Garcelle Beauvais announced on March 25 that she's set to depart The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills after Season 14.
The actress shared the news in an Instagram video, telling fans, "I have some news: I've decided to leave Beverly Hills. It's been a wild ride — I mean, some amazing things have happened, and some hard things have also happened — but it's been a ride nevertheless."
Garcelle went on to share why she's departing the show, and it turns out there's two reasons — one of which has to do with her sons, Jax and Jaid Nilon. "Their last year of high school is next year and I want to be a part of that. And Jaid is starting a new career and I want to be a part of that too," she explained, referencing Jaid's recently-launched modeling career.
"Secondly, I have the most exciting projects that I am developing, producing, and acting in," she continued. "I can't tell you anything right now, but you'll know soon."
From there, Garcelle thanked Andy Cohen, Bravo, her RHOBH castmates, and more.
"It's not goodbye, it's see you later," she concluded. "So, see you later."
Would Garcelle Beauvais return to RHOBH in the future?
When announcing her departure from RHOBH, Garcelle said she's not ruling out a future return. As she put it, "Andy Cohen says I can come back anytime — the door will always be open. So, you never know, I might pop back in sometime."
How Garcelle Beauvais made RHOBH history
Garcelle broke ground by becoming RHOBH's first Black cast member when she joined the show for Season 10 in 2020.
At the time, she told The Daily Dish, “I am excited and proud to be joining the cast of such a wildly popular and beloved show like The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. As a working actor who has been in the industry for some time, it’s exhilarating to have the opportunity to delve into a new chapter in the entertainment spectrum. As the first African-American Housewife in the Beverly Hills franchise, I am honored and humbled by this awesome opportunity to exemplify the fact that Black Girl Magic lives and thrives in every zip code!”
What's next for Garcelle Beauvais after her RHOBH departure
As Garcelle shared in her departure announcement, she's first and foremost focused on her kids — twins Jaid and Jax, along with son Oliver Saunders, who have all appeared on RHOBH over the years.
Viewers saw Jaid's modeling journey pick up on RHOBH Season 14, and she recently became a grandmother for the second time. Her eldest son, Oliver, and his girlfriend, Shantei Paranada, welcomed a daughter named Valley Marie-Claire Saunders together in January 2025. He also shares a son, Oliver Jr., with his ex-wife.
Garcelle also has several exciting projects in the works. As a producer, actress, author, and executive producer, she's appeared in shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Jamie Foxx Show, and Curb Your Enthusiasm, and in films like Coming to America, Coming 2 America, and White House Down. She also co-hosted the daytime talk series, The Real.
The mom of three has her own production company, Garcelle Productions. She produced and starred in the Lifetime Original movie, Black Girl Missing, in 2023. The RHOBH ladies attended a premiere party for the movie on Season 13.
Garcelle also produced Abducted at an HBCU: A Black Girl Missing Movie the following year, and Tempted by Love.
Her memoir, Love Me as I Am, came out in 2022.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Garcelle also works with several different charities. Just last month, she was recognized for her contributions to organizations like CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) and the March of Dimes when she was named a Parade "Changemaker."
Garcelle Beauvais reflects on her acting career and time on RHOBH
On The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills After Show, Garcelle gushed about her booming career.
"I can't believe that 1. I've been in the industry for so long and that 2. at my age I feel like I'm thriving more than when I was in my twenties," she said while sitting alongside castmates Jennifer Tilly and Sutton Stracke. "Like, it's crazy. When I started in this industry, I was told that women in their forties will not work, and if you're Black, it's like practically in your twenties. So, for me now, to be producing and acting and doing all these things, it's unbelievable."
Though she's thrilled for all of her success, Garcelle admitted that it can be difficult to be so busy while her younger two sons are still at home.
"It's hard to balance because you always feel mom guilt... It's hard because you want to be there for your kids, but at the same time, as a woman, as a person, I want to feel fulfilled, too," she continued. "Because these boys are going to go out [and] have their own life and I feel like I can't just be empty when they're gone. I also think that it's important for kids to see their moms be whole as well, doing things."
