Whether you love them or love to hate them, reality TV stars have certainly made their impact on pop culture over the last two decades. Many of the stars of these shows, from “The Apprentice” and “Big Brother” to “The Real Housewives,” have carved out their own celebrity — as well as some degree of notoriety.
Here are a few of the most notorious Black reality TV stars that have kept the drama going for years.
Tiffany “New York” Pollard
Where else do we start except with Tiffany “New York” Pollard? First appearing in VH1’s hit series “Flavor of Love,” Pollard became one of the biggest villains in reality TV history, terrorizing her fellow contestants as they vied for the love of Flavor Flav. Her addition was so impactful, that VH1 brought her back for more on the show’s second season, before getting giving Pollard her own various shows including “I Love New York,” “New York Goes to Work” and “New York Goes To Hollywood.”
Recently, she appeared on E!’s “House of Villains,” embracing her “villain” title with pride as she battled against some of the biggest villains in the genre, including our next pick below.
Omarosa Manigault Newman
Long before working for former President Donald Trump’s administration, Omarosa was first introduced to the world on a wider stage when appearing in season 1 of “The Apprentice.” From her first appearance, she became one of reality TV’s first true villains, as PEOPLE Magazine points out.
She would go on to ruffle feathers on other shows, including “The Surreal Life,” “Celebrity Apprentice,” two editions of “Celebrity Big Brother,” and more, becoming a true fixture in American reality TV. Even her daytime appearance on Bethenny Frankel’s long-canceled daytime series, “Bethenny,” stands as one of her most infamous moments. Her inclusion in “House of Villains,” including an iconic spat with Pollard, only proved her staying power and impact all these years later.
Kenya Moore
One of the greatest to ever do it, you have to give it up to Kenya Moore. One of the most polarizing staples of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” Moore joined alongside Porsha Williams in 2012, which would go on to be one of the most infamous feuds across “Housewives” cities.
With her beauty, hilarious antics and inclination to tell it like it is, Moore certainly has left her mark on the genre, appearing on “Celebrity Apprentice,” “Dancing With the Stars” and more throughout the years. While recent sudden departure from “RHOA” leaves us wondering what the future may hold for Moore and “The Real Housewives,” one thing is for sure: her reality TV legacy is undeniable and “Gone With the Wind Fabulous.”
Tamar Braxton
Don’t get it twisted: Braxton is musical royalty and a Grammy Award-nominated artist in her own right. But, her turn on reality TV has been a trailblazing one, leading to some iconic moments on the series with her family on “Braxton Family Values” and “Celebrity Big Brother.” Braxton even appeared on her own “looking for love” reality series on Peacock, “Queens Court,” alongside Evelyn Lozada and Nivea.
Providing plenty of drama (her infamous feud with Kandi Burruss was a “Celebrity Big Brother” highlight), Braxton is musical royalty, yes. But reality royalty as well. As “The Braxtons” gear up for their big return to reality TV, we’re thankful and looking forward to the return of Tamar to our screens.
NeNe Leakes
We can’t list impactful Black reality stars without the one, the only, NeNe Leakes. Queen of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” Leakes has birthed countless memes and unforgettable scenes as the self-proclaimed “tastiest peach in Atlanta.”
There’s a reason why she is constantly quoted and referenced, not only from her time on Housewives but her other reality endeavors including “The Celebrity Apprentice,” “College Hill,” “Dancing With the Stars” and beyond. Leakes is the blueprint, with her cutting wit, hilarious quips and willingness to get her hands dirty shaping her into an irreplaceable talent.
Whether or not she has played the role of the villain depends would depend on who you ask, but Leakes is undeniable in her impact and contributions to the culture.
