Fans should never lose sight of the fact that NeNe Leakes is the only original cast member remaining active on The Real Housewives of Atlanta despite her many accomplishments. Over the years, NeNe often found herself at odds and quarreling with her co-stars, but she still managed to forge ahead and create an empire that included a fashion line and TV partnerships.
But NeNe’s life hasn’t always been easy; in her earlier years, she danced for a job to support her family before falling into an abusive relationship that severely damaged her confidence. She divorced her spouse Gregg Leakes and has two kids. Later, she made the decision to wed Greg again on reality television as part of the episode I Dream of NeNe: The Wedding.
What else is there to learn about one of the most well-known stars on reality TV? Here are 20 interesting facts about Linnethia Monique’s “NeNe” Leakes, also known as the actual NeNe Leakes.
10. She Is The Last Surviving Original Cast Member Of “RHOA”
NeNe Leakes is the sole surviving original cast member of the Atlanta Real Housewives. NeNe played a crucial role in making the brand a household name, despite the fact that she left the program in season nine. No one can dispute that.
9. on “dwts,” She Worked with Tony Dovolani
NeNe was matched with dancer Tony Dovolani when she auditioned for season 18 of ABC’s Dancing With the Stars. Nene was ultimately expelled despite her best efforts to keep up with the opposition. She so missed out on winning the glittering ball.
8. She Once Danced for Cash
NeNe has never tried to hide the fact that she ever performed for cash. She needed to support her family after all, and the only way she knew how to generate quick cash was by dancing.
NeNe isn’t proud of her history, but she isn’t someone who won’t own up to her past transgressions and mistakes. She confronts issues head-on in order to advance in her life.
7. When She Was Four Years Old, She Relocated to Atlanta
NeNe is from Brooklyn, New York, but her family opted to move to Atlanta when she was just four years old. Here, the reality star made pals who later introduced her to Bravo producers; the rest, as they say, is history. NeNe also asserts that she won’t ever leave Atlanta.
6. Ne Ne Leakes Is Not Her Real Name
Contrary to popular belief, NeNe did not receive her first name at birth. She goes by Linnethia Monique Johnson in real life. Since all of her friends continued to refer to her as NeNe, she decided to keep using that name.
She hardly ever uses the name Linnethia these days; it’s thought that she’s had it since her early 20s.
5. She Is One of The Highest-Paid Members of The “RHOA” cast.
NeNe Leakes always makes sure to accept one of the highest RHOA salaries for each season while negotiating her pay, that much is certain. The TV actress reportedly made a stunning $2.75 million for season 12 of RHOA, which is significantly more than Kandi Burruss’ $2.3 million.
4. Twenty Years Have Passed Since She Married Gregg Leakes
NeNe met Gregg in 1996 while still performing for cash. Gregg would go on to become NeNe’s husband. But there’s little doubt that their union has experienced both highs and lows. The couple wed in 1997, and in 1999 they had a son named Brentt. Then, Gregg and Nene got married again in 2013, following their 2011 divorce.
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3. She Is a Real Singer
NeNe Leakes has demonstrated that she is a triple threat because in addition to acting and being incredibly entertaining on television, she is also a singer. When she performed in the Broadway production of Chicago in 2015, her skill set was clearly on display.
People who are familiar with NeNe were astounded by her singing, and many questioned why she had never thought about pursuing a career in music.
2. She’s Owed a Lot of Money to The IRS in The Past.
NeNe was making a lot of money in 2014 because of her fashion line, endorsement partnerships, successful acting career, and reliable Bravo pay. When it came to paying her taxes, it appeared that she made a mistake.
Linnethia had to pay $830,000 in delinquent taxes to the IRS. Although it wasn’t as if she didn’t have it, it did give her a terrible reputation in the media.
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1. She’s No Stranger to Plastic Surgery
NeNe is aware that her appearance attracts a lot of attention, and many have asserted that she has had many operations. She only ever mentioned having minor cosmetic surgery when she claimed to have had two nose jobs. Everything else appears to be natural. However, viewers are free to judge that for themselves.