Why It Was ‘Hard’ For Garcelle Beauvais To Quit ‘RHOBH’

Although Garcelle Beauvais left Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” in her rearview mirror in 2025, the “Coming to America” actress revealed it was “hard” for her to walk away from the show due to money. And that’s not all. During a new interview, the mother of three, 59, reflected on her final days on the cast, revealing that she decided to quit after realizing she was on an island by herself.

Beauvais was the first Black cast member to join “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” She joined the ensemble of California ladies in 2020 and stayed until 2025.

Beauvais has been open about her sudden departure from the show in the past, but in a new interview with PEOPLE, she shared additional details about her exit.

According to the “Jamie Foxx Show” alum, while she quit the show guns blazing, saying goodbye wasn’t easy.

“It was hard because, again, I’m an immigrant. You don’t leave jobs,” she said. “You don’t leave jobs that are paying you, right? So that wasn’t an easy decision.”

However, the esteemed actress said that she had to “choose” herself in the moment, saying, “I chose me in the marriage when I walked away. I chose me here.”

Garcelle Beauvais Recalls Going ‘Crazy Viral’ When She Joined ‘RHOBH’

Elsewhere during the interview, Beauvais looked back on the initial announcement that she was joining the cast of “RHOBH,” saying she didn’t realize people would be so moved by the news.

“First of all, when I joined that show,” she said while laughing, “I mean, obviously I knew the show and I had friends on the show, and I knew it was popular. I had no idea that me being announced was going to go, like, crazy viral.”

According to Beauvais, a friend texted her to inform her that she was trending on social media. “And I was like, ‘Why? I’m making pork chops for the boys.’ I didn’t understand what was happening,” she added.

Beauvais was the first Black woman to join the main cast of “RHOBH,” according to Deadline. At the time of her announcement, Beauvais said she was “honored and humbled” by the opportunity.

She also said that she was excited to “exemplify the fact that Black Girl Magic lives and thrives in every ZIP code.”

Garcelle Beauvais Said Being On ‘Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills’ Had A Major Impact On Her Life

While Beauvais was an established actress before appearing on the “Real Housewives” franchise, the show gave her even more visibility.

In fact, Beauvais told PEOPLE that being part of the series “changed” her life, allowing her to meet new people and, in turn, be met by others.

“It gave me a new audience that I didn’t have before,” Beauvais said. “It gave me a different, in terms of brand recognition and all that, but knowing when to leave, my spirit was not … My spirit was no longer there. I couldn’t do it anymore. I just couldn’t do it.”

Beauvais departed the show after season 14, walking off the “RHOBH” reunion stage after clashing with several of the women, including Kyle Richards and Erika Jayne.

“When I sat on that reunion stage and looked around, I felt like I didn’t have any friends,” Beauvais said. “And if the show is based on friendships, I didn’t have any friends on that show anymore.”

Beauvais went on to say that returning to the show “just didn’t feel right,” adding that her “spirit” wasn’t where it needed to be.

Beauvais Says A ‘Line’ Was Drawn Prior To Her Exit

Beauvais also opened up about her exit from the series in her new memoir, “Protecting My Peace… At All Costs,” according to The Blast.

Weeks ago, the “Survival of the Thickest” actress said there was more to her departure than what people may have realized.

“A line was drawn for me that I no longer wanted to cross. I felt like my spirit could no longer do it. (It was) just drama for the sake of drama,” Beauvais said.

And in her book, she reiterated her point about feeling deserted. “The same way I walked in is how I walked out. Alone. I didn’t wanna fight anymore. I didn’t wanna be a grown a, woman, a grandmother, going after other women,” she wrote.

Beauvais Is Better Than Ever Since Leaving The Show

Despite having a challenging final year on the show, Beauvais admitted that she was “thriving” since walking away.

During a separate interview, covered by The Blast, Beauvais said that she’s been enjoying life post-show with her twin sons, Jax and Jaid, and spending time focusing on herself.

As she was finishing, she also said that stepping away from the series has allowed her to focus on new projects. “It’s just been really fantastic,” she said.