Richard Williams is more than just Serena and Venus Williams’ father; he’s the mastermind who laid the foundation for their historic success in tennis. At 82 years old, Richard remains an iconic figure in sports, known for his unyielding determination and revolutionary approach to coaching. His story, brought to life in the 2021 film King Richard, is one of perseverance, vision, and a relentless belief in his daughters’ potential.
Richard Williams’ Early Life and Family
Born on February 14, 1941, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Richard Williams grew up in a segregated America, an experience that shaped his tenacity and ambition. He eventually moved to Los Angeles, where he met Oracene “Brandy” Price at a bus stop. According to Richard, he told her that he wanted to marry her and have five daughters—a prophetic statement that would later come true.
Richard and Oracene married in 1980, blending their families. Richard had five children—Sabrina, Richard III, Ronner, Reluss, and Reneeka—from his first marriage to Betty Johnson, while Oracene brought three daughters—Yetunde, Lyndrea, and Isha—from her previous relationship with Yusef A.K. Rasheed. Together, they welcomed Venus Williams in 1980 and Serena Williams in 1981, completing their family.
The Tennis Dream
Richard Williams’ journey into tennis began in an unconventional way. A former sharecropper, he taught himself the sport by reading books and watching videos. He then taught Oracene, and her natural ability convinced him that their daughters could dominate the sport.
The family moved to Compton, California, where Richard and Oracene began training Venus and Serena on public tennis courts. Despite having no formal tennis background, Richard developed a rigorous training regimen, focusing on discipline and mental toughness. His goal wasn’t just to make his daughters good players but to help them revolutionize women’s tennis.
To pursue this dream, Richard quit his day job, dedicating himself fully to coaching. Oracene became the family’s sole breadwinner, supporting their household of seven.
“We had a goal,” Oracene said on Red Table Talk. “It wasn’t about money. It was a way of life we wanted for the girls.”
A Father’s Legacy
Richard Williams’ coaching paid off in ways few could have imagined. Venus and Serena Williams went on to become two of the greatest players in tennis history, breaking barriers and setting records. Richard’s efforts and sacrifices were immortalized in King Richard, with Will Smith portraying him in an Academy Award-winning performance.
Although Richard and Oracene divorced in 2002 after 22 years of marriage, their shared dedication to their daughters’ success remains a cornerstone of their family story. Richard later welcomed son Dylan Starr Richard Williams with his third wife, Lakeisha Graham, before their separation in 2017.
Richard Williams’ Net Worth and Current Life
As of 2025, Richard Williams has an estimated net worth of $10 million. Much of this wealth stems from his daughters’ success and his contributions to their early careers. Now living a more private life, Richard is often seen at major events supporting Venus and Serena.
The Lasting Impact
Richard Williams’ story is one of belief and determination. Against all odds, he transformed his daughters into global icons who changed the face of tennis. His legacy isn’t just in the titles they’ve won but in the barriers they’ve broken, inspiring generations of athletes to dream big.
At 82, Richard Williams remains a symbol of what unwavering faith and hard work can achieve. His story is proof that sometimes, all it takes to change the world is one person’s relentless belief in a dream.
