NeNe Leakes Shares Her Terms for a ‘RHOA’ Comeback in Response to Cynthia Erivo’s Call to Action
NeNe Leakes just received the ultimate compliment from Cynthia Erivo. The Wicked star mentioned Leakes as she chatted about her favorite reality TV show, The Real Housewives of Atlanta. To receive a callout from this year’s “it” musical actor must’ve made Leakes’ day. She responded with exactly what it would take to get her back on RHOA.
You can’t escape Cynthia Erivo this winter. Wicked has skyrocketed the 38-year-old to household-name status as she promotes the blockbuster film. With fame comes interviews, including a fun Q&A with W Magazine. The publication asked Erivo about her favorite reality show. She replied, “The Real Housewives of Atlanta. I also love Potomac. It’s fantastic. They’re very honest, which I like. Also, there’s no fighting or fisticuffs, but they will read each other crazily.” She continued, “I am a NeNe Leakes fan. I love her. Where is she? Bring her back, please. She’s great.”
Leakes was quick to respond to Erivo’s callout. “Cynthia, I love you, thank you so much, and I totally agree,” she told TMZ on January 10. When asked about a possible comeback, the 57-year-old paused before stating, “I don’t know, if the opportunity was right and the check was on point, why not?” Leakes gave her signature chuckle before walking away.
Leakes’ transformation from a C-list actor to a reality TV star unfolded on The Real Housewives of Atlanta for 11 years. The mother of two quickly became a standout personality due to her bold personality, humor, and ability to stir drama. Leakes is widely regarded as the face of RHOA and a major influence on the franchise’s success. Fans will never forget her tumultuous friendship with Kim Zolciak — “Close your legs to married men!” — and her husband Gregg’s battle with cancer.
Leakes filmed the inaugural season in 2008 and continued through Season 12 in 2019, taking a break for Season 9. This break coincided with Leakes’ biggest TV role to date: appearing on Glee as Roz Washington for 13 episodes. After exiting RHOA and returning, Leakes left for good in September 2020. Only one other RHOA cast member has appeared on more seasons of RHOA than the Queens, New York native. Kandi Burruss filmed The Real Housewives of Atlanta from 2009 to 2023, solidifying a record 14 years on the show, from seasons 2 through 15.
NeNe Leakes attributed her decision to leave The Real Housewives of Atlanta ahead of its 13th season to contract negotiations with Bravo breaking down. She expressed dissatisfaction with the terms offered, believing she wasn’t receiving fair or respectful treatment from the network. Leakes later hinted that the negotiations were tied to issues of racism and mistreatment, reports AP News.
