Robin Simone Givens (born November 27, 1964) is an American actress, model, and television personality. She is best known for her roles as Darlene Merriman on the ABC sitcom Head of the Class (1986–1991) and as Vanessa Russell on the UPN sitcom Sparks (1996–1997).
Givens was born in New York City to Ruth Roper Givens and Reuben Givens. Her father left the family when she was a young girl, and she was raised by her mother in Westchester County, New York. Givens began her career as a child model, appearing in commercials and print advertisements. She made her acting debut in the 1978 television film The Wiz, and she went on to appear in a number of other television shows and films throughout the 1980s.
In 1986, Givens was cast as Darlene Merriman on the ABC sitcom Head of the Class. The show was a critical and commercial success, and Givens's performance was widely praised. She remained on the show for its entire five-season run.
In 1988, Givens married boxer Mike Tyson. The marriage was short-lived and highly publicized, and it ended in divorce in 1989. Givens's portrayal of Tyson in the divorce proceedings was widely criticized, and she was accused of being materialistic and manipulative.
In the years following her divorce from Tyson, Givens's career declined. She continued to appear in television shows and films, but she never achieved the same level of success that she had enjoyed in the 1980s.
In recent years, Givens has spoken out about the domestic violence she says she suffered at the hands of Tyson. She has also become a spokesperson for the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Givens is a talented and versatile actress who has made a significant contribution to American television and film. She is a role model for many young women, and she is an inspiration to millions of people around the world.