Cynthia Blaise was born in 1958 in the United States and developed a fascination for performing arts from a young age. Her childhood was filled with creativity and curiosity about the ways people express themselves through language and performance. Unlike many who stumble into Hollywood fame through chance, Cynthia took the academic route, earning a solid foundation in her craft. She studied theater and communication before pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree at the prestigious University of California, Irvine.

During her studies, Blaise specialized in dialects, phonetics, and voice training, areas that would later define her professional life. Her academic excellence, combined with an innate passion for storytelling, laid the groundwork for a successful and long-lasting career in acting and coaching.

Quick Bio

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Cynthia Blaise
Profession	Actress, Dialect Coach, Voice Coach
Date of Birth	1958
Age	67 years (as of 2025)
Birthplace	United States
Nationality	American
Education	Master of Fine Arts (MFA), University of California, Irvine
Known For	Dialect coaching in Hollywood films, acting in minor roles
Marital Status	Divorced
Ex-Husband	Keegan-Michael Key
Years Active	1980s – Present
Notable Works	Key & Peele, Bad Teacher, The Tiger Hunter

Early Career and Acting Journey

Cynthia Blaise began her career in the entertainment industry as a stage actress before transitioning to television and film. Her early years were spent performing in regional theaters, where she showcased her ability to bring complex characters to life. Her commitment to mastering the subtleties of voice and dialect soon became apparent to directors and fellow performers alike.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Blaise appeared in several minor but memorable film roles. One of her earliest credits includes Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989), where she played a crew member, marking her entry into the mainstream entertainment world. Though not a household name, Cynthia’s work ethic and professionalism earned her respect within the acting community. She also appeared in Timequest (2000), which further demonstrated her range and skill in embodying different characters.

Transition into Dialect Coaching

While Cynthia Blaise enjoyed performing, she found her true calling behind the scenes as a dialect and voice coach. Her transition from acting to dialect coaching wasn’t abrupt—it was a natural evolution of her expertise. Her deep understanding of language, accents, and vocal nuances made her a valuable asset on film and television sets.

Dialect coaching involves training actors to speak with accurate accents or speech patterns that fit their roles. This can range from helping an American actor master a British accent to teaching them the subtleties of regional speech. Blaise’s coaching work contributed significantly to the authenticity of performances in various Hollywood projects. Her credits as a dialect coach include films like The Tiger Hunter (2016) and the hit comedy Bad Teacher (2011).

Her ability to work with actors of different backgrounds and skill levels made her one of the most respected dialect coaches in the industry. Her students and colleagues frequently praised her for her patience, meticulousness, and passion for linguistic detail.

Marriage to Keegan-Michael Key

Cynthia Blaise’s personal life became a topic of public interest due to her marriage to Keegan-Michael Key, the celebrated comedian, actor, and writer known for the hit show Key & Peele. The couple met in the late 1990s when both were involved in the theater scene. Their shared love for performance and creativity helped them connect deeply, and they eventually married in December 1998.

At the time of their marriage, Cynthia was already an established professional, while Key was just beginning to gain recognition in the entertainment world. Blaise’s support was instrumental in helping him build his career. She often served as a mentor and emotional anchor, especially during the early and uncertain years of his acting journey.

Life as a Supportive Partner and Professional

Throughout their marriage, Cynthia Blaise stood by Keegan-Michael Key as he rose to prominence. While Key became a household name through sketch comedy, Blaise continued to thrive in her behind-the-scenes role, contributing to the film industry in ways that often went unrecognized by the public.

Friends and acquaintances described Cynthia as both nurturing and ambitious, managing her career while helping her husband navigate Hollywood. The couple shared over 17 years of marriage, during which they appeared together at several public events. They were often regarded as a strong, stable couple—an impression that made their eventual separation all the more surprising.

Divorce and Aftermath

In November 2015, Keegan-Michael Key filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce was finalized in 2017, ending nearly two decades of marriage. The separation drew significant media attention, particularly because of the financial settlement. Court documents revealed that Cynthia Blaise suffered emotionally and physically from the breakup. Reports indicated that she experienced anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress following the divorce.

The financial settlement awarded Blaise spousal support payments that reflected Key’s success during their marriage. Key was ordered to pay her a monthly amount and a share of his income. Despite this, the divorce reportedly took a toll on her personal and professional life.

After the separation, Blaise retreated from the public eye, focusing on her well-being and rebuilding her sense of identity outside of her marriage. Her resilience and commitment to self-healing became evident as she slowly returned to her professional pursuits.

Career Achievements and Contributions

Cynthia Blaise’s work as a dialect coach has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Beyond Bad Teacher and The Tiger Hunter, she contributed to numerous film and TV productions, helping actors master challenging accents and voice modulations.

Her experience as an actress gives her a unique edge—she understands the actor’s perspective and can guide them with empathy. Over the years, she has coached both emerging talent and established stars, ensuring their performances feel authentic and emotionally grounded.

In addition to her coaching work, Blaise has been involved in theater education, teaching voice and dialect at various performing arts institutions. Her students have often spoken about her dedication to helping them refine their vocal presence, a skill essential not just for acting but also for communication in general.

Where Is Cynthia Blaise Now?

After years of working quietly behind the scenes, Cynthia Blaise continues to maintain a low profile. While she does not appear frequently in public or on social media, she remains active in the entertainment industry. Some reports suggest she has taken on selective coaching projects and may also be involved in theater education once again.

Her life after divorce appears to be focused on personal peace, creativity, and continuing to inspire others through her teaching. While she no longer makes headlines, her contributions to acting and coaching continue to resonate in the performances of those she has mentored.

Cynthia Blaise’s Legacy in Hollywood

Cynthia Blaise’s legacy is one of quiet excellence. She may not be a celebrity in the traditional sense, but her influence extends across multiple layers of Hollywood. From helping actors perfect their accents to inspiring future generations of performers, she embodies the spirit of artistic dedication.

Her story also reflects the often-overlooked roles women play behind the scenes—mentors, coaches, teachers, and partners—who help shape the success stories of others. Cynthia Blaise’s journey is a reminder that one’s impact is not always measured by fame but by the depth of their contribution to the craft.

Conclusion

Cynthia Blaise represents a blend of talent, resilience, and grace. As an actress, dialect coach, and educator, she has dedicated her life to enhancing the art of performance. Her marriage to Keegan-Michael Key brought her brief public attention, but her enduring legacy lies in her professional achievements and quiet strength.

Today, Cynthia stands as a symbol of perseverance—someone who faced personal challenges but continued to pursue her passion for teaching and storytelling. In an industry that often overlooks its behind-the-scenes contributors, Blaise remains a testament to the power of dedication and authenticity.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is Cynthia Blaise?

• Cynthia Blaise is an American actress and dialect coach known for her work in Hollywood films and television. She is also recognized as the ex-wife of comedian and actor Keegan-Michael Key.

2. What movies or shows has Cynthia Blaise worked on?

• She has worked on films such as Bad Teacher and The Tiger Hunter and has contributed as a dialect coach on various productions, including Key & Peele.

3. When did Cynthia Blaise and Keegan-Michael Key get divorced?

• The couple divorced in 2017 after nearly 17 years of marriage.

4. What is Cynthia Blaise doing now?

• Cynthia Blaise continues to work selectively as a dialect coach and may also be involved in theater education, focusing on voice and performance training.

5. How old is Cynthia Blaise?

• Cynthia Blaise was born in 1958, making her 67 years old as of 2025.