It took ten seasons for Bravo show The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills to recruit its first Black cast member — and Hollywood actress Garcelle Beauvais was up for the task.
For many years, viewers have wondered why the franchise dragged their feet diversifying the lineup, and now that Beauvais joined the cast, she says she feels “pressure” being the first and only Black housewife on the show.
“Did I feel pressure of being the first Black woman on [RHOBH]? Yes, I definitely felt pressure that people wanted me to come in and do a certain thing or have a chip on my shoulder,” Beauvais said on Reality Life with Kate Casey.
“I really didn’t want to be labeled an angry black woman. That’s not who I am,” she said. “I just wanted to stay true to who I am, and I think that’s what people have been able to see so far.”
Gorgeous, outspoken and fearless, Beauvais has received a warm reception from both viewers and castmates alike.
“I was not prepared for how social media takes over,” she confessed. “Lisa Rinna told me that it is one thing to shoot the show. It’s another to see it and what the others have said about you. Then the whole world weighs in. There are many layers to be on the show.”
Filming for the tenth season has ended, but Beauvais says she is still conscious of the cameras. “I worry there are still mics on in my car. I don’t trust they are gone.”
