Roderick Plummer is a history-making Princeton quarterback who became a successful entertainment lawyer, film producer, and educator. His life blends athletics, creativity, and academic achievement, making his journey both inspiring and unique. He is also widely recognized for his long relationship and creative partnership with actress Cynda Williams, with whom he shares a daughter.
Profile Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Roderick Plummer |
| Age (Estimated) | 75–76 years old (based on Princeton Class of 1972) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Profession(s) | Film Producer, Entertainment Lawyer, Former Princeton Quarterback, Assistant Professor |
| Education | B.A., Princeton University; Juris Doctor (JD) |
| Known For | First Black starting quarterback at Princeton; Film and TV production; Entertainment law |
| Spouse / Partner | Married actress Cynda Williams in 2001 (later separated in 2025) |
| Children | Daughter Sophia Gabrielle; Son Kristopher |
| Residence | Chicago, Illinois |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | Strong six-figure to low seven-figure range |
| Family Legacy | Brother Eric Plummer Sr. ’85 (Princeton athlete); Nephew Eric Plummer ’10 (Ivy League champion & ABPA president) |
Early Life and Background
Before he became known in sports or film, Roderick Plummer was simply a young boy growing up in Plainfield, New Jersey. Life in Plainfield was shaped by family, school, and sports. He grew up in a large household with seven brothers and one sister, which meant there was always energy, competition, and support around him.
Being part of such a big family often builds strong character. Children learn teamwork very early. For Roderick Plummer, this environment helped him develop leadership skills and confidence. These qualities later became important both on the football field and in his professional life.
He attended Plainfield High School, where he quickly became known for his athletic ability. Coaches noticed his talent, especially in football. His strong arm, quick thinking, and leadership made him stand out as a quarterback. At that time, opportunities for Black quarterbacks in major college football programs were still limited, but his talent made it impossible to ignore.
Soon, he earned the chance to attend Princeton University, one of the most respected schools in the United States.
Princeton University Years
When Roderick Plummer arrived at Princeton University, he stepped into a moment of history. College sports in the early 1970s were still changing, especially when it came to race and leadership positions like quarterback.
During the 1970–1972 seasons, Roderick Plummer became the first Black starting quarterback in Princeton football history. That achievement was important not only for the university but also for college sports across the Ivy League.
One of the most memorable moments came on November 7, 1970. On that day, Princeton played Harvard in a game that made history. For the first time in Ivy League history, two Black quarterbacks started against each other. Roderick Plummer represented Princeton, while Rod Foster led Harvard.
On the field, Roderick Plummer also delivered strong performances. During his final two seasons, he threw for nearly 1,400 yards and 10 touchdowns. These numbers showed his skill as a quarterback and helped establish him as an important part of Princeton football history.
Decades later, his contribution was officially recognized. In 2025, Princeton honored Roderick Plummer during a homecoming event. The university celebrated his role in breaking barriers and shaping the program’s legacy.
Of course, his time at Princeton was not only about football. He also focused on education and graduated in 1972. Later, he continued his studies and earned a Juris Doctor (JD), which allowed him to build a career as an entertainment lawyer.
Career Path
After finishing college, Roderick Plummer did not stay only in the world of sports. Instead, he moved into professional fields where leadership and strategy were just as important as athletic skill.
One of his major career paths became entertainment law. As an entertainment lawyer, Roderick Plummer worked with people in the film and media industries. His job involved helping artists, producers, and studios handle contracts, legal rights, and production deals. Lawyers in this field often earn strong salaries, especially when they work with major entertainment projects.
But law was only part of his career. Over time, Roderick Plummer also became involved in film production. He worked behind the scenes on several independent film projects, helping bring creative ideas to life.
Some of the projects connected to his work include films such as A Guy Walks Into a Bar (1997) and The Big Day (1999). He also contributed to productions like Hidden Blessings (2000) and Incognito (1999). In later years, he worked on the short film I Got the Popcorn (2015).
Another interesting chapter in the career of Roderick Plummer is his time in education. He served as an Assistant Professor at Chapman University’s Singapore campus, where he taught subjects such as production finance and international marketing.
His Marriage and How They Met
One of the most important parts of Roderick Plummer’s life story involves his relationship with actress Cynda Williams.
The two met through the entertainment industry. Their connection started while working on the television movie Hidden Blessings (2000). Roderick Plummer was involved as a producer, while Cynda Williams appeared as one of the film’s actors.
Working together on creative projects often builds strong bonds. For them, that professional connection slowly turned into a personal relationship. They shared similar interests in film, storytelling, and creative work, which made their partnership feel natural.
On July 26, 2001, Roderick Plummer and Cynda Williams got married. Over the years, they supported each other’s careers while building a family together.
In later years, their relationship changed. Around 2025, Cynda Williams shared publicly that they had decided to go their separate ways.
Meet His Ex-Wife: Cynda Williams
Cynda Williams was born on May 17, 1966, in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in a family that valued faith and creativity. Her father, Charles Williams, worked as a Chicago police officer, and her mother, Beverly Williams, worked as a medical lab technician.
Cynda later attended Northside High School in Muncie, Indiana. After finishing school there, she continued her education at Ball State University, where she studied theater. During college, she became well known on campus and was crowned “Ms. Ball State.” After graduating in 1989 with a degree in theater, she moved toward building a professional acting career.
Her big break came in 1990 when director Spike Lee cast her in the film Mo’ Better Blues. In the movie, she played the character Clarke Bentancourt. The role also allowed her to sing the song “Harlem Blues.” The song became popular and helped introduce her to a wider audience.
Two years later, she appeared in the crime drama One False Move (1992). Her role as Lila “Fantasia” Walker earned strong praise from critics. She even received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Female Lead. Over time, she continued acting in projects like Tales of the City, Introducing Dorothy Dandridge, and later films such as The Midas Code and the series Higher & Higher.
Outside acting, Cynda Williams also explored writing and producing. She wrote a memoir called Pink Pantie Confessions, where she shared stories about Hollywood, relationships, and personal growth. She also started her own production company called CWILLCreate Productions.
His Children
Sophia Gabrielle Plummer
One of the most important parts of Roderick Plummer’s life is being a father. His daughter, Sophia Gabrielle Plummer, was born in 2001. She is the child he shares with Cynda Williams.
Sophia grew up in a creative home. Her father worked in film production and law, while her mother worked as an actress and singer. Because of this environment, Sophia was surrounded by storytelling, music, and film from a young age.
At one point, the family lived in Singapore for a few years while Roderick Plummer worked in academia. This experience gave Sophia a chance to see different cultures and learn about the world outside the United States. It helped shape her creative thinking and open-minded view of life.
As she grew older, Sophia began exploring the arts herself. She later appeared in the film Why Me (2020) and developed interests in design and creative projects.
Kristopher Plummer
Roderick Plummer is also the father of Kristopher Plummer, his son from a previous relationship. While Kristopher does not live a very public life, he is still an important part of the family story.
Their Relatives
One key family member is his brother Eric Plummer Sr. Eric attended Princeton from 1981 to 1985. During his time there, he competed in athletics as a decathlete and javelin thrower. His success helped continue the family’s strong connection with Princeton sports.
The next generation also carried this tradition forward. Eric Plummer ’10, Roderick’s nephew, attended Princeton as well. He became a standout athlete on the track and field team and even served as the team captain.
Eric Plummer ’10 achieved major success in shot put. He won five Ivy League championships, showing the same athletic strength and determination that earlier family members displayed. Beyond sports, he also became active in leadership groups.
He served as co-president of the Black Men’s Awareness Group at Princeton. Later, he became the President of the Association of Black Princeton Alumni (ABPA). His leadership helped connect past and current Princeton students while promoting community support.
The extended family of Roderick Plummer also includes the relatives of Cynda Williams. Her parents, Charles and Beverly Williams, played an important role in shaping her early life. She also grew up with siblings named Charles, Frederick, Monica, Sodiqa, Meagan, and Mackenzie.
Another important relative was her uncle James Williams, a singer in a band called Black Lightning. He helped inspire Cynda’s musical style and encouraged her passion for performing.
Career & Income
Over the years, Roderick Plummer built a career that includes several professional paths. Many people know him from his work in sports history, but his later work in law, film, and education is just as important.
As an entertainment lawyer, he worked with professionals in the film and television industry. Lawyers in this field help protect artists, producers, and companies by managing contracts and legal rights. Experienced entertainment lawyers can earn strong salaries, especially when they work on large productions.
In addition to law, Roderick Plummer also worked as a film producer. His production credits include projects like A Guy Walks Into a Bar, The Big Day, and the short film I Got the Popcorn. These roles required careful planning, budgeting, and teamwork with directors, writers, and actors.
Another interesting part of his career involved teaching. He served as an Assistant Professor at Chapman University’s Singapore campus, where he taught students about production finance and international marketing. This role allowed him to share real-world experience with future filmmakers.
Final Thoughts
The life story of Roderick Plummer shows how one person can succeed in many different fields. From making history as the first Black starting quarterback at Princeton to building a career in entertainment law and film production, his journey is full of meaningful achievements.
His marriage to Cynda Williams also connects his story to the world of film and television.
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(FAQs)
1. How old is Roderick Plummer now?
Roderick Plummer is estimated to be around 75–76 years old, based on his 1972 graduation year from Princeton University. His exact birth date has never been shared publicly.
2. What is the height of Roderick Plummer?
His exact height is not publicly known, but he is described as having an athletic build, which matches his years as a starting quarterback at Princeton.
3. What is the ethnicity of Roderick Plummer?
Roderick Plummer is African American, and he is often recognized for breaking racial barriers in Ivy League football during the early 1970s.
4. Who are the parents of Roderick Plummer?
His parents’ names have not been shared publicly. However, he grew up in Plainfield, New Jersey, in a large and close-knit family with seven brothers and one sister.
5. Who is the ex-wife of Roderick Plummer?
His ex-wife is actress Cynda Williams, known for films like Mo’ Better Blues and One False Move. They married in 2001 and later separated in 2025.
6. How many children does Roderick Plummer have?
He has two children:
– Sophia Gabrielle, his daughter with Cynda Williams
– Kristopher, his son from a previous relationship
7. What is the net worth of Roderick Plummer?
His net worth is estimated to be in the strong six-figure to low seven-figure range, based on his work as an entertainment lawyer, film producer, and educator.
8. What is Roderick Plummer known for?
He is known for being the first Black starting quarterback at Princeton University, as well as for his work in film production, entertainment law, and teaching at Chapman University Singapore.
