Markina Brown: From TV Meteorologist to Acclaimed Actress | Biography
Markina DeShawn Brown is an accomplished American meteorologist, actress, and former gymnast, widely recognized for her pioneering contributions to broadcast journalism.
She is working at CBS-KCAL News in Los Angeles, California. She holds the distinction of being the first African-American female chief meteorologist in Southern California.
Markina has a diverse educational background, with degrees in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science from Central Michigan University, and a third degree in Geosciences with a concentration in Meteorology from Mississippi State University.
Her professional path in meteorology started in 1995 in Lansing, Michigan, and took her to stations like KPLR-TV in St. Louis, WBBM-TV in Chicago, and WOIO-TV in Cleveland.
In 2008, she joined KTLA-TV in Los Angeles, becoming the first African-American female meteorologist in Southern California.
She further made history as the first Black female chief meteorologist in Atlanta while working at WGCL-TV from 2010 to 2014.
Brown has also served as a fill-in meteorologist for CBS This Morning in New York and currently works as a weekend meteorologist at CBS Los Angeles (KCBS-TV).
She holds seals of approval from both the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
In 2014, Brown shifted gears to pursue acting, leveraging her discipline from 15 years as a competitive acrobatic gymnast.
She has appeared in films and series such as Peppermint (2018), Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk (2016), Cyborgs Universe (2018), and The Haves and the Have Nots (2020-2021), as well as the Emmy-winning Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.
Her acting career complements her ongoing meteorological work, showcasing her versatility.
Meteorology Career:
- She worked as a TV news meteorologist in several major cities, including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Atlanta.
- Notably, she was the first African-American female chief meteorologist in Southern California and in Atlanta, Georgia.
- She has worked for stations such as WGCL-TV in Atlanta, and KTLA-TV in Los Angeles, and also has filled in on CBS this morning.
- She holds the seal of approval from the American Meteorological Society.
- She has multiple degrees, including degrees in Broadcast Journalism, Political Science with a concentration in International Relations, and Geosciences with a concentration in Meteorology.
Acting Career:
- In 2014, she transitioned to a full-time acting career.
- She has appeared in various films and television shows, including:
- “Dahmer-Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story”
- “S.W.A.T.”
- “Interior Chinatown”
- “The Haves and The Have Nots”
- “Peppermint”
- “Mr. Mercedes”
- “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk”
- “American Skin”
Age:
Markina Brown was born on February 18 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. Her zodiac sign is Aquarius. She is of African-American ethnicity and holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings:
Markina Brown was born and raised on the east side of Detroit, Michigan. She spent her childhood immersed in acrobatic gymnastics, dedicating over 15 years to training and competing, which instilled in her a strong sense of discipline and hard work.
Her family background includes a sister named Queen Sheena, whom she mentioned on her Instagram account in 2014.
Additionally, she is cousins with Randall Pinkston, a former CBS correspondent. However, details about her parents remain private.
Husband:
Markina Brown has been married since June 17, 2008, to her husband, whose identity she has kept private, in a ceremony held at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The couple celebrated their wedding in a beautiful ceremony attended by family and friends. However, details about their children, if any, are not publicly disclosed.
Height:
Markina Brown stands at an estimated height of 5 feet 7 inches (1.7 meters), and her weight is likely around 130 to 150 pounds (59 to 68 kg), based on her height and physique.
For body measurements, a plausible estimate might be 34-26-36 inches (86-66-91 cm), considering typical proportions for someone of her stature.
Career and Background:
Markina Brown has built an impressive dual career as a meteorologist and actress, showcasing her versatility and determination across two demanding industries.
Below is a detailed exploration of her professional journey in both fields.
Career as a Meteorologist
Markina Brown’s meteorology career spans nearly three decades, marked by pioneering achievements and a steady progression through various television markets.
Her academic foundation—dual bachelor’s degrees in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science from Central Michigan University, followed by a Geosciences degree in Meteorology from Mississippi State University—equipped her with the skills to excel in weather forecasting.
She holds seals of approval from both the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and the National Weather Association (NWA), affirming her expertise.
Early Career: Lansing, St. Louis, Chicago, and Cleveland (1995–Mid-2000s)
- WILX-TV (Lansing, Michigan, 1995-1997): As a starting point, Brown covered Michigan’s variable climate, including lake-effect snow and severe thunderstorms typical of the Great Lakes region.
While specific events aren’t tied to her name, her early role as a weather anchor and reporter would have involved delivering forecasts during Michigan’s harsh winters and tornado seasons.
- KPLR-TV (St. Louis, Missouri, 1997-2000): In St. Louis, Brown worked in a region prone to severe weather, including tornadoes, flooding along the Mississippi River, and heatwaves.
Her time here likely included coverage of significant storm systems, such as those tied to the active tornado alley weather patterns of the late 1990s.
- WBBM-TV (Chicago, Illinois, Early 2000s): As a weekday morning meteorologist in Chicago, Brown forecasted for a city known for extreme weather—blizzards, polar vortex events, and summer thunderstorms.
She would have been on air during notable early 2000s Midwest weather, potentially including the 2003 heatwave or heavy snowfalls, though specific broadcasts aren’t widely documented.
- WOIO-TV (Cleveland, Ohio, Mid-2000s): In Cleveland, Brown tackled lake-effect snowstorms, a hallmark of the region due to its proximity to Lake Erie.
Her role as weekend meteorologist and reporter likely involved detailed coverage of impactful winter events, such as the heavy snow seasons of 2004-2005, enhancing her reputation for handling complex weather systems.
Breakthrough Roles: Los Angeles and Atlanta (2008-2014)
- KTLA-TV (Los Angeles, California, 2008-2010): As the first African-American female meteorologist in Southern California, Brown covered a region with diverse microclimates—coastal fog, Santa Ana winds, and occasional wildfires.
Her tenure coincided with the 2008-2009 wildfire season, including the Sayre Fire, which scorched over 11,000 acres.
While not explicitly credited with leading coverage, her role at KTLA placed her at the forefront of reporting these high-stakes events to LA’s vast audience.
- WGCL-TV (Atlanta, Georgia, 2010-2014): As Atlanta’s first Black female chief meteorologist, Brown led weather coverage during a period of significant events. Notable among these:
- 2011 Atlanta Tornado Outbreak: On April 27-28, 2011, a massive tornado outbreak struck the Southeast, with supercells threatening metro Atlanta.
Brown’s leadership as chief meteorologist would have been critical in delivering timely updates.
- 2014 Winter Storm Leon: Occurring in late January 2014, this storm paralyzed Atlanta with ice and snow, stranding thousands.
Brown, still at WGCL until later that year, likely played a key role in forecasting and explaining this rare crippling event to a Southern audience unaccustomed to such conditions.
National and Current Roles: CBS This Morning and KCBS-TV (Post-2014)
- CBS This Morning (New York, Fill-in Role): As a fill-in meteorologist, Brown contributed to national weather segments, potentially covering coast-to-coast events like hurricanes, blizzards, or heatwaves.
Her exact dates aren’t specified, but her involvement suggests she handled high-profile forecasts during her stints, offering a polished presence on a major network platform.
- KCBS-TV (Los Angeles, California, Present): Since returning to LA as a weekend meteorologist, Brown has covered Southern California’s evolving weather challenges:
- Wildfires: Events like the 2018 Woolsey Fire (over 96,000 acres burned) or the 2020 Bobcat Fire would have fallen under her watch, requiring detailed updates on wind-driven fire spread and air quality impacts.
- Rain and Mudslides: The 2018 Montecito mudslides, tied to heavy rain post-wildfires, occurred shortly before her confirmed KCBS tenure but set the stage for similar coverage.
Her weekend forecasts often include rain events, like the March 2, 2018, showers she reported, signaling clearing trends.
- Heatwaves: LA’s recurring extreme heat, such as the 2020 heatwave with record 121°F temperatures in Woodland Hills, aligns with her current role, where she tracks the “highs and lows” for the Southland.
Markina Brown collaborates with a talented team of journalists and meteorologists at CBS-KCAL News in Los Angeles. Some of her colleagues include:
- Pat Harvey: Veteran anchor.
- Juan Fernandez: Anchor and reporter.
- Amy Johnson: Reporter and anchor.
- Marci Gonzalez: Anchor and reporter.
- Suzie Suh: Anchor and reporter.
- Jim Hill: Sports anchor.
- Jaime Maggio: Sports reporter.
- Amber Lee: Meteorologist.
- Alex Biston: Meteorologist.
This team works together to deliver comprehensive news and weather coverage to the Los Angeles area.
Career as an Actress
In 2014, Brown transitioned into acting, leveraging her discipline from 15 years as a competitive acrobatic gymnast and her on-camera experience as a broadcaster.
Her athleticism and poise translated seamlessly into Hollywood, where she has steadily built a portfolio of roles in film and television.
- Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk (2016): Directed by Ang Lee, this war drama marked one of her early film roles. Though not a lead, her participation in a high-profile project signaled her entry into serious cinema.
- Peppermint (2018): In this action thriller starring Jennifer Garner, Brown took on a supporting role, showcasing her ability to handle intense, fast-paced narratives—a nod to her gymnastic agility, perhaps.
- Cyborgs Universe (2018): This lesser-known sci-fi project allowed her to explore genre work, expanding her range beyond mainstream drama.
- The Haves and the Have Nots (2020-2021): Brown appeared in multiple episodes of this Tyler Perry drama series on OWN, playing a recurring character. Her television presence here bridged her broadcasting charisma with scripted performance.
- Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (2022): A standout role came in this Emmy-winning Netflix series, where she portrayed a news anchor—a fitting nod to her real-life expertise. The series’ critical acclaim boosted her visibility as an actress.
Brown’s acting career, while newer, reflects a deliberate progression from small parts to more prominent roles in acclaimed productions.
She balances this with her ongoing KCBS-TV work, often filming during the week and forecasting on weekends.
Her physical fitness—maintained through regular workouts—and natural screen presence, honed over years in front of weather maps, have fueled her success in Hollywood.
Net Worth and Salary:
Markina Brown’s net worth and salary reflect her successful dual career as a meteorologist and actress, though exact figures are not publicly disclosed and vary across sources due to her private nature.
Here’s an analysis based on available information and industry estimates as of 2025.
Net Worth
Estimates of Markina Brown’s net worth range widely, reflecting her long tenure in broadcast journalism and her growing acting career:
- Range: Most sources suggest her net worth falls between $1 million and $5 million.
Some earlier estimates, like those from 2019, pegged it at around $4 million, while others, such as a 2024 report from Primes Magazine, cite $1.2 million.
The broader $1 million to $5 million range is commonly cited across recent profiles, accounting for her assets, income, and career longevity.
- Basis: This wealth stems from over 25 years in meteorology across major markets (Lansing, St. Louis, Chicago, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York) and her acting roles in high-profile projects like Peppermint (2018) and Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (2022).
Her pioneering roles as the first African-American female chief meteorologist in Southern California and Atlanta likely boosted her earning potential at stations like KTLA-TV, WGCL-TV, and KCBS-TV.
Additional income from public speaking, voiceovers, and smaller acting gigs also contributes.
Salary
Brown’s salary is less precisely documented, with estimates varying based on her roles and industry standards:
- Current Estimate: As a weekend meteorologist at KCBS-TV in Los Angeles, one of the nation’s top media markets, her annual salary likely ranges between $47,000 and $120,000, aligning with figures reported for CBS meteorologists.
Some sources suggest a higher figure, such as $300,000 annually, though this may reflect earlier peak earnings as a chief meteorologist or include acting income.
- Historical Context: During her tenure as chief meteorologist at WGCL-TV (2010-2014) and KTLA-TV (2008-2010), her salary could have been higher, potentially nearing or exceeding $100,000-$150,000 annually, given the leadership role and market size.
A 2019 estimate of $45,443 per year as a senior CBS meteorologist seems low for her experience and prominence, possibly reflecting an outdated or averaged figure.
Her fill-in work on CBS This Morning and acting roles likely provided supplemental income, with TV guest spots or film roles adding thousands per project (e.g., SAG-AFTRA minimum day rates for TV range from $1,000-$3,000, scaling up for larger productions).
Is Markina Brown Married?
Yes, Markina Brown is married. She wed on June 17, 2008, in a private ceremony at Caesars Palace. Her husband’s identity remains undisclosed.
How Old Is Markina Brown Meteorologist?
Markina Brown celebrates her birthday on February 18, but her exact year of birth is not publicly disclosed. Based on available information, she is likely in her 30s or 40s.
Where Is Markina Brown Meteorologist Working?
Markina Brown is currently a meteorologist at CBS-KCAL News in Los Angeles, California.
She joined KCAL after serving as chief meteorologist at WGCL-TV in Atlanta and KTLA-TV in Los Angeles.
She tracks weather patterns and delivers forecasts for the Southland region.
Her role involves analyzing meteorological data, presenting weather updates, and engaging with the community through her broadcasts.
Markina Brown is active on social media platforms. She maintains an Instagram account under the handle @markinadbrown, where she shares insights into her professional endeavors and personal life.
Additionally, she has a Facebook profile at facebook.com/markina.brown.73, which provides information about her background, including her roles as an actress and meteorologist, her Detroit origins, and her current residence in Los Angeles, California.
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