Nene Leake’s recent announcement of departure from Bravo’s Real Housewives Of Atlanta sparked a small exploration into iconic cast members who have also left the show. As she was the last original cast member from season 1, it truly seems like the end of a legendary era in the franchise.
She wasn’t the only cast member to leave her mark, as other RHOA icons like Sheree Whitfield and Lisa Wu graced the show with their fashion designs and quick humor. Over the years, there have been many personalities that came together to make the show what it is. As the upcoming season is set to air later this year with new people and new drama, here’s a little look at the past cast.
Lisa Wu
As one of the original cast members on the show, Lisa Wu made her mark as the entrepreneurial master. She wore many hats and was accomplished in more than one field, but the hat she wore most on the show was the cap of the ever-creative fashion designer. Although much of her work was not to taste for some of the other cast members, her fashionable clothing line “Closet Freak” was the inspiration for some of the biggest storylines of season 2. Lisa Wu was part of the official cast on seasons 1 and 2 and made a return as a friend to the show in season 3.
Demetria McKinney
Demetria McKinney made quite the entrance during season 7 of Real Housewives Of Atlanta. Like a few other members of the cast, she has had quite a few roles on television shows like Chicago Med and Motherland: Fort Salem. However, back on her season, the curiosity regarding her personal life didn’t seem to simmer down, as she was at the center of much controversy. There was a lot of confusion about who she was dating and whether she could be trusted as someone who wouldn’t lie about certain industry connections. It was so much speculation and drama surrounding her time on the show that she released a response song, “Unnecessary Trouble,” which was written by and featured Kandi Burruss.
Shamari DeVoe
Shamari DeVoe needed little introduction when she appeared on the show. She was no stranger to the music industry as one-third of the R&B girl group Blaque, nor was she new to Hollywood, as she had already appeared in the hit cheer movie Bring It On. Her experience and track record seemed to be obvious points of contention for her storyline during season 11.
Some of the issues in her marriage were made public on the show, as well as some of her personal struggles. Despite whatever was going on during her season, she liked to be the life of the party and always seemed to have a good time. She didn’t return as an official cast member for season 12.
Eva Marcille
As the former winner of America’s Next Top Model season 3, Eva Marcille knew a bit about reality television and how it worked. Her laidback but no-nonsense personality on seasons 10, 11, and 12 of Real Housewives Of Atlanta was another addition to the show that seemed to ruffle some feathers. Although her storyline seemed often minimalized to arguments with other cast members, she was often the voice of reason when things were a bit tumultuous.
Claudia Jordan
Claudia Jordan is probably most known for her season 7 verbal showdown with NeNe Leakes. During her time on the show, Claudia showed her passion for her radio and television career, as well as her snappy ability for a quick-witted remark. There was a lot of division amongst the cast members during season 7, but she didn’t really pay attention to a lot of the reality television games that usually occur. She reportedly wasn’t offered a position as an official cast member for season 8, and instead was offered a diminished role which she declined.
Kim Fields
Kim Fields is more known for her previous work than she is for her time on the show. She was already known for being amongst the cast as Tootie in NBC’s The Facts Of Life, and Regine on Fox’s Living Single. But as a newcomer in season 8, she faced a lot of issues. There were rumors about her family and marriage, and there was also talk that she wasn’t really right for the show. Her name preceded her, which is why she faced so much backlash as soon as she arrived on the scene. Kim Fields didn’t really allow any of the drama to tarnish her legacy, and she maintained a relatively calm and classy persona throughout season 8 and its reunion.
Kim Zolciak-Biermann
Original cast member Kim Zolciak-Biermann was one of the few to get her own spinoff show on Bravo’s network. She made a few quick exits and entrances over the show’s soon to be 13 season run, and she is also the face of the most iconic song to ever be affiliated with the franchise, “Don’t Be Tardy For The Party.”
Her on-again-off-again feud with NeNe Leakes was a running theme of her storyline, but she still managed to have a reality television personality that was developed enough for a separate show despite the drama.
Sheree Whitfield
Sheree Whitfield was another original cast member known for her one-liners and elusive endeavors. She was often criticized for being “The Bone Collector,” as she received and passed on information that was best left alone. During her time on the show she was also knocked for her clothing line “She By Sheree,” and the status of the construction of her house. As a result of all the controversy, she is often remembered for her responses during such arguments, and also for her uncertain launch dates and announcements.
Phaedra Parks
Phaedra Parks is a true entrepreneur and made it known during her run on the show. As a lawyer and funeral home director, amongst other knowledgeable professions, Phaedra Parks managed to present herself a more than worthy addition to the show. Her time on the show wasn’t always so smooth, as she had constant run-ins with other cast members about her marriage, her pregnancy, and her personal claims. She first appeared in season 3 and made a heavily controversial exit after season 9. Phaedra Parks is most known for her creative way with words during an argument that always had a southern belle charm.
Nene Leakes
NeNe Leakes was the latest to announce her exit from the hit franchise. Her on-screen personality transcended beyond the realms of the reality television show, and she became a household name. At times the feuds that she had with other cast members overwhelmed much of the storyline for the entire cast on any given season. She was an original cast member present from the very first season and made a swift exit after season 7. It wasn’t until season 10 when she made a full return and she stayed for seasons 11 and 12. Unfortunately, she won’t be returning for season 13 due to disagreements regarding her contract.
