Kenya Summer Moore, born on January 24, 1971, is an American actress, television personality, author, and beauty pageant titleholder who won Miss USA in 1993. Since 2012, she has been a main cast member on the reality TV series “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.”
Early Life and Education
Moore was born in Detroit, Michigan, to teenagers Patricia Moore and Ronald Grant. She was raised by her paternal grandmother, Doris Grant, and her aunt after her mother abandoned her shortly after birth. Moore has shared that her mother never acknowledged her existence, even when present in the same room. She graduated from Cass Technical High School in 1989, where she experienced domestic violence from an older boyfriend. Moore then attended Wayne State University, majoring in psychology and minoring in communication.
Career
Modeling and Pageants
Moore began modeling at age 14 and was the January 1992 cover girl for Ebony Man magazine. She also modeled for the Ebony Fashion Fair cosmetic line and appeared on the covers of several major magazines. At 22, she won Miss Michigan USA 1993 and became the second African American woman to win Miss USA, later representing the United States at Miss Universe 1993, where she reached the top six.
Film and Television
Acting
Moore has appeared in numerous TV shows, including “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Meet the Browns,” “The Jamie Foxx Show,” and “Girlfriends.” Her film credits include “Waiting to Exhale” (1995), “Deliver Us from Eva” (2003), and “I Know Who Killed Me” (2007). She has also appeared in music videos for artists such as Tupac Shakur, Nas, and Jermaine Dupri.
Reality Television
In May 2012, Moore joined the cast of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” She also competed on “The Celebrity Apprentice” in 2015 and “Dancing with the Stars” in 2021, where she finished in 10th place. In 2023, she placed 7th in “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.”
Production
In 2008, Moore founded Moore Vision Media, which produced the erotic thriller “The Confidant.” She directed and completed the film “Trapped: Haitian Nights” after the original director left the project. Her company focuses on independent movie production and home-video distribution.
Writing
Moore published a book titled “Game, Get Some!: What Women Really Want” in 2007. The book offers relationship advice based on her personal experiences.
Other Ventures
In 2012, Moore released her debut single, “Gone With the Wind Fabulous,” and in 2013, she released an exercise video, “Kenya Moore: Booty Boot Camp.” She launched a hair care products brand, Kenya Moore Haircare, in 2014, designed to grow hair longer, stronger, and thicker.
Personal Life
In June 2017, Moore married businessman Marc Daly. They announced they were expecting their first child in April 2018, and their daughter was born on November 4, 2018. Moore filed for divorce in August 2021, and the divorce was finalized in December 2023.
Filmography
Film
- “Waiting to Exhale” (1995)
- “Senseless” (1998)
- “Trois” (2000)
- “Deliver Us from Eva” (2003)
- “I Know Who Killed Me” (2007)
- “Sharknado: The 4th Awakens” (2016)
- “Abducted Off the Street: The Carlesha Gaither Story” (2024)
Television
- “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” (1994)
- “Martin” (1996)
- “The Steve Harvey Show” (1998)
- “The Jamie Foxx Show” (1999)
- “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” (2012–present)
- “Dancing with the Stars” (2021)
- “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test” (2023)
Music Videos
- “Temptations” by 2Pac (1995)
- “Street Dreams” by Nas (1996)
- “Money Ain’t a Thang” by Jermaine Dupri and Jay-Z (1998)
Awards and Nominations
- 2014 Real Housewives Awards: Most Memorable Outfit (Won), Rookie of the Year (Won)
- 2022 People’s Choice Awards: The Reality TV Star of 2022 (Nominated)
Kenya Moore’s multifaceted career spans modeling, acting, reality TV, production, writing, and entrepreneurship, making her a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
