‘RHOA’: Which Cast Members Were Apart of the ‘Talls and Smalls’?
The Real Housewives of Atlanta has seen several significant changes over the past 13 seasons. The Bravo hit often welcomes new cast members while preserving its existing relationships. In season 4, a rivalry between the “tall and small” members of the Atlanta stars took place. Some of them remain on the show today.
The original ‘RHOA’ cast
On Oct. 7, 2008, RHOA premiered. The reality show followed multiple wives and girlfriends of the Atlanta elite. At the time, the series was groundbreaking for Bravo, as it mainly consisted of Black women. RHOA also introduced the world to cast members NeNe Leakes, Sheree Whitfield, Lisa Wu, DeShawn Snow, and Kim Zolciak-Biermann. Before the show, viewers recognized none of the women in the entertainment industry.
Following its first season, RHOA added Kandi Burruss to the cast. Although the Xscape singer was one of the more notable additions, she wasn’t the last. Eventually, many members of the original group, including Leakes, left the show for other projects. In 2020, the Glee alum discussed her RHOA exit on her YouTube page.
“I’m just so happy that I can say that I was part of a genre that opened up a door for Black ensemble reality shows,” Leakes said. “I want to thank everybody that has looked up to me over the years. I want to thank Bravo for all the memories. Thank you to the cast for all of the memories.”
The ‘talls and smalls’ controversy in ‘RHOA’ season 4
In 2012, RHOA aired its fourth season. By the time season 4 began, the franchise added Cynthia Bailey and Phaedra Parks to the cast. Throughout the episodes, the feud between Zolciak-Biermann and Leakes divided the group. Soon, they split into two groups: the “talls and smalls.” The cliques consisted of the season 4 members of RHOA that were above and under five feet. Leakes, Bailey, and Marlo Hampton made the “talls,” as each woman is 5’10. Additionally, the smalls consisted of Whitfield, 5’5, Zolciak-Biermann, 5’9, Burruss, 5’3, and Parks, 5’0.
The drama between the “talls and smalls” lasted well into the season 4 reunion. In addition to the rivalry dividing the cast, some fans also took sides. In a 2012 post from The Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Facebook page, many supporters shared which clique they connected with the most.
“Talls honey,” one fan said.
“Smalls 4 sure.” another shared.
“Team Tall. Love the bags,” a third Facebook commenter noticed.
“TALLS BUT I LIKE PHAEDRA,” a fourth commenter chimed in.
The ‘RHOA’ season 13 cast
Although the “talls and smalls” rivalry ended around season 4, RHOA continues to bring drama to TV screens. In Dec. 2020, RHOA season 13 aired on Bravo. The COVID-friendly season brought back longtime favorites Burruss, Bailey, Hampton, Kenya Moore, Porsha Williams, and Shamea Morton. Also, actor Drew Sidora and YouTuber LaToya Ali joined the cast for season 13.
Since the season began, RHOA has looked different than previous seasons. Due to the pandemic, the cast needed to respect travel and event restrictions. Bailey told HollywoodLife in Sept. 2020 that the changes were palpable even with Leakes’ absence.
“I think it’s just a different time,” she admitted. This is because the coronavirus pandemic, in addition to the Black Lives Matter movement, has put things into a new perspective for the cast.”
“I think everybody is just leaning toward the side of A: Just being grateful and happy and alive,” Bailey continued.
RHOA airs Sunday nights on Bravo.
