Mario Barrett is an American singer, songwriter, and actor best known for his hit songs like Let Me Love You and How Do I Breathe. With a career spanning over two decades, he has made a significant impact on R&B music and entertainment. Apart from music, he has also ventured into acting and philanthropy. Let’s take a deeper look into his life, career, relationships, and net worth.

Quick Bio

Full Name	Mario Dewar Barrett
Stage Name	Mario
Date of Birth	August 27, 1986
Age	38 years (as of 2025)
Place of Birth	Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Nationality	American
Profession	Singer, Songwriter, Actor
Genres	R&B, Hip-Hop, Soul
Net Worth	$5 Million
Height	5 feet 11 inches (180 cm)
Notable Songs	Let Me Love You, How Do I Breathe, Just a Friend 2002

Early Life and Education

Mario Barrett was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on August 27, 1986. He had a tough childhood, growing up in a challenging environment with his mother struggling with drug addiction. However, Mario found his passion for music at an early age and used it as an escape.

At the age of four, he showed interest in music and even expressed a desire to become a singer like Michael Jackson. Recognizing his talent, his mother bought him a karaoke machine, which helped him improve his vocal skills.

Mario attended Milford Mill Academy, where he participated in talent shows and gained recognition for his exceptional voice. His talent soon caught the attention of music producers, leading to his big break in the industry.

Music Career

Mario Barrett’s journey into the music industry started when he was discovered at 11 years old. He later signed with J Records under the mentorship of music executive Clive Davis.

In 2002, at just 16 years old, he released his debut album, Mario, featuring the hit single “Just a Friend 2002.” The song became a major success, propelling him into the spotlight.

His biggest success came in 2004 with his second album, Turning Point, which featured the chart-topping single Let Me Love You. The song became one of the biggest R&B hits of the 2000s, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for nine weeks and earning him multiple awards and nominations.

Mario continued to release successful albums, including:

• Go (2007) – Featured singles like Crying Out for Me and How Do I Breathe.
• D.N.A (2009) – Included songs like Break Up featuring Gucci Mane and Sean Garrett.
• Dancing Shadows (2018) – Showed a more personal and mature side of Mario.

Despite facing industry challenges, Mario has remained a respected artist in the R&B genre.

Acting Career

Apart from his music career, Mario Barrett has also ventured into acting. His acting debut was in the 2006 film Step Up, where he played Miles Darby alongside Channing Tatum.

Some of his notable acting roles include:

• Freedom Writers (2007) – Played the role of Andre, starring alongside Hilary Swank.
• Empire (2018-2019) – Had a recurring role as Devon, showcasing his acting and singing abilities.
• Rent: Live (2019) – Portrayed Benjamin Coffin III in the Fox musical production.

His transition from music to acting proves his versatility and talent in the entertainment industry.

Other Appearances

Mario Barrett has appeared on several TV shows and reality series, allowing fans to see different sides of his personality. Some of his appearances include:

• Dancing with the Stars (2008) – Competed in Season 6, showcasing his dance skills.
• Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood (2018-2019) – Gave fans a closer look into his personal life and career struggles.
• The Masked Singer (2023) – Showcased his vocal range while keeping his identity hidden.

These appearances have kept him relevant in the entertainment industry and introduced him to new audiences.

Age and Physical Appearance

Mario Barrett is currently 38 years old (as of 2025) and maintains a youthful and stylish appearance. He stands at 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) and has a lean, athletic build.

Over the years, he has been known for his trendy hairstyles, from braids in the early 2000s to short, clean-cut looks. His fashion sense reflects his personality—modern, sleek, and confident.

Mario Barrett’s Relationships

Mario Barrett has kept most of his romantic relationships private, but he has been linked to a few high-profile names over the years.

Some of the rumored relationships include:

• Jillian Barberie – The two were speculated to have had a brief romance.
• Kristina Colonna – He was publicly linked to model Kristina Colonna.
• Tinashe – Rumors circulated about a potential relationship, though it was never confirmed.

Mario has always been focused on his career, keeping his personal life out of the spotlight.

What Is Mario Barrett’s Net Worth?

As of 2025, Mario Barrett has an estimated net worth of $5 million. His wealth comes from:

• Music sales and streaming
• Concert tours and live performances
• Acting roles in movies and TV shows
• Brand endorsements and collaborations

Despite not releasing music as frequently as before, his past success continues to generate income.

Do Right Foundation

Mario Barrett is also known for his philanthropic work. He founded the Do Right Foundation, which focuses on helping children with parents struggling with drug addiction.

His foundation raises awareness about substance abuse and provides resources and support for affected families. Mario’s personal experiences with his mother’s addiction inspired him to make a difference.

Through his foundation, he has helped many young individuals overcome challenges and find hope.

Conclusion

Mario Barrett is not just a talented singer but also a versatile actor and philanthropist. From his early struggles to becoming a successful artist, his journey is an inspiration.

With hit songs like Let Me Love You and How Do I Breathe, he has solidified his place in R&B history. Despite challenges in his career, Mario continues to evolve, proving that his passion for music and acting is stronger than ever.

FAQs

Who is Mario Barrett?
Mario Barrett is an American R&B singer, songwriter, and actor best known for his hit song Let Me Love You and his contributions to music and film.

How old is Mario Barrett?
Mario Barrett was born on August 27, 1986, making him 38 years old as of 2025.

What is Mario Barrett’s net worth?
As of 2025, Mario Barrett has an estimated net worth of $5 million, earned through music, acting, and endorsements.

What are Mario Barrett’s most popular songs?
Some of his biggest hits include Let Me Love You, How Do I Breathe, Just a Friend 2002, and Break Up.

Has Mario Barrett acted in movies or TV shows?
Yes, Mario has appeared in films like Step Up and Freedom Writers, and TV shows like Empire and Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood.

Is Mario Barrett dating anyone?
Mario has kept his love life private, but he has been linked to a few celebrities in the past.

Does Mario Barrett do any charity work?
Yes, he founded the Do Right Foundation, which helps children whose parents struggle with drug addiction.

Is Mario Barrett still making music?
Yes, Mario Barrett continues to make new music, perform, and engage with his fans through live shows and social media.

Where is Mario Barrett from?
He was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, where he developed his passion for music.

What was Mario Barrett’s breakthrough song?
His breakthrough hit was “Just a Friend 2002,” which gained massive popularity and launched his music career.

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