I like Nene Leakes as an actress, but I admire her as an entrepreneur even more. She’s made a name for herself in various industries outside the small screen.
That got me wondering: “How much money could she have made from such a diverse career?” I got to researching right away.
In this post, I’ll share Nene Leakes’s net worth, covering her contributions to the TV, fashion, and publishing industries.
What Is Nene Leakes’s Net Worth?
After establishing herself as a talented actress, author, and fashion designer, Leakes built a jaw-dropping net worth of $14 million. How? Let’s find out!
1. Acting
Despite being a jack of all trades, most people know Nene Leakes as an actress. Like any other performer, she started her celebrated career with small gigs, landing minor roles in The Parkers and The Fighting Temptations.
Suppose you’ve seen Leakes on TV, though, you know how talented she is. So, it’s no wonder she managed to secure a big role eventually.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta season 11, L-R: Kandi Burruss, Porsha Williams, Cynthia Bailey, NeNe Leakes, Eva Marcille, Shamari Devoe
Image source: Google
The Real Housewives of Atlanta was Leakes’s first taste of international fame. While it had good writing, acting, and drama, I think everyone would agree that Leakes’s performance was one of the highlights of that series.
How successful was she on that show?
According to reports, by the time the 12th season of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” aired, NeNe had earned $2.85 million per season. If that doesn’t scream talent, I don’t know what does.
Unfortunately, however, all good things must come to an end. Leakes decided to quit the show after season 7 to pursue other opportunities.
Although she made a few appearances in the following seasons, she’s still undecided on whether she wants to make a full return or not. She’s been hinting that she might return to the show soon, though. So, fingers crossed.
2. Publishing
Die-hard Leakes fans know the actress hasn’t always had it easy. And what better way to share the hardships of her past than the written word?
Nene Leakes held her published book ‘Never Make the Same Mistake Twice: Lessons on Love and Life Learned the Hard Way’
Image source: Google
So, in 2009, Nene Leakes and Denene Millner put their pens together to write Never Make the Same Mistake Twice: Lessons on Love and Life Learned the Hard Way. They probably should’ve worked on the title a bit more.
Leakes lays everything out in the open for her fans in that book. She covers her previous abusive relationships, the time she worked as a stripper, the struggles of being a single parent, and more.
You can probably tell it’s not the happiest book in the world, but it’ll give a few insights into how and why Nene Leakes became the person she is today. Of course, I can’t say how much money the book made her, but I’m sure it contributed, even if a little bit, to her current net worth.
3. Fashion Design
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You know how celebrities are; once they become successful enough, they start venturing into other industries. For Leakes, that industry was fashion.
In 2014, the former housewife launched her Nene Leakes Collection, a diverse line that encompasses various styles and aesthetics. I don’t know much about fashion, but a famous actress launching her own lineup? I can already hear the cha-ching sound.
4. Live Comedy
Look, TV and live performances are two completely different experiences. Sure, both require excellent delivery, but the latter always puts ten times the pressure. Apparently, though, Leakes can take that pressure, no sweat.
Her one-woman comedy show “So Nasty, So Rude” sold out more shows than I could count. You can probably tell that added a large sum of money to her bank account.
5. Real Estate Investments
Nene Leakes’ former mansion in the suburbs of Atlanta
Image source: Google
Besides acting and comedy, Leakes has successfully ventured into the real estate industry. In 2015, she bought a 10,000-square-foot mansion outside Atlanta for $2.075 million only to sell it in 2022 for $2.65 million. Not bad.
Wrapping Up
Nene Leakes’s net worth is the result of years of grinding and learning to expand her skills to various industries. Sure, she accumulated most of her net worth from acting, but a good chunk of it came from stepping out of her comfort zone and venturing into other opportunities.
Featured image source: Google
