Gabrielle Union doesn’t prefer the term “basketball wife.” For years she has sought to establish her own identity which hasn’t been easy given her husband is a 3x NBA Champion. But the Being Mary Jane actress has let everybody know that she is more than just the First Lady of the Wade Household. She even mentioned that she preferred people refer to Wade as “Hollywood Husband” and made sure to drive the point home once again.

Union has been keen to break the stigma of her identity being reduced to that of being the wife of a popular basketball star. Dwyane Wade with all his accomplishments and accolades stands out as an icon, but Union has taken her own path to success with awards and nominations across TV and film. This time, however, she chose to stand out by exhibiting her skills in a sport different than what her husband has excelled in over the years.

The Wade family is enjoying their festive vacation and the couple has been updating fans about their activities on Instagram. One such story uploaded by Dwyane Wade showcased the family having fun at a bowling alley and Union surprising her husband with her talent.

The scores after the first round were perfect 10 for the couple. In the second round, it was Union who once again hit an amazing strike. “Who knew??? @gabunion was bowling bowling last night!” Dwyane Wade wrote on his Instagram story with a snap of Union going for her strike.

Union reshared the story and showed her excitement, writing, “Let’s bowl Let’s bowl Let’s rocknrollllllllll!!” After 10 years of marriage, even the Miami Heat legend was shocked about his partner’s bowling abilities which had a market cap of $927.11 Million in 2023. Union is better known for her roles in movies and TV shows such as “The Perfect Find,” “The Birth of a Nation,” “Think Like a Man” and many more.

She has also been nominated for BET Awards for various roles and won the 2019 Teen Choice Award for the best actress for her role in “L.A.’s Finest.” She also won the Best Actress award at the 2006 Palm Beach International Film Festival for Neo Ned.

Union has been blazing her own trail.

In 2019, she talked about how breaking out of her husband’s shadow was important for her. “What’s the point of getting a seat at the table if you’re looking at the door every time it opens to judge the person coming through who is trying to pull in a chair? I prefer ‘Hollywood husband.’ How about Dwyane Wade is Gabrielle Union’s husband? There are no stereotypes or terms for men who are married to successful women. It’s only in the reverse,” she told InStyle.

With Dwyane Wade left in awe of her bowling talents, to go along with her acting prowess, safe to say she has more than earned her place at the table.

Meanwhile, the Wade family also spent time on the beach and continued their preparation for Christmas sharing updates on social media. There was a story by Dwyane Wade highlighting still some “Last min Christmas shopping,” left to do. The couple showed off their contrasting Christmas outfits with Dwyane sporting an all-black attire and Union showing off her grey outfit.

With the holiday season in full swing, the Wades are going all in, but there just might be a different feel to their celebrations this year.

Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union’s love language has changed

The couple has been through thick and thin in a decade-old marriage. Through those experiences, the couple has learned a lot. “Gab and I have learned it’s not about the price tag or going over the top with gifts. It’s about making it meaningful, something that speaks to who we are as a couple.”

Dwyane Wade spoke to E! News and the Miami Heat legend added, “We try to focus on experiences. It’s about creating memories, not just unwrapping a box. At the end of the day, it’s the thought and love behind the gift that counts. That’s how we keep it special every year.” 

That’s why they are spending Christmas together as a family. With few bonding activities like bowling help them create the best atmosphere in their household. As D-Wade has stated previously, the important thing for him is to spend time together with all his family members. Clearly, even if Gabrielle can outdo him once in a while.