Vernell Varnado: Snoop Dogg’s Father — Life, Career & Family

Who Is Vernell Varnado?

Vernell Varnado is an American veteran, actor, singer, and former mail carrier best known as the biological father of rapper and cultural icon Snoop Dogg (Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.). Often called “Poppa Snoop,” Vernell has lived a life defined by military service, blue-collar work, and a complicated but ultimately mended bond with his famous son.

Born on December 13, 1949, in Magnolia, Mississippi, Vernell grew up in the rural Deep South during the civil rights era. He’s 76 years old as of 2025. While he wasn’t a constant presence in Snoop Dogg’s childhood, their story is one of estrangement, reconciliation, and the kind of imperfect family dynamics that millions of Americans can relate to.

Early Life in Magnolia, Mississippi

Vernell Varnado was born and raised in Magnolia, Mississippi, a small city in Pike County with a population of roughly 2,000 people. He’s the son of William Varnado and Minnie Felder, and he grew up in an African-American community in the segregated South of the 1950s and 1960s.

Magnolia sits about 100 miles south of Jackson, Mississippi, and during Vernell’s youth, the town — like much of the state — was shaped by the racial tensions and economic hardship of the era. Vernell attended Eva Gordon Attendance Center for his early schooling before eventually relocating to California, where he later enrolled at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College.

That move from rural Mississippi to urban Los Angeles was a significant shift, and it set the stage for much of what would follow — including his brief relationship with Beverly Tate, Snoop Dogg’s mother.

Military Service

Vernell Varnado served in the United States military during the Vietnam era, entering service around 1969. His time in uniform gave him structure and discipline, and it’s a part of his identity he’s carried throughout his life.

After completing his service, Vernell transitioned to civilian life in California. He found work as a mail carrier with the U.S. Postal Service — a stable government job that became his primary career for years. He also pursued his passion for music on the side, performing as a singer in local venues.

His military background and postal career don’t make headlines the way his son’s rap records do, but they reflect a man who held down steady work across decades.

Relationship with Snoop Dogg

This is the part of Vernell Varnado’s story that draws the most attention — and it’s complicated.

Vernell and Beverly Tate had a relationship that produced Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. (Snoop Dogg), who was born on October 20, 1971, in Long Beach, California. However, Vernell was largely absent during Snoop’s early childhood. The couple separated, and Beverly later married Calvin Cordozar Broadus Sr., who became Snoop’s stepfather and the source of his legal surname.

Snoop Dogg has spoken publicly about growing up without his biological father in the home. Beverly Tate raised Snoop and his siblings, and she’s been consistently credited as the backbone of the family. The young Calvin earned the nickname “Snoopy” from his mother because of his love for the Peanuts cartoon character — a nickname that would eventually become one of the most recognizable stage names in hip-hop history.

Vernell reportedly reconnected with Snoop when the rapper was around 12 years old. That reconnection didn’t erase the years of absence, but it opened a door that both men have walked through over time.

Snoop Dogg’s Rise to Fame

Any biography of Vernell Varnado is incomplete without acknowledging his son’s massive career. Snoop Dogg got his first major break when Dr. Dre featured him on the 1992 single “Deep Cover” and then prominently on the landmark album The Chronic.

Snoop’s 1993 debut album, Doggystyle, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and has sold over 6 million copies. From there, he built a career spanning more than three decades, with albums like Tha Doggfather, R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece, and Tha Last Meal. He’s sold over 37 million albums worldwide.

Beyond music, Snoop has become a cultural institution — hosting TV shows, launching business ventures, coaching youth football, and appearing in everything from cooking shows with Martha Stewart to the 2022 Super Bowl Halftime Show. His estimated net worth sits at approximately $150 million.

While Vernell wasn’t there for the early chapters, he’s been visible during many of the later ones.

Reconnection and Public Appearances

In recent years, Vernell and Snoop Dogg have maintained a public and apparently warm relationship. Vernell has appeared alongside his son at various events and has been featured in TV appearances connected to Snoop’s projects.

Snoop Dogg produced the reality series Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood, which aired on E! and gave viewers a look at his family life. Vernell has also been spotted at family gatherings and celebrations that Snoop has shared on social media.

The nickname “Poppa Snoop” itself reflects an embrace rather than a distancing. Vernell hasn’t shied away from the association, and Snoop — for his part — hasn’t publicly held grudges. Their relationship appears to be one where both men accepted what happened and chose to move forward.

Vernell even made appearances in small acting roles, including the 2017 Tupac Shakur biopic All Eyez on Me and the film Make It Rain. These weren’t starring roles, but they showed a man willing to step in front of the camera on his own terms.

Personal Life

Vernell Varnado keeps most of his personal life out of the spotlight. Here’s what we know:

• He’s of African-American descent and holds American nationality.
• His relationship with Beverly Tate ended in divorce. Beverly later remarried.
• He has multiple children, with Snoop Dogg being the most famous.
• He maintains a Facebook presence where he occasionally connects with fans and shares updates, though he’s far less active on social media than his son.
• He splits his time between California and Mississippi, staying connected to his Southern roots.

Vernell’s life hasn’t been defined by wealth or fame. He’s a veteran, a working man, and a father who reconnected with a son he once left behind. That’s a real story — not a polished one, but an honest one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vernell Varnado really Snoop Dogg’s father?

Yes. Vernell Varnado is the biological father of Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., known professionally as Snoop Dogg. Snoop was born on October 20, 1971. However, Snoop was primarily raised by his mother Beverly Tate and his stepfather Calvin Cordozar Broadus Sr.

Why was Vernell Varnado absent from Snoop Dogg’s childhood?

Vernell and Beverly Tate separated when Snoop was very young. The exact reasons haven’t been fully detailed publicly, but Vernell was largely absent during Snoop’s formative years. He reconnected with Snoop around the time his son was 12 years old.

What did Vernell Varnado do for a living?

Vernell served in the U.S. military during the Vietnam era, then worked as a mail carrier with the U.S. Postal Service. He also pursued music as a singer and later took on small acting roles in films like All Eyez on Me (2017).

How old is Vernell Varnado?

Vernell Varnado was born on December 13, 1949, making him 76 years old as of 2025. His zodiac sign is Sagittarius.

What is Vernell Varnado’s net worth?

Vernell Varnado’s net worth has not been publicly disclosed. His career spanned military service, postal work, singing, and small acting roles. His son Snoop Dogg, by contrast, has an estimated net worth of around $150 million.