Kenya Moore
Moore in 2019
Born
Kenya Summer Moore

(1971-01-24) January 24, 1971[1]
Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Other namesKenya Moore Daly
EducationWayne State University (BS)
Occupations
  • Actress
  • television personality
Spouse
Marc Daly
​
​
(m. 2017; div. 2023)​
Children1
Beauty pageant titleholder
Title
Years active1992–present
Major
competition(s)
Websitekenyamoore.com
Signature

Kenya Summer Moore (born January 24, 1971) is an American actress, and former beauty pageant titleholder, who won Miss USA 1993. She is a main cast member on the TV reality series, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, since its fifth season in 2012.

She has also appeared in films and television shows including; Waiting to Exhale (1995), Deliver Us from Eva (2003), The Steve Harvey Show (1998), Girlfriends (2004), The Celebrity Apprentice (2015), Dancing with the Stars (2021), and Special Forces: World's Toughest Test (2023),

Moore has produced several film projects, had a book published, and starred in her own exercise video. She is also known for her involvement in entrepreneurial ventures and is the founder of a hair care brand, Kenya Moore Hair.

Early life and education

Moore was born on born January 24, 1971 in Detroit, Michigan[1][2] to teenagers Patricia Moore and Ronald Grant,[3] and was raised by her paternal grandmother Doris Grant[4][5](1931–2017)[6] and aunt after her mother abandoned her at three days old. The reality TV show star revealed that her mother never named her. "Since birth, my mother made the decision at age 16 to pretend she never had me. She has never spoken to me," Kenya wrote. "Even if present in the same room with other people and family, she pretends that I simply don't exist. She pretends I'm invisible," Kenya revealed on her Bravo blog.[7] Moore graduated from Cass Technical High School in 1989.[8] While still in high school, Moore experienced domestic violence from a much older boyfriend. In Moore's words, "He tormented me physically, mentally and once even nearly killed me by putting me into the hospital, from attacking me with a finger nail file… stabbing me with a finger nail file."[9] Moore attended Wayne State University, where she majored in psychology and minored in communication.[10]

Career

Modeling and pageants

Moore began modeling at the age of 14, was the January 1992 cover girl for Ebony Man's magazine.[11] She also became a model for the Ebony Fashion Fair cosmetic line. She has also appeared on the covers of Glamour, Seventeen, Ebony, and Essence magazines. At 22, Moore won Miss Michigan USA 1993 and then became the second African American woman to win Miss USA. She then represented the United States at Miss Universe 1993, and reached the top six.[12]

Film and television

Acting

Moore has appeared in TV shows including: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Meet the Browns, Homeboys in Outer Space, Sparks, Smart Guy, Video Soul, Living Single, Damon, In the House, The Jamie Foxx Show, The Parent 'Hood, The Steve Harvey Show, Martin, Nubian Goddess, Men, Women & Dogs, The Parkers, Under One Roof, and Girlfriends she has appeared in the music videos for Jermaine Dupri's "Money Ain't a Thang" (1998), Nas's "Street Dreams" (1996), Shai's "I Don't Wanna Be Alone" (1996),[13] and Tupac's "Temptations".[14] Additionally, Moore has appeared in several films: Waiting to Exhale (1995), Senseless (1998), Trois (2000), Deliver Us from Eva (2003), Brothers in Arms (2005), Cloud 9 (2006), I Know Who Killed Me (2007), and Trapped: Haitian Nights (2010).

Reality television

In May 2012, Moore joined the season five cast of Bravo's The Real Housewives of Atlanta.[15] In 2015, Moore was cast on The Celebrity Apprentice 7.[16] Moore starred in The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip, a spin-off featuring various women from The Real Housewives franchise, that premiered on Peacock in November 2021.[17][18]

In September 2021, Moore was announced as one of the celebrities competing on season 30 of Dancing with the Stars.[19] She and her professional dance partner, Brandon Armstrong, were the sixth couple to be eliminated, ultimately finishing in 10th place.[20] In 2023, she placed 7th in the Fox reality competition series, Special Forces: World's Toughest Test.

Production

Moore has also produced and directed various projects and launched her own company, Moore Vision Media in 2008.[21] Moore Vision Media produced the erotic thriller "The Confidant". Moore is credited as producer/director of the film Trapped: Haitian Nights.[22] After the project lost its director, Moore took over the production and completed the film. When the film failed to find distribution, Moore founded Moore Vision Media, an independent movie production and home-video distribution company.[21] The company's first production was The Confidant, released by Universal Vivendi on August 24, 2010.[23]

Writing

On November 28, 2007, Moore published a book titled Game, Get Some!: What Women Really Want.[24] Described as a how-to guide, the book is a self-help and conduct containing relationship advice, as well as the author's personal experiences regarding interpersonal and intimate relationships.[25] Moore has stated about the book, "No one man can know everything there is to know about women, but with my help, they may just come close; I feel like the female Ms. Hitch! I want to bring us together not apart."[26] The author reviews self-esteem and self-concept issues, offers sexual advice, discusses tips on mending a relationship or the proper way to break up. "If you have shared a special bond with someone you have dated, if you always treat her with respect, you will always have a friend at the end of the day." Moore writes.[24]

Exercise video and hair care line

In 2013, Moore released her own exercise video, named "Kenya Moore: Booty Boot Camp".[27] This venture rivalled former The Real Housewives of Atlanta co-star Phaedra Parks own workout video and was a primary storyline in the show's fifth season. In 2014, Moore launched a hair care products brand, Kenya Moore Haircare. Kenya Moore Haircare is designed to grow your real hair longer, stronger & thicker in just one use. Featuring products for all hair types that are sulfate, phosphate, paraben free, and over 95% naturally derived.[28][29]

Personal life

In June 2017, Moore married businessman and restaurant owner[30] Marc Daly.[31][32] In April 2018, she announced that they were expecting their first child.[33] On November 4, 2018, Moore gave birth to a daughter.[34][35][36] Moore filed for divorce from Daly in August 2021.[37] In December 2023, the divorce was finalized. [38]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1995 Waiting to Exhale Denise [39]
1998 Senseless Lorraine [40]
2000 Trois Jasmine Davis [41]
2001 No Turning Back Lia
2003 Deliver Us from Eva Renee Johnson [42]
Hot Parts Passion Video
2004 Nas: Video Anthology Vol. 1 Herself Video
2005 Resurrection: The J.R. Richard Story Leticia
Brothers in Arms Mara
2006 Cloud 9 Champagne
2007 I Know Who Killed Me Jazmin [43]
2010 Trapped: Haitian Nights Nadine
The Confidant Eden Patterson [44]
2013 Dolls of Voodoo Nadine
2016 Sharknado: The 4th Awakens Monique TV movie

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1994 The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Dana Episode: "Mothers Day"
1995 Soul Train Herself/Guest Host Episode: "Jon B/Soultry/Faith Evans"
1996 Martin Lena Bozack Episode: "You're All I Need"
Homeboys in Outer Space Nefertiti Episode: "Super Bad Foxy Lady Killer or Ty and Morris Get the Shaft"
1997 Sparks Ms. Collins Episode: "I, Spy"
Smart Guy Vivian Kennedy Episode: "Brother, Brother"
Living Single Lisa DeLongPre Episode: "One Degree of Separation"
1998 Damon Julia Burton Episode: "The Designer"
The Steve Harvey Show Miss Gerard Episode: "Educating Piggy"
1998–99 The Parent 'Hood Celeste Episodes: "A Sister Scorned", "Wedding Bells Blues"
1999 Nubian Goddess Herself/Host TV series
The Jamie Foxx Show Heidi Episode: "Change of Heart"
In the House Valerie Bridgeforth 6 episodes
2001 Men, Women & Dogs Carmen Episode: "Sick as a Dog"
2002 The Parkers Herself Episode: "It's Showtime"
2004 Girlfriends Kara Episodes: "New York Bound", "Maybe Baby"
2008 Baisden After Dark Herself Episode: "Where's the Ring... and Why are there More Baby Mamas than Wives?"
2009 Meet the Browns Tamiko Episode: "Meet the Mom"
2012– The Real Housewives of Atlanta Herself Main cast (seasons 5–10, 12–); Guest (season 11)
2013 Walk This Way Herself Episode: "Abstinence"
The Rickey Smiley Show Evette Episode: "The Reconciliation"
2014 Kandi's Wedding Herself Episodes: "Say Yes to Distress", "Blessings and Dressings"
2015 The Celebrity Apprentice Herself Contestant (season 14)
The Millionaire Matchmaker Herself Episode: "Kenya Moore/Taylor Dayne"
Life Twirls On Kenya Brown Pilot; also executive producer
2016 Worst Cooks in America Herself Contestant (season 9)
2018 Hip Hop Squares Herself Episodes: "Sarunas Vs. Algee Smith", "Al Harrington vs Kenyon Martin"
Saints & Sinners Nina Collier Episode: "Personal, Not Business"
2019 Hollywood Medium with Tyler Henry Herself Episode: "Kenya Moore, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Macklemore"
Porsha's Having a Baby Herself Episode: "P Is for Princess"
Nashville Squares Herself Episode: "Kenya Moore VS Cheslie Kryst"
2020–21 Family Reunion Herself Episodes: "Remember Cousin Kenya?", "Remember When Cocoa Was a Housewife?"
2021 MTV Cribs Herself Episode: "Kenya Moore & Johnny Orlando"
Dancing with the Stars Herself Contestant (season 30)
The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Herself Main cast (season 1)
Games People Play Marlene Episode: "There's No Place Like Home"
2023 Special Forces: World's Toughest Test Herself Contestant (season 1)
The Real Housewives of New Jersey Herself Episode: "Teresa Gets Married"
Celebrity Family Feud Herself Episode: Pete Holmes vs. Jared Padalecki and Real Housewives of OC vs. Real Housewives of ATL

Music Videos

Year Title Artist Role
1993 Stay in My Corner Keith Washington Love Interest
1995 Temptations 2Pac Girl in First Room
1996 Street Dreams Nas Ginger McKenna
1998 Money Ain't a Thang Jermaine Dupri and Jay-Z Love Interest
2023 Already Know Drew Sidora Roller Skater

Awards and nominations

Year Association Category Result Ref.
2014 Real Housewives Awards Most Memorable Outfit Won [45]
Rookie of the Year Won
2022 People's Choice Awards The Reality TV Star of 2022 Nominated [46]

References

  1. 1 2 McCann, Bob (2009). Encyclopedia of African American Actresses in Film and Television. McFarland. p. 236. ISBN 9780786458042. Retrieved January 3, 2016.
  2. ↑ "The Celebrity Apprentice - Kenya Moore". NBC.Com. Archived from the original on April 7, 2016. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
  3. ↑ "RHOA's Kenya Moore Regrets Not Inviting Her Dad to Her Wedding: 'I Really Wanted Him There'". people.com. Archived from the original on 2019-01-13. Retrieved 2019-01-12.
  4. ↑ "Kenya Moore's Grandmother Has Passed Away". Bravo TV Official Site. 25 July 2017.
  5. ↑ "Kenya Moore Mourns Loss of Grandmother Who Raised Her". 25 July 2017. Archived from the original on 4 December 2017. Retrieved 4 December 2017.
  6. ↑ "Doris A. Grant Obituary - Detroit, MI - ObitTree™". obittree.com. Archived from the original on 2017-12-04. Retrieved 2017-12-04.
  7. ↑ "Kenya Moore Talks About Mother: 'She's Never Spoken to Me'". Black America Web. 10 December 2013. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
  8. ↑ "Detroit Free Press - Home". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on 2014-04-07. Retrieved 2014-04-04.
  9. ↑ Sangweni, Yolanda. "Kenya Moore Says She Was Abused By Ex-Boyfriend Who Tried to Stab Her". Essence. Archived from the original on 16 January 2021. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  10. ↑ Hoffman, Melody K. (March 10, 2008). "Actress Kenya Moore Coaches Men On What Women Really Want In Book "Game, Get Some!"". JET. 113 (9): 46. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
  11. ↑ "Miss USA KENYA MOORE Tells Why She Feels 'Beauty Is Within'". JET. 83 (21): 20–23. March 22, 1993. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
  12. ↑ "Watch Kenya Moore Win Miss USA 1993!". BravoTV.Com. February 5, 2015. Retrieved April 17, 2016.
  13. ↑ 2Pac - Temptations [Music Video]. 13 September 2013. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21 – via YouTube.
  14. ↑ Nas - Street Dreams. 27 March 2011. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21 – via YouTube.
  15. ↑ Season 5 Overview Archived 2014-04-14 at the Wayback Machine. The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Bravo. NBCUniversal
  16. ↑ Scott, Tracy. "NeNe Leakes: Porsha Williams was provoked". S2SMagazine.com. Archived from the original on 2014-04-13. Retrieved 2014-04-10.
  17. ↑ Vena, Jocelyn (April 26, 2021). "The Real Housewives Are Planning the Ultimate Series on Peacock". Bravo. Archived from the original on March 21, 2022. Retrieved May 1, 2021.
  18. ↑ Gugelimi, Jodi; VanHoose, Benjamin (April 26, 2021). "Ramona Singer, Teresa Giudice, More Real Housewives Stars Confirmed to Appear in All-Stars Spinoff". People. Archived from the original on May 5, 2022. Retrieved May 1, 2021.
  19. ↑ "'Dancing With the Stars' 2021: Meet the season 30 celebrity cast". Good Morning America. 2021-09-08. Archived from the original on 2021-09-08. Retrieved 2021-09-11.
  20. ↑ Duncan, Gabrielle (October 25, 2021). "DWTS: Who Was Sent Home on Horror Night?". people.com. Archived from the original on 2021-11-20. Retrieved 2021-11-23.
  21. 1 2 Moore Vision Media – http://www.moorevisionmedia.com/ Archived 2009-06-21 at the Wayback Machine
  22. ↑ Kenya Moore. eurweb.com (September 24, 2008)
  23. ↑ "The Confidant (2010)". BlockBuster.com. Archived from the original on August 23, 2010.
  24. 1 2 Game Get Some!. Barnes & Noble. Archived from the original on 7 April 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  25. ↑ Hoffman, Melody K. (March 10, 2008). "Actress Kenya Moore Coaches Men On What Women Really Want In Book "Game, Get Some!"". JET. 113 (9): 46. Retrieved April 18, 2020.
  26. ↑ Moore, Kenya (2007). Game, Get Some!. Dark Horse Productions. ISBN 978-0979767500.
  27. ↑ Kenya Moore: Booty Boot Camp (Color, NTSC, Widescreen). March 5, 2013. ASIN B00BEZEFM4.
  28. ↑ "Kenya Moore's Hair Care Line Launch". Bravo. August 17, 2014.
  29. ↑ "Kenya Moore's Hair Products Are Some Of The Most Appreciated Ones Out There". celebrityinsider.org. February 4, 2020. Archived from the original on April 2, 2020. Retrieved February 19, 2020.
  30. ↑ "Here's a Mouthwatering New Fact About Kenya Moore's Husband Marc Daly". Bravo TV Official Site. 25 September 2017. Archived from the original on 28 March 2019. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  31. ↑ Quinn, Dave (June 15, 2017). "Kenya Moore Is Married! Details from The Real Housewives of Atlanta Star's Romantic St. Lucia Getaway". People. Archived from the original on June 20, 2017. Retrieved June 21, 2017.
  32. ↑ Oliver, Brittney (June 20, 2017). "What We Know About Kenya Moore's New Husband". Essence. Archived from the original on June 20, 2017. Retrieved June 21, 2017.
  33. ↑ Lisa Respers France (2018-04-09). "Kenya Moore and husband Marc Daly are expecting a baby". CNN. Archived from the original on 2021-02-26. Retrieved 2021-03-16.
  34. ↑ "Kenya Moore Birth". BET. Archived from the original on 2018-11-05. Retrieved 2018-11-05.
  35. ↑ "Kenya Moore, 47, Welcomes First Child — Daughter Brooklyn Doris — After Pregnancy Complications". people.com. Archived from the original on 2018-11-05. Retrieved 2018-11-04.
  36. ↑ Quinn, Dave (Nov 4, 2018). "Kenya Moore, 47, Welcomes First Child — Daughter Brooklyn Doris — After Pregnancy Complications". People. Archived from the original on November 5, 2018. Retrieved Nov 4, 2018.
  37. ↑ "RHOA's Kenya Moore Files for Divorce from Husband Marc Daly After 4 Years of Marriage". Archived from the original on 2022-03-10. Retrieved 2022-03-14.
  38. ↑ Quinn, Dave; Nome, Valerie (Dec 12, 2023). "Kenya Moore Finalizes 'World's Longest Divorce' from Marc Daly: 'Excited for This Next Chapter' (Exclusive)". People. Retrieved Dec 12, 2023.
  39. ↑ "5 Things to Know About Real Housewife of Atlanta, Kenya Moore!". Wetpaint. Archived from the original on October 1, 2012. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  40. ↑ "The 50 Hottest Bad Actresses Of All Time". Complex. Archived from the original on October 27, 2012. Retrieved October 25, 2012.
  41. ↑ "Trois". Yahoo. Retrieved March 4, 2014.
  42. ↑ Chris Witherspoon (28 November 2012). "'Real Housewives of Atlanta' star Kenya Moore developing show similar to Tyra Banks' 'Top Model'". The Grio. Archived from the original on 30 November 2012. Retrieved November 28, 2012.
  43. ↑ "And Sheree Whitfield's Replacement On Real Housewives Of Atlanta Is…". Perez Hilton. Archived from the original on 2018-10-03. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  44. ↑ "Rapper David Banner Starring In Upcoming Thriller". Icelebz. Archived from the original on March 4, 2014. Retrieved April 23, 2009.
  45. ↑ "Real Housewives Awards Winners List Announced: Vicki Gunvalson, Kenya Moore, Others Honored". USA Magazine. 24 March 2014. Archived from the original on 27 March 2014. Retrieved March 24, 2014.
  46. ↑ Schwartz, Ryan (October 26, 2022). "People's Choice Awards: This Is Us, Abbott Elementary, Grey's, SVU and Stranger Things Lead 2022 Nominees". TVLine. Archived from the original on October 26, 2022. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
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