Otelia Cox is best known as the devoted wife of actor Tony Cox, a talented and well-respected performer recognized for his roles in movies such as Bad Santa, Me, Myself & Irene, and Friday. While Tony has enjoyed the bright lights of Hollywood, Otelia has remained his greatest support and strength behind the scenes. Her life tells a story of love, patience, dedication, and compassion.
She has managed to balance family, personal interests, and community service with quiet grace, showing that true success is not about fame or attention but about the love we share and the lives we touch. Through her calm nature and selfless devotion, Otelia has proven that even away from the spotlight, one can leave a lasting impact by simply living with purpose and kindness.
Personal Details
👩 Full Name: Otelia Thomas Cox
🎂 Date of Birth: Early 1960s (Exact date not public)
🏡 Place of Birth: Uniontown, Alabama, United States
🌎 Nationality: American
🎓 Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Alabama State University; Master’s in Nonprofit Management
💼 Profession: Social Worker, Philanthropist, Homemaker
❤️ Marital Status: Married to actor Tony Cox since 1981
👧 Children: One daughter (name kept private)
📏 Height: Approximately 3 feet 8 inches
🎨 Hobbies: Painting, Yoga, Gardening, Reading
💰 Net Worth: Not publicly disclosed (Tony Cox estimated at $2 million as of 2025)
🏠 Residence: California, United States
Early Life and Background
Otelia Cox, born as Otelia Thomas in the early 1960s, grew up in Uniontown, Alabama, a small and close-knit town where family values and community spirit were at the heart of daily life. From a young age, she was known for her warm heart, her strong sense of responsibility, and her desire to help others. Her parents taught her that kindness, respect, and hard work could lead to a good life, and these lessons became the foundation of her character.
Growing up in a supportive environment shaped Otelia into the compassionate and grounded person she is today. Though not much about her childhood has been shared publicly, it is clear that the love and care she received from her family played a big role in helping her develop the gentle strength that defines her today.
Education and Career Path
After completing her high school education, Otelia pursued higher studies at Alabama State University, where she earned a degree in Social Work. Her time at university helped her understand how much of an impact she could make in people’s lives through care, counseling, and support. She later continued her education and achieved a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management, which allowed her to combine her compassion with the organizational skills needed to lead charitable projects effectively.
Otelia’s education opened doors to meaningful work in social service, where she spent years helping children and families in need. Her career path reflected her belief that helping others is one of the most important purposes in life, and she worked tirelessly to make sure that everyone she supported felt valued and understood.
Love Story with Tony Cox
Otelia’s love story with Tony Cox is one filled with warmth, loyalty, and understanding. The two first met during their high school years at John Muir High School in Pasadena, California. Their friendship started naturally, based on mutual respect and shared dreams, and over time, it blossomed into a deep and lasting love. Tony, who would later become a well-known actor, often speaks of Otelia as his greatest blessing. After years of growing closer, the couple married in 1981 in a small and private ceremony surrounded by close family and friends.
Their marriage has stood the test of time, lasting for more than four decades, which is a rare and beautiful achievement in the entertainment world. Through every stage of their life together, Otelia has been the quiet force supporting Tony, celebrating his victories, and comforting him during challenges. Their relationship is a living example of how genuine love, patience, and understanding can build a bond that lasts a lifetime.
Who Is Tony Cox?

Supportive Partner in Hollywood
Throughout Tony Cox’s career, Otelia has been the foundation that kept him strong and focused. Hollywood can be a challenging place, filled with uncertainty and competition, but Otelia’s calm and constant encouragement gave Tony the confidence to keep moving forward. While Tony was on movie sets or working long hours, Otelia took care of their home and ensured that he always had a peaceful place to return to.
She never sought fame or public attention, preferring instead to provide love and support from behind the scenes. Tony has often credited his wife for being his biggest supporter, saying that her love and understanding gave him the courage to overcome every obstacle in his path. Her ability to stay humble and supportive even in the midst of Hollywood glamour shows her true character and strength as a partner.
Family Life and Values
Family has always been the center of Otelia Cox’s world. She and Tony share one daughter, whom they have raised with deep love and care. However, they have always chosen to keep their daughter’s name and personal life private, wanting her to grow up away from the pressures of public attention. This choice shows how much Otelia values family privacy and emotional well-being over fame or recognition. Their home life is described as peaceful and full of respect, laughter, and love.
Otelia’s values of humility and kindness are reflected in the way she raises her child and supports her husband. She believes that happiness is built through small, meaningful moments with loved ones rather than material possessions or public attention. By creating a strong and loving home, she has ensured that her family always has a safe and happy place to return to, no matter what challenges life brings.
Philanthropy and Community Work
Beyond her family life, Otelia Cox has made a significant mark in her community through her charitable work and leadership. In 1997, she founded the Cox Family Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping young people access education, especially in the performing arts. Through this foundation, she has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships to underprivileged students who dream of studying music, theater, or film. This incredible effort has opened doors for many young people who might not have otherwise had the chance to pursue their passions.
Before starting her foundation, Otelia worked as the Director of Youth Programs at the Burbank Community Center from 1986 to 1995. During her time there, she developed programs to support at-risk youth, helping them find guidance, purpose, and hope. Her work has always focused on giving others the tools they need to build better lives for themselves. Otelia’s efforts show that her commitment to helping others is not a passing interest but a lifelong mission rooted in love and empathy.
Passion for Art and Mindfulness
Outside her work and family, Otelia Cox finds peace and happiness in her creative and mindful hobbies. She loves painting, often using it as a way to express her emotions and find inner calm. Her artwork, while mostly kept private, reflects her thoughtful and caring nature. She also practices yoga regularly, which helps her stay balanced and connected both mentally and physically. Gardening is another activity she enjoys, finding satisfaction in nurturing plants and watching them grow.
To her, these hobbies are not just pastimes but a form of meditation and reflection. They allow her to slow down and appreciate the beauty of simple moments. Reading is another passion she holds dear, and she often enjoys books about personal growth, art, and community service. These interests show how Otelia lives a life full of creativity, peace, and balance, always taking time to care for herself so she can better care for others.
Privacy and Grace
One of the most admirable things about Otelia Cox is her ability to maintain privacy in an age where many people seek fame and public attention. Despite being married to a well-known actor, she has always chosen to live quietly and stay out of the public spotlight. She does not have public social media accounts, and she rarely attends celebrity events unless it is to support her husband. This choice reflects her deep understanding of what truly matters in life—family, peace, and genuine happiness.
Her home is said to be a warm and welcoming place where she and Tony can relax away from the pressures of Hollywood. Otelia’s calm and graceful presence reminds people that strength does not always come from being loud or visible; sometimes it comes from quiet confidence and knowing who you are. She continues to inspire others by showing that privacy and happiness can go hand in hand when life is built on love and purpose.
Tony Cox and His Career
Tony Cox, Otelia’s husband, is a talented American actor who stands at about three feet six inches tall. Born with dwarfism, he has never let his physical condition stop him from achieving his dreams. With determination and humor, Tony built a successful acting career, appearing in well-known films such as Bad Santa, Me, Myself & Irene, and Friday. He is admired for his comedic timing and ability to bring charm and energy to every role. Behind this success stands Otelia, who has supported him through every step of his journey.
Tony’s estimated net worth as of 2025 is around two million dollars, a reflection of his years of hard work in the entertainment industry. Even with this success, both he and Otelia continue to live modestly, focusing more on family and giving back than on luxury or fame. Their relationship remains one of the most inspiring examples of love and partnership in Hollywood.
Net Worth and Achievements
While Tony’s financial success is public, Otelia Cox’s personal net worth has never been disclosed, as she values privacy and humility. However, her true wealth lies in the difference she has made in the lives of others. Through the Cox Family Foundation, her community leadership, and her dedication to social work, she has created lasting opportunities for young people and families in need.
Her achievements go beyond material success—they are measured in the lives she has touched, the students she has helped educate, and the communities she has strengthened. Together with Tony, Otelia has built a life centered on generosity and purpose. Their shared commitment to helping others continues to make a real impact, proving that true fulfillment comes from giving, not just receiving.
Legacy and Inspiration
Otelia Cox’s life stands as an inspiring example of quiet strength, love, and purpose. She has shown that success does not always mean being in the spotlight—it can mean lifting others, standing by loved ones, and giving selflessly. Her dedication as a wife, mother, and philanthropist has made her a respected figure not just in her community but also among those who admire her story from afar.
She has helped countless young people achieve their dreams through her foundation and continues to inspire others through her humility and grace. Otelia’s legacy is one of compassion, strength, and unwavering faith in the goodness of giving.

