Within the pantheon of Actual Housewives historical past, there are those who are available in swinging — wigs tugged, drinks thrown, catchphrases flying. After which there’s Cynthia Bailey. The former mannequin-turned-media-mogul at all times operated on a unique frequency: calm, composed, sometimes shady, however by no means chaotic. That’s what made her each a fan favourite and an occasional enigma throughout her eleven-season tenure on The Actual Housewives of Atlanta.
And but, simply after we thought Cynthia had walked away from the Bravo-sphere for good — marriage ceremony ring off, wine glass down, and all — she’s again. Not full-time, however as a “pal of,” a task Housewives historians will let you know is commonly a liminal house: not fairly within the combine, however not absolutely out of it both. And for Cynthia? It’s excellent.
“I used to be impressed to return to Atlanta as a pal, as a result of, actually, I stepped away for a few years, and I sort of missed it somewhat bit,” she says, reflecting on her 2021 departure. “I felt just like the pal function was the proper means for me to return after being a constant Housewife for over a decade — to have the ability to, you already know, pop out and in, but in addition nonetheless give attention to my foremost precedence proper now, which is my appearing.”
However don’t get it twisted — “pal of” doesn’t imply background noise. As Cynthia dips again into the RHOA fold, she brings along with her that individual model of level-headed diplomacy that when received her labeled a “flip-flopper” by extra dramatic castmates. Lately, that measured vitality feels much less like a legal responsibility and extra like a luxurious.
And Atlanta? It’s already proving to be as unpredictable as ever. Whereas Cynthia wasn’t on the now-infamous dinner the place rigidity between newcomer Britt and longtime Housewife Kenya Moore boiled over, she didn’t maintain again her opinion. “I used to be not there for that episode, however I heard about it, clearly, from the opposite women,” she says. “And I undoubtedly felt like Britt was within the mistaken for citing a gun. There’s simply no purpose to convey up a weapon of any kind within the circle. You need to be able to struggle along with your phrases.”
That mentioned, Cynthia didn’t co-sign Kenya’s response both. “I informed Kenya, ‘You’re higher than this,’” she shares. “I didn’t agree with how she retaliated, and I let her know that. We haven’t spoken since.” It’s a uncommon rift between two castmates who as soon as shared a good bond — and a reminder that even Cynthia’s calm can include penalties.
And whereas her time on Housewives is now extra of a drop-in than a deep dive, Cynthia is protecting her display screen time sturdy with a brand new venture on Hulu. Obtained To Get Out, which premiered April 11, is described as a high-stakes escape competitors the place contestants are locked in a home full of hidden clues and timed challenges. Suppose Escape Room meets actuality TV — and in line with Cynthia, it’s a stretch from her consolation zone.
“It was actually humorous, as a result of I suck at escape rooms,” she says, laughing. “Like, in case you went into one with me, you wouldn’t be getting out anytime quickly. I overthink all the pieces.”
The present places 20 contestants underneath one roof, forcing them to strategize and collaborate to interrupt free. Among the many forged is one other Bravolebrity: Kim Zolciak. “Kim and I had been by no means that shut on Housewives,” Cynthia admits. “However on Obtained To Get Out, we had been really roommates. That was a shock in itself — and sort of enjoyable.”
With a gentle hand on RHOA and a contemporary journey on Hulu, Cynthia Bailey is proving as soon as once more that reinvention doesn’t at all times require reinvention — only a willingness to play the sport by yourself phrases.
And if there’s anybody who is aware of the right way to preserve it cute whereas protecting it actual, it’s Cynthia Bailey.
