosted her own campus radio program and gained early professional experience working at the Providence American newspaper and the Boston television station WHDH-TV.
Claudia Jordan’s Career
Early Career and Game Show Success
Claudia Jordan’s career journey began in modeling and television commercials, appearing in advertisements for major brands such as Coors Light, Sears, Pepsi, and Visa. Her foray into national television started with game shows. From 2001 to 2003, she was known as a “Barker’s Beauty” on the iconic CBS game show The Price Is Right. She later sued the show for wrongful termination, sexual harassment, and race discrimination, which was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount. Following this, Jordan achieved significant recognition as one of the inaugural briefcase models on NBC’s hit game show Deal or No Deal from 2005 to 2009, where she famously held briefcase number 1 for most of her four-season tenure.
Reality Television Stardom
Jordan expanded her presence into reality television, competing on two seasons of Donald Trump’s The Celebrity Apprentice. She appeared in Season 2, selecting the NAPSAC Foundation as her charity, and later returned for the All-Star version in Season 6. In 2009, she was hired by Donald Trump to co-host the Miss Universe pageant in the Bahamas alongside Billy Bush.
A significant milestone in her reality TV career was joining the cast of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA) as a main housewife for its seventh season, which premiered in 2014. Her time on RHOA garnered her a considerable fan base, and she later made guest appearances in subsequent seasons. While her full-time role on the show concluded, she has expressed openness to a potential return.
Hosting and Radio Ventures
Beyond modeling and reality TV, Jordan established herself as a versatile host. Her early hosting gigs included being a red-carpet correspondent for Fox Sports West’s 54321 and appearing on The Best Damn Sports Show Period. She also co-hosted The Modern Girl’s Guide to Life on E! and The Style Network for two seasons. In the realm of radio, Jordan was a prominent personality on Jamie Foxx’s Sirius/XM channel, The Foxxhole, where she eventually landed her own weekly show, “The Claudia Jordan Show.”
She also co-hosted the nationally syndicated Rickey Smiley Morning Show in 2014 while simultaneously appearing on The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Currently, she hosts two talk shows on Fox Soul: Cocktails with Queens (co-starring Vivica A. Fox) and Tea-G-I-F. In 2024, Jordan returned to her game show roots not as a model, but as a contestant on Deal or No Deal Island, showcasing her competitive spirit.
Recent Projects and Acting Roles
Jordan continues to take on diverse projects. In 2024, she completed the third season of BET’s College Hill: Celebrity Edition, where she earned the title of valedictorian. Her acting credits include guest roles on TV shows like That’s So Raven and films such as Simone (2002), Nora’s Hair Salon (2004), Middle Men (2009), and Sharknado 5: Global Swarming (2017).
Claudia Jordan Personal Life & Family
Claudia Jordan was born to an African-American father, Larry Jordan Sr., and an Italian mother, Teresa Jordan. She has a brother named Larry Jordan Jr. Jordan has openly spoken about growing up with a strong connection to her Black family, despite her mother being Italian, and her aunt Sara played a significant role in emphasizing the importance of education.
Regarding her relationships, Claudia Jordan was briefly married to actor, producer, and model Datari Turner. They tied the knot in Las Vegas on November 28, 2009. However, the marriage was short-lived, with Jordan filing for an annulment just a few months later, in early 2010. She cited “fraud” as the reason for the annulment, alleging that Turner “lied about everything” and “misrepresented himself,” and also believed he had a secret girlfriend throughout their relationship. She also sought to block him from receiving spousal support.
Jordan has been open about her past relationships, including one with Medina Islam, whom she has accused of abuse. As of 2020, she was reportedly in a relationship with Kendal Dismute, also known as KJ. She does not have any children.
Awards and Achievements of Claudia Jordan
Throughout her career, Claudia Jordan has achieved notable recognition:
- Miss Rhode Island Teen USA 1990: Winner
- Miss Rhode Island USA 1997: Winner
- Miss USA 1997: Top 10 Finalist
- College Hill: Celebrity Edition Season 3: Valedictorian
She has also been involved in hosting and judging various national awards shows.
Claudia Jordan Net Worth and Income
As of August 2025, Claudia Jordan’s estimated net worth is approximately USD $500 thousand. Her income sources are diverse, stemming from her extensive career as a television and radio personality, actress, model, and businesswoman. Her work on popular game shows like The Price Is Right and Deal or No Deal, her role on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, her hosting duties on various television and radio programs (including Fox Soul’s Cocktails with Queens and Tea-G-I-F, and previously the Rickey Smiley Morning Show), and her acting roles in film and television have all contributed to her earnings.
Additionally, Jordan has ventured into entrepreneurship, notably launching her own shoe line, further diversifying her income streams.
Legacy and Influence
Claudia Jordan has carved out a significant legacy in the entertainment industry as a versatile and resilient personality. Her journey from beauty pageant success to becoming a prominent figure in game shows, reality television, and radio demonstrates her adaptability and enduring appeal. Jordan’s ability to transition between various media platforms, from holding briefcases on Deal or No Deal to engaging in lively discussions on talk shows and competing in reality series, showcases her multifaceted talent and charisma.
Her impact extends to her public image as an authentic and confident individual who embraces her individuality. She has openly discussed her personal experiences, contributing to conversations around relationships and resilience, particularly during her time on The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Jordan’s active presence on social media and her continuous engagement in new projects, such as Deal or No Deal Island and College Hill: Celebrity Edition, underscore her lasting influence and relevance in contemporary media.
Interesting Facts about Claudia Jordan
- Before her successful career in entertainment, Claudia Jordan was an accomplished athlete, excelling in track and field and competing in three Junior Olympics.
- She initially aspired to study biology before pivoting to broadcasting and journalism after discovering a passion for writing in college.
- Jordan held briefcase #1 for the majority of her tenure on Deal or No Deal. Ironically, for superstitious reasons, this was one of the least-chosen cases by contestants in the show’s history.
- She co-hosted the Miss Universe 2009 pageant alongside Billy Bush after competing in Miss USA herself.
- In 2024, she returned to the Deal or No Deal franchise not as a model, but as a contestant on Deal or No Deal Island, marking a full-circle moment in her career.
- Jordan was crowned valedictorian of her class on BET’s College Hill: Celebrity Edition Season 3 in 2024, demonstrating her commitment to education and learning.
Controversies
Throughout her career, Claudia Jordan has faced some public challenges. Notably, after her time as a “Barker’s Beauty” on The Price Is Right from 2001 to 2003, Jordan filed a lawsuit alleging wrongful termination, sexual harassment, and race discrimination against the show. The lawsuit claimed that a staffer had made inappropriate sexual advances toward her. This case was eventually settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.
Her brief marriage to Datari Turner in 2009 also ended controversially. Jordan filed for an annulment, citing “fraud” and claiming that Turner “lied about everything” and “misrepresented himself.” She further alleged that he had a secret girlfriend throughout their relationship. Turner’s representatives initially disputed the existence of the marriage, but evidence of a wedding in Las Vegas was presented.
During her time on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Jordan was involved in various interpersonal conflicts, particularly with fellow cast member Nene Leakes. Reports at the time suggested that these clashes may have contributed to her departure from the main cast after her first season. More recently, Jordan publicly accused a former partner, Medina Islam, of domestic abuse, recounting an incident where she claimed he body-slammed her into a toilet. Islam has denied these allegations.
Social Media Presence
Claudia Jordan maintains an active presence across various social media platforms, engaging with her audience and sharing updates on her career and personal life. While specific real-time follower counts for August 2025 are dynamic, her platforms are robust:
- Instagram: She frequently posts videos and pictures, including content with friends and her partner.
- Twitter (X): Jordan uses Twitter to share her thoughts, engage in discussions, and promote her projects.
- YouTube: She appears in numerous interviews, show clips, and promotional content related to her hosting roles and reality TV appearances.
Her online presence is characterized by regular updates and direct interaction with her fanbase, reflecting her continued relevance and connection with the public.
Final Words about Claudia Jordan
Claudia Jordan stands as a testament to versatility and resilience in the entertainment industry. From her beginnings in beauty pageants and modeling to becoming a recognized face on major game shows like The Price Is Right and Deal or No Deal, she has consistently reinvented her career. Her impactful run on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, coupled with her extensive work as a radio and television host on platforms such as Fox Soul and SiriusXM, showcases a remarkable ability to connect with diverse audiences.
As of 2025, Jordan continues to actively engage in new ventures, including her participation in Deal or No Deal Island and her valedictorian achievement on College Hill: Celebrity Edition. Her candid approach to personal challenges and her entrepreneurial spirit, exemplified by her shoe line, further define her legacy as a dynamic businesswoman and public figure. Claudia Jordan’s journey reflects a commitment to personal growth and professional evolution, promising continued influence and new endeavors in the years to come.