Isis Rae Boykin is the daughter of Christopher “Big Black” Boykin, the MTV reality star from Rob & Big. Born in February 2008, she became known to the public after her father died in 2017. Now 17, she maintains a private life focused on education and artistic interests.
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Isis Rae Boykin |
Date of Birth | February 2008 |
Age (2025) | 17 years old |
Place of Birth | United States |
Nationality | American |
Father | Christopher “Big Black” Boykin (deceased) |
Mother | Shannon Turley (Shannon Boykin) |
Known For | Daughter of MTV reality star |
Education | High school student (private) |
Interests | Art, painting, drawing |
Isis Rae Boykin entered the world in February 2008 when her father was at the height of his television career. Christopher “Big Black” Boykin and Shannon Turley welcomed their daughter during a time when millions knew his face from MTV screens across America.
Her early childhood unfolded away from cameras, despite her father’s fame. Christopher and Shannon made a conscious choice to shield their daughter from excessive media attention. They wanted her to experience a normal childhood—birthday parties, school plays, and family dinners—without the pressure of public scrutiny.
The household balanced two worlds. Christopher brought home stories from his entertainment career, but inside their home, he was simply “Dad.” He attended school events, helped with homework, and shared his daughter’s milestones with genuine pride.
Shannon played an important role in maintaining this balance. As Isis’s mother, she established boundaries that protected their family life. Her approach created a safe environment where their daughter could grow without the weight of celebrity status defining her identity.
Christopher Boykin became a household name through Rob & Big, the MTV reality series that aired from 2006 to 2008. The show followed his friendship with professional skateboarder Rob Dyrdek, capturing their adventures with humor and heart. Christopher’s personality—warm, funny, and genuine—made him a fan favorite.
Before television fame, Christopher worked as Dyrdek’s bodyguard. Their professional relationship grew into a deep friendship that translated naturally to television. Standing 6-foot-6 with an imposing presence, Christopher balanced his physical stature with a gentle demeanor that audiences loved.
The show’s success led to appearances on Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory and other projects. Christopher also explored music and business ventures. His net worth at the time of his death was estimated at $3 million, reflecting years of work in entertainment and smart financial planning.
As a father, Christopher frequently shared his love for Isis through social media posts and interviews. He spoke openly about how fatherhood changed him, making him more focused on building a secure future. Photos of school events, art projects, and everyday moments showed their strong bond.
In 2015, he posted a proud Instagram photo of Isis graduating from Montessori school. The image captured his joy and the priority he placed on her education and development.
On May 9, 2017, Christopher Boykin died suddenly from heart failure at age 45. He had been hospitalized in Plano, Texas, where doctors monitored his condition. Despite medical efforts, his heart stopped. The news shocked fans worldwide and devastated his family.
Isis was only nine years old when she lost her father. The tragedy occurred during a critical period of childhood development. Losing a parent at any age brings profound grief, but for a young child, the loss reshapes their entire world.
Shannon immediately focused on supporting their daughter through this traumatic experience. She sought professional help and leaned on family members to create a support system. Reports suggest that art became an important outlet for Isis during this period, giving her a way to process emotions that were difficult to express verbally.
The public outpouring of sympathy following Christopher’s death showed how many people he had touched. Rob Dyrdek shared an emotional tribute, calling Christopher his brother and expressing disbelief at the sudden loss. Fans sent messages of support to Shannon and Isis.
In the years following, Shannon made privacy a priority. She understood that healing required space away from public attention. This decision allowed Isis to grieve and grow without cameras documenting her pain.
Growing up as the daughter of a famous television personality presented unique challenges. While Christopher was alive, he and Shannon worked to minimize unwanted attention. After his death, Shannon intensified these efforts to protect their daughter.
Isis attended a Montessori school for her early education, graduating in 2015. The Montessori approach emphasizes independence, creativity, and self-directed learning—values that aligned with her parents’ educational goals. Her current school remains undisclosed, reflecting the family’s commitment to privacy.
Throughout her teenage years, Isis has shown a strong interest in art. Painting and drawing provide both creative expression and emotional release. Those close to the family describe her as naturally talented in visual arts, though she has not pursued public exhibitions or competitions.
Her mother’s protective approach has meant no verified social media accounts. While many teenagers build online identities, Isis has remained offline. This choice—whether hers or her mother’s—has shielded her from both the benefits and dangers of social media exposure.
Friends and family members who know Isis describe her as thoughtful, creative, and mature beyond her years. The experience of losing her father has shaped her perspective, but it hasn’t defined her entire identity. She continues to develop her own interests and personality.
As of 2025, Isis Rae Boykin is 17 years old and likely in her final years of high school. Specific details about her daily life remain private, but general patterns suggest a focus on education and personal development.
Her artistic interests continue to play a role in her life. Whether she plans to pursue art professionally remains unknown, but creativity clearly provides satisfaction and meaning. Many children who experience early trauma find that artistic expression helps them process complex emotions.
Unlike many celebrity children who eventually step into public roles, Isis has shown no interest in fame. She hasn’t given interviews, appeared in documentaries, or made public statements about her father’s legacy. This silence speaks to a deliberate choice to live life on her own terms.
The relationship between Isis and Rob Dyrdek, her father’s closest friend, remains unclear. Dyrdek expressed deep affection for Christopher after his death, but any ongoing connection with Isis has not been publicly confirmed. If they maintain contact, they’ve kept it appropriately private.
Looking toward the future, Isis faces typical teenage milestones—completing high school, considering college options, and making early career decisions. With her father’s financial planning providing security, she has the freedom to choose paths that align with her interests rather than economic necessity.
Christopher Boykin demonstrated remarkable foresight in planning for his daughter’s future. Reports indicate he established financial arrangements to ensure Isis would have resources for education and beyond.
Sources close to the family told media outlets that Christopher set up funds specifically for his daughter’s benefit. These provisions were designed to cover educational expenses and provide long-term financial stability. While exact amounts have never been disclosed, his estimated $3 million net worth suggests substantial resources.
This financial planning reflected Christopher’s values as a father. He understood that his career provided opportunities to secure his daughter’s future. Rather than spending lavishly, he made strategic decisions to protect her long-term interests.
The financial security has allowed Shannon to focus on parenting without the added stress of economic hardship. It has also given Isis freedom to pursue her interests and education without financial pressure shaping every decision.
Estate planning experts often point to Christopher’s approach as a model for entertainers and other individuals with variable income. His actions ensured that even after his unexpected death, his daughter would have the resources needed to build her future.
Shannon Boykin’s decision to keep her daughter out of the public eye reflects a growing understanding of children’s rights to privacy. Celebrity status belongs to the famous individual, not automatically to their children.
Many children of famous parents struggle with unwanted attention. They face scrutiny over their appearance, behavior, and choices before they’re old enough to consent to such exposure. Some develop anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges related to public pressure.
By maintaining strict privacy boundaries, Shannon has given Isis something invaluable—the chance to develop her identity without public judgment. She can make mistakes, change her interests, and grow as a person without those moments becoming permanent internet content.
The absence of social media accounts also protects ISIS from online harassment and inappropriate contact. While social platforms can provide connection and expression, they also expose users to risks that intensify for anyone connected to fame.
This approach doesn’t mean hiding or shame. Rather, it recognizes that Isis deserves the same privacy rights as any teenager. When and if she chooses to step into public life, that decision should come from her own authentic desires, not obligation or expectation.
Isis Rae Boykin’s story reflects both loss and strength. She has faced challenges that would test anyone at any age, yet she continues to grow and pursue her interests with the support of her mother. Her father’s legacy lives on not through public appearances or interviews, but through the values he instilled and the future he secured for her.
The decision to maintain privacy demonstrates wisdom. It recognizes that healing, growth, and identity development require space away from public scrutiny. As Isis approaches adulthood, she carries forward her father’s memory while building her own path—a path that belongs entirely to her.