Cynthia Bailey Embarks on Acting Career, Says She’s Choosing Peace Following “Real Housewives” Exit

Cynthia Bailey is opening up about life after “Real Housewives of Atlanta” and how her exit from the show has brought her serenity.

The former model and Housewife officially walked away from the Bravo series after Season 13. After appearing alongside fellow RHOA co-star, Kenya Moore in the spin-off, “Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip,” her Housewives obligations have been fulfilled, and she is now setting her sights on an acting career.

Two weeks ago, the 54-year-old took her Instagram to reveal that she’d just finished wrapping up a role in a Lifetime film, though the details are limited. She has also landed a recurring appearance on the BET series, “Games People Play.”

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“As a reality star, you just play yourself. I’m really enjoying that if I ever want to be involved in some drama, it’s because of my character,” Bailey told Essence.

Bailey says that she was contemplating leaving the show for several years before she actually made the decision to do so. However, she admits that it hasn’t dawned on her yet that she must face seeing the show on television without herself in the scenes.

“I think the next step for me is watching the show come on, and I’m not on it. I was on it for so long. It’s hit me, but it hasn’t hit me,” she stated. However, Bailey says she has “created that space for peace” and is happy with her choice.

Cynthia Bailey became a full-time cast member on “Real Housewives of Atlanta” in its third season. During her ten-year tenure on the series, fans have witnessed Bailey go through marriage, failed businesses, a divorce, and finding love again with television personality Mike Hill, who she married in October 2020. Her close friendship and fallout with former co-star Nene Leakes was also heavily followed on the show.