‘The Chi’: Kandi Burruss Almost Played the Role of Kevin’s Stepmother, Dre

Singer, songwriter, and reality star Kandi Burruss appeared in The Chi Season 3 for her first recurring acting role. While it’s hard to see her as anyone except Douda’s bossy wife Roselyn, the singer initially landed the role of Kevin’s stepmother, Dre.

Kandi Burruss as Roselyn on ‘The Chi’

The reality star joined the cast of The Chi in the third season as Otis “Douda” Perry’s (Curtiss Cook) wife, Roselyn. She made her entrance in the fourth episode to Lady Bri’s “Just Watch Me Now,” when she walked into the restaurant and directly into his office.

The two went to a fundraising event together for Jake (Michael Epps) and Kevin’s (Alex R. Hibbert) school, and he took the opportunity to pitch to several wealthy parents, who might donate to his campaign.

The married couple left the party together in a limo, and Douda made it clear they were in a business arrangement. He also opened up about his reasons for mayor, stating that he wanted to prove people wrong.

In the following episode, the two had sex in his office while Roselyn suggested Douda use Jake to win the election. However, the young teenager saw him stomp a man to death and frantically ran across town to his older brother’s house.

Kandi Burruss almost played Dre

Many fans loved Kandi’s performance as Roselyn, and several noted they wanted to see her more throughout the season. In an Instagram Live after the singer’s debut episode, she and writer and producer of the series Lena Waithe, who also stars as opposing mayoral candidate, Camile, talked about how Kandi got the role.

According to the writer, the singer “earned the role” as her audition for Nina’s (Tyla Abercrumbie) wife, Dre “blew her away.”

However, Kevin’s stepmother is in a lot of scenes, and that didn’t work with the reality star’s schedule who was in the middle of shooting The Real Housewives of Atlanta at the time.

Waithe said they “went into their vault” and realized they already created Roselyn and that Kandi would fit perfectly into the character.

Kandi Burruss on why she loves Roselyn

Coming from a reality television background, Kandi stated she already knew people were going to be “extra critical” of her. Therefore, she wanted to make sure she hit all her marks flawlessly.

Kandi wanted to act in the show and got disheartened after the scheduling conflicts prevented her from taking the Dre role. However, she’s happy with Roselyn as she “loves” the character and finds it natural to portray her because they have similar personalities.

The reality star noted that her favorite part about her role is her “duality” because she’s loyal to her husband while also having a love and hate relationship with him. Kandi also had a chance to work with Waithe in a scene and admitted she got “super nervous” in front of the “boss.”

However, she appreciated the writer for giving her direction and remembered when Waithe gave her helpful advice. After her debut in Episode 4, Kandi will appear in several more episodes before the season finale.

If the drama is renewed for Season 5, the singer might have a more prominent role due to the reception. The Chi airs Sundays at 9 p.m. EST on Showtime.