Queen Latifah’s Dad: The Tough, Resourceful, and Loving Man Behind the Star
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Queen Latifah credits much of her resilience and confidence to her father, Lance Owens—a Vietnam War veteran turned Newark police detective—whose early lessons in toughness and equality helped shape the iconic entertainer’s outlook on life.
Growing up, Lance instilled a sense of strength in Latifah by enrolling her in taekwondo and treating her on equal footing with her brother. “He reinforced the belief that I could do anything,” Latifah has said, highlighting how her father’s approach laid the foundation for her fearless spirit.
A Journey Through Struggles and Strength
Lance’s path wasn’t without challenges. After his military service, he faced battles with substance issues before overcoming them, a journey Latifah acknowledges profoundly shaped his role as a steadfast and inspiring figure in her life.
Resourcefulness on Full Display
Latifah recalls a particularly memorable moment in New Jersey when a boating accident spurred her father into action. Leveraging his connections at the DMV, Lance expedited her boating license so she could get back on the water—a testament to his resourceful and caring parenting.
Off-Set Friendships and Warmth
Behind the scenes, Lance’s warmth was evident as well. During the filming of Joyful Noise, he developed a friendship with crew member Anthony Suber, later visiting him in Tryon, North Carolina. On the set of The Equalizer in New York, fans and crew members noticed Lance greeting the team like an old friend, even pulling aside one crew member to say, “My daughter knows you!” His genuine connections with people extended far beyond his role as a father.
A Legacy of Kindness and Family Stories
Queen Latifah’s kindness mirrors that of her father. Reddit users shared stories of her comforting an anxious man at an airport for two hours—an act many described as “genuinely awesome,” demonstrating the empathy and presence of mind that seem to run in the family.
In a Bon Appétit interview, Latifah fondly recalled her dad frying rabbit—a traumatic memory for the young Bugs Bunny fan but also a cherished family story that speaks to their shared sense of adventure.
Playful Moments and Protective Love
On Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Latifah joked about losing her winter skills after moving to Los Angeles, prompting Fallon to quip, “Your father would freeze!” This playful exchange revealed the loving, protective nature of Lance, a man who has always looked out for his daughter.
A Model for Fathers Everywhere
In a heartfelt Father’s Day feature, Lance emphasized the importance of self-care for dads, encouraging men everywhere to prioritize their health. His steady presence and life lessons have left an indelible mark on Latifah, shaping not only her success but her values as well.
From teaching martial arts to fostering friendships on film sets, Lance Owens’s influence resonates deeply in Queen Latifah’s life and career. His toughness, resourcefulness, and warmth have made him not just a father but a lasting role model—a testament to the power of dedicated parenting.
