Kandi and Todd co-produced Othello, which broke a record as the top-grossing play on Broadway. Their family and friends showed up to support.
Salvatore DeMaio
Kandi Burruss is glowing through her actress/producer era. The actress recently reached new heights with a Broadway play she co-produced called Othello. Burruss attended the opening night with her daughter, Riley, on March 23 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, and her husband, Todd, and they all looked dashing.
In an Instagram post, the Bedroom Kandi founder expressed her appreciation to her eldest child for supporting her during the opening. We also got an exclusive picture of the mother-daughter duo looking ravishing.
“My baby girl @rileyburruss showed up & showed out to support me! It’s a great feeling to watch your little one grow up & step into their beautiful & bossy era. I Love you RILEZ!❤️” the caption read.
Riley also showed her mama some love on Instagram, sharing some of the stunning images Kandi did in addition to some of her own. “Breaking records in every category, so proud of my family 💕 #OTHELLO #othelloonbroadway,” Riley wrote in her caption.
The play, which was co-produced by Burruss and her longtime husband Todd Tucker, is a tragedy about a commander who is manipulated into thinking his wife is unfaithful. In the hit production, Denzel Washington played the titular lead character, while Jake Gyllenhaal took on the role of Iago.
Othello is one of the couple’s many joint ventures. They met while Todd was producing the Real Housewives of Atlanta and have also opened many businesses together over the years. The singer showed love to her partner in crime via her Instagram page.
Article continues after video.
The Boss Lady Project, Episode 4: Kandi Burruss
R&B singer and songwriter, Kandi Burruss spends the day with Laina Ramey, a 12-year-old who wants to be a Broadway star.
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A Timeline of Kandi Burruss And Todd Tucker's Love Story
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“We make a winning team! 😍,” Kandi wrote under images of herself and Todd at the play’s opening.
Opening night was a star-studded event, with Jamie Lee Curtis, Samuel L. Jackson, Cynthia Nixon, and Jennifer Lopez attending. Additionally, former president Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden attended.
“Just two presidents in one photo. One ran the country, the other runs the room. 😂 An unforgettable moment with President @joebiden At @othellobway Opening Night!” the actress wrote in a caption under an image of her posting with the former POTUS.
Othello has made history and was touted as the top-grossing play in Broadway history. During the previews, the play made over $2.8 million, replacing “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” as the highest-grossing Broadway show, according to Deadline.
Burruss has been in the producer seat for some time, but she started on the stage. She played Mama Morton in the play “Chicago” in 2018 before going on to produce “Thoughts of a Colored Man” in 2021, “The Piano Lesson” in 2022, and “The Wiz” in 2024.
The RHOA star has announced that she’s aiming to reach EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards) status. Burruss has won a Grammy and received an Emmy nomination for her contributions to the TV show La Musica de La Familia, in addition to a Tony nomination for the Broadway show The Piano Lesson. It looks like Burruss is well on her way to EGOT status and looking fabulous while putting in the work.
It’s the Essies’ Choice Awards!
Meet the winner of the first-ever Essies' Choice Award presented by Diet Coke®.
Diet Coke Essie's Choice Final 4
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Making its red-carpet debut, the first-ever Essies’ Choice Award presented by Diet Coke® stole the spotlight at the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards this year. It invited guests to enjoy the moment and take a break–and there’s nothing like a Diet Coke® break.
On the pulse of what matters most, this special award gives our amazing audience the power to vote who they believe is the rising star. Showcased at one of the most anticipated events in Black Hollywood during Oscar week, this award is a people’s pick and highlights what moves them into spaces of joy, power and action. And what better woman to host this event than Kamie Crawford? The second African American to hold the title of 2010 Miss Teen USA, she has worked as a host and co-host for various TV shows, including MTV’s Catfish: The TV Show. She’s also empowering others through her mental health and body positivity advocacy.
Let’s Meet the Nominees!
Best known for her breakout role in Middle of Nowhere, Emayatzy Corinealdi is a versatile actress who brings depth and authenticity to every character she portrays. This Independent Spirit Award nominee can seamlessly navigate between independent films and mainstream projects, like her incredible work on Reasonable Doubt on Hulu.
A Brooklyn native, Dominique Fishback is an accomplished spoken word poet, playwright and actress. She played Billie Rowan on Show Me a Hero, Darlene on The Deuce, and Deborah Johnson in Judas and the Black Messiah. She also penned a groundbreaking one-woman show, SUBVERTED, about the destruction of Black identity in America.
The talented cast of BET Plus’s hit show Sistas brings to life the heartfelt, relatable, and often humorous journey of modern Black women navigating love, friendship, and career. Featuring KJ Smith, Mignon Von, Ebony Obsidian, Crystal Renee Hayslett, and Novi Brown, their authentic portrayals of sisterhood have resonated deeply with audiences, making it a fan-favorite.
And the Winner is….
The cast of Sistas! Together, they shine as a testament to the power of connection and representation on screen. When Kamie announced the winner, these women were tearful and deeply appreciative, it meant so much to them to be honored in this way—especially by their incredible fans. “We will not take it for granted and we will continue to show up,” said KJ Smith.
Check out the video for more from the red carpet and interviews with this amazing ensemble cast—the winners of the first-ever Essies’ Choice Award presented by Diet Coke®.
“My baby girl @rileyburruss showed up & showed out to support me! It’s a great feeling to watch your little one grow up & step into their beautiful & bossy era. I Love you RILEZ!❤️” the caption read.
