Kenya Moore: From Miss USA To Reality TV Star & "Waiting To Exhale"

Ms. Ilene Baumbach 16 May 2025

Ever wondered how a small role can ignite a sparkling career? Kenya Moore's brief appearance in the 1995 film "Waiting to Exhale" served as her launchpad into the world of acting, marking the beginning of a multifaceted journey that has seen her conquer beauty pageants, reality television, and the world of entrepreneurial ventures.

Before she became a household name through "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," and long before her entrepreneurial endeavors took flight, Kenya Summer Moore was making her mark in the entertainment industry. While her role in "Waiting to Exhale" might not have been a starring one, it was a pivotal moment, providing her with the exposure and experience necessary to navigate the competitive landscape of Hollywood. This iconic film, starring Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, and Lela Rochon, provided a backdrop for Moore's nascent talent. The film, adapted from Terry McMillan's bestselling novel, tells the story of four African American women navigating the complexities of love, life, and friendship, and its cultural impact resonated deeply with audiences. Moore's appearance, though brief, allowed her to be part of a cinematic moment that celebrated the strength and resilience of Black women.

Category	Information
Full Name	Kenya Summer Moore
Date of Birth	January 24, 1971
Place of Birth	Detroit, Michigan, USA
Nationality	American
Occupation	Model, Actress, Author, Entrepreneur, Television Personality
Years Active	1992present
Known For	Winning Miss USA 1993, "The Real Housewives of Atlanta"
Film Debut	"Waiting to Exhale" (1995)
Television Debut	"The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" (1994)
Hair Care Line	Moore Hair Care
Pageant Titles	Miss Michigan USA 1993, Miss USA 1993
Other Notable Roles	"Deliver Us from Eva" (2003), "Cloud 9" (2006), "I Know Who Killed Me" (2007)
Reality TV Shows	"The Real Housewives of Atlanta," "The Apprentice"
Website	Kenya Moore Hair

Kenya Moore's character in "Waiting to Exhale" was named Denise, a friend of Lionel's who viewed Savannah as a rival. This small but memorable role showcased Moore's potential and opened doors for future opportunities. The experience was significant for Moore, and she has often spoken fondly of her time on set, particularly recalling her interactions with the film's star, Whitney Houston. Despite any initial apprehension, Moore found the experience enriching, solidifying her desire to pursue acting further.

Following her debut, Moore continued to build her acting resume, appearing in films such as "Deliver Us from Eva" (2003), "Cloud 9" (2006), and "I Know Who Killed Me" (2007). These roles allowed her to hone her craft and demonstrate her versatility as an actress. However, it was her foray into reality television that catapulted her to widespread fame. Joining "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" in 2012, Moore quickly became a fan favorite, known for her quick wit, captivating personality, and occasional dramatic flair. Her presence on the show injected a new level of energy and intrigue, making her an integral part of the franchise's success. As a reality TV star, she has starred in many more such reality projects.

But Moore is more than just a reality TV personality and actress. She is also a successful entrepreneur, having launched her own hair care line, Moore Hair Care. This venture reflects her passion for beauty and her commitment to empowering women to feel confident and beautiful. The line offers a range of products designed to promote healthy hair growth and maintenance, catering to diverse hair types and needs. Moore's entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond the beauty industry, as she has also explored other business opportunities, showcasing her drive and ambition.

Born on January 24, 1971, in Detroit, Michigan, Kenya Summer Moore began her journey toward stardom at a young age. She started modeling at the age of 14, quickly gaining recognition for her striking looks and poise. Her talent and dedication led her to win the title of Miss Michigan USA in 1993, paving the way for her to compete in the Miss USA pageant. In a remarkable achievement, Moore was crowned Miss USA 1993, becoming the second African American woman to win the prestigious title. She went on to represent the United States in the Miss Universe 1993 pageant, where she placed fifth, further cementing her status as a beauty icon.

Moore's success in beauty pageants served as a springboard for her career in entertainment. Her charisma and natural talent made her a natural fit for the world of acting. While "Waiting to Exhale" marked her first foray into film, it was just the beginning of a diverse and rewarding career. From television appearances to film roles and reality TV stardom, Moore has consistently demonstrated her versatility and adaptability. She has also ventured into writing, adding author to her list of accomplishments. Her ability to reinvent herself and embrace new challenges has been a key factor in her enduring success. Her journey from a young model in Detroit to a nationally recognized figure is a testament to her hard work, determination, and unwavering belief in herself.

Kenya Moore's impact extends beyond her professional achievements. She is a role model for aspiring actresses, entrepreneurs, and women of color. Her story is one of perseverance, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. She has consistently used her platform to advocate for important causes and to inspire others to achieve their full potential. Whether she is gracing the screen, launching a new business venture, or speaking out on issues she cares about, Moore remains a powerful and influential figure in the entertainment industry and beyond.

The themes of drama, romance and humor are richly infused into the film "Waiting to Exhale." The production showcases the lives of four women who are on a journey through relationships, triumphs and even heartbreaks, together. The film offered a new and dynamic portrayal of African American women because it was adapted from a novel that was a best seller written by Terry McMillan in 1995.

In addition to her acting and reality TV work, Kenya Moore is also known for her involvement in various philanthropic endeavors. She has supported numerous charitable organizations and causes, using her platform to raise awareness and make a positive impact on the world. Her commitment to giving back reflects her values and her desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Whether she is volunteering her time, donating to worthy causes, or speaking out on social issues, Moore consistently demonstrates her dedication to making the world a better place.

Moore's participation in "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" has provided her with a unique platform to showcase her personality, her business ventures, and her personal life. The show has allowed viewers to connect with her on a deeper level, witnessing her triumphs and challenges firsthand. While the show is known for its drama and conflicts, it has also provided Moore with opportunities to share her story and inspire others. She has used her platform to discuss issues such as infertility, motherhood, and the challenges of balancing career and family. Her willingness to be open and vulnerable has resonated with viewers, making her a relatable and beloved figure.

Kenya Moore's journey is a testament to the power of dreams, hard work, and self-belief. From her early days as a model to her current status as a successful actress, entrepreneur, and reality TV star, she has consistently defied expectations and achieved remarkable success. Her story is an inspiration to anyone who has ever dared to dream big and pursue their passions. Whether she is gracing the screen, launching a new business venture, or advocating for important causes, Moore continues to make a lasting impact on the world.

Kenya Moores role as a reality tv star on the show \u201cthe real housewives of atlanta\u201d and being crowned miss usa in 1993 are things that she is famously known for. She is also famous for the hair care line called moore.

Kenya Moore says that she was initially scared of Whitney Houston, but one of Moores fondest memories as an actor was her small part in "Waiting to Exhale".

In the 1995 film Waiting to Exhale, Kenya Moore played Denise. Denise was a friend of Lionel's, who saw Savannah as a rival. It was Moore's first film role, but it was a small one. Moore launched her career as an actress and entrepreneur, appearing in films including "Waiting to Exhale" (1995) and "Deliver Us from Eva" (2003).

Kenya Moore chats with ET's Brice Sander about 'Abducted Off The Street: The Carlesha Gaither Story,' which aired Feb. 10 on Lifetime. The former Miss USA winner starred in the film.