Nene Leakes, the American reality television personality, actress, author, fashion designer, and entrepreneur, has amassed a net worth of $14 million. Known for her role on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” Leakes earned a staggering salary of $1 million per season, making her the highest-paid housewife on Bravo. However, her career extends far beyond reality TV, with appearances on shows like “Dancing with the Stars” and recurring roles on “Glee” and “The New Normal.” Leakes has also made a name for herself in business and fashion, launching her own clothing line and authoring a memoir. Discover more about Nene Leakes and her journey to success. Read more
Early Life
Nene Leakes, born Linnethia Monique Johnson in Queens, New York on December 13, 1967, had a challenging upbringing. As one of five children, Nene and one of her brothers were sent to live with an aunt in Athens, Georgia, due to their mother’s inability to care for all five children. While her three siblings remained in Queens, Nene began her modeling career at the age of 16, which continued throughout her high school and college years. She completed her education at Clarke Central High School in Athens and attended Morris Brown College in Atlanta for two years.
Career
Nene Leakes made her debut on the reality television show “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” in 2008, catapulting her to fame. Following the first season, she co-authored her autobiography, “Never Make The Same Mistake Twice,” which provided a deeper insight into her life. Despite leaving the show in 2015, Nene returned for a supporting role in the eighth season and made a full comeback for the tenth season in 2017. Her television career expanded beyond RHOA, with appearances on shows like “The Celebrity Apprentice,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “Glee,” and “The New Normal.” These opportunities showcased her versatility and talent beyond the realm of reality TV.
Not limited to the screen, Nene Leakes has also made significant strides in the business and fashion industries. She launched the Nene Leakes Collection for the Home Shopping Network (HSN), displaying her entrepreneurial skills. Additionally, her memoir, “Never Make the Same Mistake Twice,” offers valuable insights into her personal and professional journey, making her an influential figure to many aspiring entrepreneurs.
Personal Life
Off-screen, Nene Leakes had a rollercoaster of a personal life. She married Gregg Leakes in 1997 and together they have two sons, Brentt and Brice. However, their marriage faced challenges, leading to a divorce in 2011. Their relationship played out in front of the cameras, capturing the couple’s journey as they eventually reconciled and rekindled their romance. Nene and Gregg remarried in 2013, with their wedding planning and ceremony documented in the spin-off series “I Dream of Nene: The Wedding.”
In more recent times, Nene Leakes has experienced the loss of her husband Gregg Leakes, who passed away in September 2021 at the age of 66 due to colon cancer. Despite the hardships she has faced, Nene continues to inspire others with her resilience and determination in both her personal and professional life.
Salary Highlights
Nene Leakes has achieved remarkable success in her career, which is reflected in her impressive salary highlights. At the peak of her fame, she earned a staggering $1 million per season for her role on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” This made her the highest-paid Housewife on Bravo and solidified her status as a prominent figure in the world of reality television. Nene’s ability to command such a substantial salary serves as a testament to her talent, influence, and undeniable appeal to viewers. Her financial accomplishments further underscore her position as one of the most successful and influential celebrities in the industry.
Real Estate
Nene Leakes has made astute investments in the real estate market, showcasing her savvy business acumen beyond her television career. In 2015, she purchased an exquisite 10,000 square-foot mansion situated on a golf course just outside of Atlanta, Georgia. This luxurious property features six bedrooms, six and a half bathrooms, and a range of exclusive amenities, including a country club, restaurant, tennis courts, and swimming pool. Remarkably, Nene recently listed this remarkable home for sale, initially priced at $4 million. In January 2022, she accepted an offer of $2.6 million, demonstrating her shrewdness in the real estate market.
In addition to her primary residence, Nene Leakes expanded her real estate portfolio by acquiring a second home in Duluth, Georgia, in January 2020. This charming property boasts four bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and spans 2,076 square feet. Located just a short drive from her grand mansion, this second home provides Nene with a comfortable and convenient living space.
Furthermore, Nene’s taste for upscale living led her to invest in a stunning 4,000 square-foot condo in Atlanta’s prestigious Waldorf Astoria Buckhead building. This elegant residence, acquired in late 2021 for $1.75 million, offers a luxurious and sophisticated lifestyle in one of Atlanta’s most coveted locations. Impressively, Nene Leakes listed this exclusive unit for sale in July 2022, with an asking price of $2.5 million, showcasing her ongoing ventures and endeavors in the real estate realm.
Through her strategic real estate investments, Nene Leakes not only secures her financial well-being but also demonstrates her keen eye for profitable opportunities in the property market. Her ventures in real estate further contribute to her overall success and position as a savvy businesswoman.