Isis Rae Boykin, daughter of late MTV star Christopher “Big Black” Boykin, represents quiet strength in the face of loss. Born in 2008, she captured hearts through her father’s reality show appearances before his tragic death in 2017. Today, at 17, she focuses on education, art, and building her own identity while honoring her father’s legacy.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Isis Rae Boykin |
| Date of Birth | February 2008 |
| Age (2025) | 17 years old |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Father | Christopher “Big Black” Boykin (deceased) |
| Mother | Shannon Turley (Shannon Boykin) |
| Siblings | None (only child) |
| Known For | Daughter of MTV reality star |
| Education | High school student (private) |
| Interests | Art, painting, drawing |
| Social Media | No verified accounts |
Who Is Isis Rae Boykin?
Isis Rae Boykin is best known as the daughter of Christopher “Big Black” Boykin, the beloved MTV personality who starred in the hit reality show “Rob & Big” from 2006 to 2008. Unlike many children born into the spotlight, Isis has maintained a deliberately private life, especially following her father’s unexpected death when she was just nine years old.
Her story resonates with people for its themes of resilience, love, and the challenge of growing up in the shadow of fame while maintaining personal boundaries. Isis represents a generation of celebrity children whose families choose protection over publicity, allowing them to develop their own identities away from constant scrutiny.
Early Life and Family Background
1. Birth and Childhood
Isis Rae Boykin was born in February 2008 during the height of her father’s television fame. The timing coincided with the massive success of “Rob & Big,” which had made Christopher Boykin a household name across America. Despite this public attention, Christopher and his partner Shannon Turley made deliberate choices to shield their daughter from excessive media exposure.
Her early years were marked by a careful balance. While Christopher appeared on television screens nationwide, at home he was simply a devoted father who attended school events, celebrated milestones, and prioritized family time. Photos he shared on social media showed a warm father-daughter relationship filled with joy, laughter, and genuine affection.
2. Growing Up With Famous Parents
Growing up as the daughter of a reality TV star presented unique challenges. Her father’s larger-than-life personality attracted attention wherever he went, but he worked hard to create normalcy for Isis. He spoke openly in interviews about how becoming a father transformed his priorities and made him more focused on building a secure future rather than chasing fame.
Shannon Turley played an equally crucial role in maintaining this balance. While Christopher’s career demanded public appearances and media engagement, Shannon established firm boundaries that protected their family’s private life. This partnership ensured Isis could experience typical childhood moments without cameras documenting every step.
Christopher “Big Black” Boykin: A Devoted Father
1. From Bodyguard to MTV Star
Christopher Boykin was born on January 13, 1972, in Wiggins, Mississippi. Before his entertainment career, he served in the U.S. Navy, where he developed discipline and work ethic that would serve him throughout life. His path to fame began when professional skateboarder Rob Dyrdek hired him as a bodyguard for a DC Shoes commercial shoot.
The chemistry between the two was immediate and authentic. Their friendship evolved naturally into “Rob & Big,” a show that captivated audiences with its genuine camaraderie, humor, and heart. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 375 pounds, Christopher’s physical presence was imposing, but his personality was warm, funny, and deeply caring.
The show ran for three seasons and 31 episodes, making both Christopher and Rob household names. Christopher later appeared on “Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory” and held two Guinness World Records for eating feats. At the time of his death, his net worth was estimated at three million dollars.
2. His Role as a Father
Fatherhood transformed Christopher Boykin profoundly. He frequently spoke about how Isis changed his entire perspective on life and success. Rather than focusing solely on fame or career advancement, he became intensely focused on financial planning and creating security for his daughter’s future.
His Instagram account became a showcase of fatherly pride. He posted photos of Isis’s artwork, celebrated her school achievements, and shared moments of their time together. In 2015, he proudly posted about her Montessori school graduation, showing how much he valued her education and development.
Christopher’s approach to fatherhood was characterized by presence and planning. He understood that his career provided opportunities to secure Isis’s future, and he took that responsibility seriously. According to reports, he was known among friends as a “penny pincher” who avoided lavish spending in favor of smart investments and savings for his daughter.
Shannon Turley: The Protective Mother
1. Shielding Isis From the Spotlight
Shannon Turley, also known as Shannon Boykin, has been the steady force in Isis’s life. While Christopher’s career placed him in the public eye, Shannon maintained a deliberately low profile. She rarely appeared on his social media and avoided media attention, focusing instead on creating a stable, nurturing home environment.
Her approach to parenting reflects a deep understanding of the challenges facing children of famous parents. She recognized that Isis deserved the chance to develop her own identity without the pressure of public expectations. This philosophy became even more critical after Christopher’s death, when protecting Isis’s privacy became paramount.
Shannon’s strength shines through in her consistent prioritization of her daughter’s well-being. She has navigated the complex terrain of honoring Christopher’s public legacy while fiercely guarding Isis’s right to a private childhood. This balance requires constant vigilance and clear boundaries with media, fans, and even well-meaning supporters.
2. Life After Loss
Following Christopher’s death in 2017, Shannon’s role became even more crucial. As a single mother grieving her own loss while supporting a nine-year-old child through devastating trauma, she demonstrated remarkable resilience. Sources close to the family report that she immediately sought professional support for Isis and created a strong support system of family and trusted friends.
Shannon’s decision to maintain strict privacy boundaries has allowed Isis to grieve and heal away from public scrutiny. She understood that childhood loss requires space, time, and freedom from judgment. By keeping Isis out of interviews, documentaries, and public events, Shannon has given her daughter the invaluable gift of processing grief on her own timeline.
The Heartbreaking Loss: May 2017
1. Christopher’s Sudden Death
On May 9, 2017, Christopher “Big Black” Boykin died suddenly from heart failure at the age of 45. He had been hospitalized in Plano, Texas, where doctors were monitoring his condition. Despite medical intervention, his heart stopped, and he could not be revived.
The news shocked fans worldwide. Christopher had a known history of heart problems, but his death came unexpectedly nonetheless. The entertainment community and MTV family expressed profound grief, with countless tributes pouring in from colleagues, friends, and fans who had been touched by his warmth and humor.
Rob Dyrdek shared an emotional tribute on social media, writing: “My heart is broken. I don’t want to write this post. I don’t want to believe that this is reality. We truly were brothers who lived an unexpected, unforgettable adventure. I just can’t fathom that it would end so suddenly.” His words reflected the deep bond they shared and the genuine brotherhood that had made their show so compelling.
2. How Isis Coped at Age Nine
Isis was only nine years old when her father died. Losing a parent at any age brings profound grief, but for a child, it fundamentally reshapes their understanding of the world. The sudden nature of Christopher’s death meant there was no time for preparation or goodbyes, making the loss even more traumatic.
Reports indicate that art became a crucial outlet for ISIS during this period. Painting and drawing provided ways to express emotions that were difficult to articulate verbally. Creative expression offered both distraction and healing, allowing her to process complex feelings at her own pace.
The public outpouring of sympathy following Christopher’s death demonstrated how many lives he had touched. Fans sent messages of support to Shannon and Isis, offering condolences and sharing memories of how Christopher had brought joy into their lives. This collective mourning, while overwhelming, also showed Isis that her father’s kindness and humor had made a real difference in the world.
Isis Rae Boykin’s Age and Current Life in 2025
As of 2025, Isis Rae Boykin is 17 years old and likely in her final years of high school. This transitional age brings typical teenage challenges—considering college options, exploring identity, and planning for adulthood—all while carrying the weight of her father’s public legacy.
Specific details about her daily life remain appropriately private. She has not given interviews, made public appearances, or established verified social media accounts. This continued privacy reflects both her family’s values and perhaps Isis’s own preferences for living life outside the public spotlight.
Those who know her describe Isis as thoughtful, creative, and mature beyond her years. The experience of losing her father has undoubtedly shaped her perspective, but it hasn’t defined her entire identity. She continues to develop her own interests, friendships, and dreams for the future.
Unlike many celebrity children who eventually step into public roles through social media or entertainment careers, Isis has shown no interest in fame. Her silence speaks to a deliberate choice to live life on her own terms, free from the pressure to perform or share her personal journey for public consumption.
Education Journey and Academic Pursuits
1. Montessori School Foundation
Isis began her educational journey at a Montessori school, an approach that emphasizes independence, creativity, and self-directed learning. This educational philosophy likely contributed to her artistic interests and curious nature. Montessori environments encourage children to explore their passions at their own pace, fostering confidence and self-reliance.
In 2015, Christopher proudly shared photos of Isis’s Montessori graduation on Instagram. The images captured his joy and the priority he placed on her educational achievements. His support reflected a belief in the importance of learning and personal development beyond any fame or family connections.
2. Current High School Years
As of 2025, Isis is likely completing her high school education, though the specific school remains undisclosed. This privacy allows her to focus on academics and social development without the added pressure of public attention or curiosity from fellow students.
Her educational path benefits from the financial security her father established. With college funds in place, Isis has the freedom to pursue academic interests based on passion rather than financial constraints. This security represents one of Christopher’s most meaningful gifts to his daughter—the ability to make educational choices based on dreams rather than limitations.
Personal Interests: Art as Expression
1. Painting and Creative Outlets
Art has been a consistent thread throughout Isis’s life. From a young age, she showed natural talent and inclination toward painting and drawing. Christopher frequently shared her artwork on social media, expressing genuine pride in her creative abilities and artistic vision.
Her artistic interests appear to be more than just a hobby. For Isis, creativity provides a means of self-expression and emotional processing. The visual arts offer a language beyond words, allowing her to communicate feelings and ideas that might be difficult to express verbally.
While she has not pursued public exhibitions or art competitions, those close to the family describe her as genuinely talented. Whether she chooses to pursue art professionally or simply maintains it as a personal passion, it clearly brings meaning and satisfaction to her life.
2. How Art Helps Healing
Following her father’s death, art likely became even more important as a healing tool. Creative expression gives children safe ways to process grief, explore complex emotions, and maintain a connection with lost loved ones. Through her artwork, Isis may find ways to honor her father’s memory and work through feelings about loss.
Art therapy principles suggest that creative activities can reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and provide sense of control during difficult times. For a child experiencing profound loss, these benefits become particularly valuable. The act of creating something beautiful from painful emotions can transform grief into something meaningful.
Net Worth and Financial Security
1. Christopher’s Estate Planning
Christopher Boykin demonstrated remarkable foresight in planning for his daughter’s future. Despite his relatively young age, he took estate planning seriously and made strategic decisions to protect Isis financially. At the time of his death, his estate was valued at approximately three million dollars.
Sources close to the family reported that Christopher lived modestly despite his television success. He avoided lavish spending and instead focused on investments and savings. Friends described him as a “penny pincher” in the best sense—someone who understood that true wealth meant security for his daughter rather than material displays.
This financial wisdom reflected his values as a father. He recognized that his entertainment career might not last forever and that health issues could arise unexpectedly. By prioritizing financial planning over conspicuous consumption, he ensured that even in his absence, Isis would have resources for education and beyond.
2. The College Fund Legacy
One of Christopher’s most important legacies is the college fund he established for Isis. Reports indicate that he set up dedicated financial arrangements specifically for her education, ensuring she would have funds to pursue higher learning without financial stress or limitation.
This college fund represents more than just money—it embodies Christopher’s belief in education’s transformative power and his commitment to his daughter’s future. It provides Isis with choices and opportunities that honor her father’s sacrifice and planning.
The financial security also allows Shannon to focus on parenting without the added stress of economic hardship. She can make decisions based on what’s best for Isis’s emotional and developmental needs rather than what’s financially necessary. This freedom is itself a precious gift from Christopher to his family.
Privacy in the Digital Age
1. Why Isis Stays Off Social Media
Isis Rae Boykin has no verified social media presence. In an era where most teenagers maintain active online profiles, this absence is notable and intentional. While some profiles may use her name, they are either fan accounts or unauthorized attempts to capitalize on her connection to Christopher.
The decision to keep Isis offline reflects both family values and protective parenting. Social media presents particular risks for children of celebrities—from online harassment and inappropriate contact to the loss of privacy and the pressure to perform for public audiences. By staying offline, Isis avoids these pitfalls entirely.
This choice also allows her to develop an identity away from public judgment. Teenagers make mistakes, change interests, and experiment with different aspects of personality. For most teens, these explorations happen relatively privately. Social media would turn Isis’s normal developmental process into public content, potentially creating lasting digital footprints that could haunt her future.
2. The Importance of Protecting Celebrity Children
Celebrity children face unique challenges that most people don’t consider. They inherit fame without choosing it, face scrutiny before they’re old enough to consent, and must navigate public curiosity about their lives. The pressure can lead to anxiety, depression, and difficulty forming authentic relationships.
Shannon Turley’s protective approach reflects growing awareness about children’s rights to privacy. Just because a parent is famous doesn’t automatically make their children public figures. Each child deserves the opportunity to choose whether to engage with public attention when they’re mature enough to make that decision thoughtfully.
The absence of paparazzi photos, interview requests, and social media content about Isis demonstrates that protecting celebrity children is possible when families set firm boundaries and media outlets respect them. This protection serves Isis’s mental health and allows her to focus on normal teenage concerns rather than managing public perception.
Relationship With Her Father’s Legacy
1. Rob Dyrdek’s Tribute
After Christopher’s death, Rob Dyrdek shared heartfelt tributes that demonstrated the depth of their friendship. His words revealed genuine grief and disbelief at losing someone he considered a brother. The tributes honored Christopher’s character, humor, and the adventures they shared during their years together.
While there’s no public record of ongoing contact between Rob and Isis, his expressions of love for Christopher suggest respect for his family. Any support Rob may have offered privately remains appropriately confidential. The relationship between Isis and her father’s best friend, if it exists, belongs to them and doesn’t require public documentation.
Rob’s tributes also helped preserve Christopher’s legacy for Isis. They provided public acknowledgment of her father’s impact and character from someone who knew him intimately. These words may offer comfort to Isis as she navigates life without her father, knowing that he was genuinely loved and valued.
2. Honoring Big Black’s Memory
Isis honors her father’s memory in private ways that don’t require public performance. She carries his legacy through her character, values, and the choices she makes. The strength she demonstrates in maintaining privacy despite public curiosity would likely make Christopher proud.
Her decision to live authentically rather than perform for public approval reflects lessons her father may have taught her. Christopher himself struggled with the balance between fame and authenticity, eventually choosing family time over continued reality TV appearances. Isis’s similar prioritization of genuine life over public persona echoes this value.
The artistic interests Isis maintains are also connected to her father’s creative spirit. While Christopher expressed himself through comedy and entertainment, Isis finds expression through the visual arts. Both represent authentic self-expression rather than simply seeking attention—a parallel that honors his approach to life.
What Does the Future Hold?
As Isis approaches the end of high school and the beginning of adulthood, questions about her future naturally arise. Will she pursue art professionally? Will she attend college? Will she eventually step into public life or continue maintaining privacy?
The honest answer is that these decisions belong entirely to Isis. The financial security her father provided gives her freedom to choose paths based on passion rather than economic necessity. She can pursue art, attend college, explore different careers, or take time to discover her interests—all without financial pressure forcing premature decisions.
Her artistic talents suggest potential paths in the visual arts, design, or creative fields. However, her interests may evolve as she matures and explores new subjects. The beauty of her situation is that she has options and time to discover what truly resonates with her spirit.
Whatever path Isis chooses, she carries her father’s legacy of authenticity, kindness, and focus on what truly matters. Christopher’s life demonstrated that success isn’t measured by fame alone but by the love you share, the security you provide, and the positive impact you have on others. These lessons will guide Isis regardless of which direction she pursues.
Lesser-Known Facts About Isis Rae Boykin
- Pisces Personality: Born in February, Isis’s zodiac sign is Pisces, typically associated with creativity, empathy, and emotional depth—traits that seem to match her artistic interests and thoughtful nature.
- Montessori Graduate: Her early education in a Montessori school likely contributed to her creative independence and self-directed learning approach.
- Only Child: As Christopher and Shannon’s only child, Isis has received undivided parental attention and support, particularly crucial after her father’s death.
- Artistic Recognition: Christopher frequently shared Isis’s artwork on social media, indicating she showed artistic talent from a young age.
- Protected Identity: Despite her father’s fame, very few recent photos of Isis are publicly available, demonstrating the family’s successful privacy protection.
- Geographic Privacy: Even basic details like which city or state Isis currently lives in remain private, showing the thoroughness of her family’s boundaries.
- Educational Priority: Christopher established educational funds before his death, demonstrating that intellectual development was a top family priority.
- No Entertainment Appearances: Unlike many celebrity children who make cameo appearances or pursue entertainment careers, Isis has never appeared on television since her father’s death.
Final Thoughts
Isis Rae Boykin’s story transcends the typical celebrity child narrative. While she was born into the spotlight through her father’s fame, her journey has been defined by resilience, privacy, and the quiet strength that emerges from navigating profound loss while maintaining personal boundaries.
Her life reminds us that children of famous parents are individuals with rights to privacy and normal development. The protection Shannon Turley has provided demonstrates that shielding children from fame’s harsh glare is both possible and necessary. This approach has allowed Isis to grieve, heal, and grow into her own person rather than existing as an extension of her father’s public legacy.
Christopher “Big Black” Boykin’s greatest legacy may not be his television appearances or Guinness records, but rather the daughter he raised and the future he secured for her. Through thoughtful planning and genuine parenting, he ensured that Isis would have choices, security, and freedom to become whoever she’s meant to be.
As Isis continues her journey from teenager to young adult, she carries forward her father’s values of authenticity, kindness, and focusing on what truly matters. Her story inspires not through dramatic public statements or social media posts, but through the quiet dignity of living life on her own terms while honoring those who came before her.
