Linnethia Monique “NeNe” Leakes (born December 13, 1967) is a well-known American TV personality, actress, and businesswoman, best recognized as a standout on The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Born in Queens and raised in Athens, Georgia, she also gained fame as Roz Washington on Glee and starred in The New Normal. Leakes debuted on Broadway in Cinderella (2014) and later played Matron “Mama” Morton in Chicago. Additionally, she launched SWAGG boutiques and a clothing line with HSN and appeared on The Celebrity Apprentice and Dancing with the Stars.
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Nene Leakes Net Worth
NeNe Leakes has a net worth of $14 million. Before leaving The Real Housewives of Atlanta in 2015, she earned $1 million per season. In 2015, she bought a 10,000-square-foot mansion in Atlanta for $2.075 million,
featuring 6 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, and amenities like a golf course, country club, restaurant, tennis courts, and pool. She listed the property for $4 million in October 2021 and accepted an offer of $2.6 million in January 2022.
Early Life
Linnethia Monique Johnson was born in Queens, New York City. One of five children, she and a brother were sent to live with an aunt in Athens, Georgia, while her other siblings remained with her mother, who reportedly could not care for all five. After graduating from Clarke Central High School in Athens, she attended Morris Brown College in Atlanta for two years before becoming pregnant.
Career
Before joining The Real Housewives of Atlanta in 2008, NeNe Leakes appeared on shows like The Parkers and had a minor role in The Fighting Temptations (2003).
She starred on RHOA for multiple seasons, co-authored Never Make The Same Mistake Twice, and later returned as a full-time cast member in seasons 10–12. Leakes also starred in scripted roles, including The New Normal and Glee, and competed on Celebrity Apprentice and Dancing with the Stars. In 2024, she joined Baddies East and will appear in Hunting Housewives with Denise Richards.
Personal life
NeNe Leakes married Gregg Leakes in 1997, and they had two sons, Brentt and Brice. After filing for divorce in 2010, they finalized it in 2011 but later rekindled their relationship, re-engaging in 2013 and remarrying on June 22, 2013, in a ceremony featured on the Bravo spin-off I Dream of NeNe: The Wedding.
Gregg, a real estate investor with five other children, passed away in September 2021 from colon cancer. Recently, NeNe ended a relationship with Nyonisela Sioh after dating for over a year.
Are NeNe and Kenya still friends?
Although NeNe Leakes is no longer a mainstay on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, she remains close with Kenya Moore, along with current stars Drew Sidora, Porsha Williams, and fellow alums Phaedra Parks, Shereé Whitfield, and Marlo Hampton, despite their past drama.
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Conclusion
Nene Leakes’ journey from a challenging childhood to a towering figure in reality TV is a story of resilience, talent, and strategic diversification. Her impact on pop culture and her financial success are testaments to her dynamic personality and entrepreneurial spirit.
FAQ About Nene Leakes
- What is Nene Leakes’ net worth?
- Nene Leakes’ net worth is $14 million.
- How did Nene Leakes become famous?
- She rose to fame as a star of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.”
- Was Nene Leakes the highest-paid housewife?
- Yes, she was, earning $2.85 million per season at her peak.
- How many children does Nene Leakes have?
- Nene Leakes has two sons, Brentt and Brice.
- Are Nene Leakes and Kim Zolciak still friends?
- Their relationship has had its ups and downs, but Nene has shown support for Kim during tough times.
