Cynthia Bailey
{{short description|American model, reality television star, and actress}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2019}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2019}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Cynthia Bailey
| image = Cynthia Bailey by Gage Skidmore 2.jpg
| alt =
| caption = Bailey in 2019
| birth_name = Cynthia Denise Bailey
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1967|2|19}}
| spouse = {{plainlist|
- {{marriage|Peter Thomas|2010|2017|reason=divorced}}
- {{marriage|Mike Hill|2020|2022|reason=divorced}}
}}
| birth_place = Decatur, Alabama, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| occupation = {{hlist|Model|television personality|actress}}
| years_active = 1985–present
| known_for = {{plainlist|
- The Real Housewives of Atlanta (2010–present)
- The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip (2021)
}}
| children = 1
| notable_works =
| height = 1.78m
}}
Cynthia Denise Bailey (born February 19, 1967) is an American model, reality television personality, podcaster and actress. Born and raised in Alabama, she moved to New York City at the age of 18 to pursue a modeling career. There, she signed a five-year contract with Wilhelmina Models, and subsequently appeared as a model in various magazines and advertising campaigns. She worked as a runway model in Paris and Milan.
Bailey has acted in films, including Without You I'm Nothing (1990) and For Love or Money (1993), and on television programs, such as The Cosby Show. She joined the Bravo reality television show The Real Housewives of Atlanta in 2010. She married Peter Thomas in 2010, and their divorce was finalized in 2017. Her relationship with sportscaster Mike Hill was showcased on The Real Housewives of Atlanta from 2018 until she left the series in 2021.
Early life
Cynthia Denise Bailey was born on February 19, 1967, in Decatur, Alabama, and raised in Tuscumbia.{{cite web|url=https://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-atlanta/the-feast/cynthia-bailey-birthday-dinner-instagram-pictures|title=Cynthia Bailey Shows How 'Birthday Dinner' Is Done With This Epic Plate of Food|last=Berg|first=Jenny|date=February 21, 2019|publisher=Bravo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411020624/https://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-atlanta/the-feast/cynthia-bailey-birthday-dinner-instagram-pictures|archive-date=April 11, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/cynthia-bailey-changing-name-after-mike-hill-wedding|title=Cynthia Bailey Is Doing Something with Mike Hill She Didn't Do in Her Marriage to Peter Thomas|last=Vena|first=Jocelyn|date=October 11, 2019|publisher=Bravo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702032142/https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/cynthia-bailey-changing-name-after-mike-hill-wedding|archive-date=July 2, 2020|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Her father, Elijah, worked at an auto factory and her mother, Barbara, worked at a sewing factory. Barbara was 18 when she was pregnant with Cynthia, and had another daughter, Malorie, roughly a year later.{{cite web|url=https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/cynthia-bailey-sister-malorie-bailey-on-iyanla-fix-my-life|title=Cynthia Bailey's Sister Malorie Opens Up About Her Struggles and Hopes to Help Others 'Start Living Your Best Life'|last=Vena|first=Jocelyn|date=October 3, 2018|publisher=Bravo|archive-date=October 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013014720/https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/cynthia-bailey-sister-malorie-bailey-on-iyanla-fix-my-life|url-status=live}} While growing up, Cynthia was inspired by her grandmother, Mae Frankie Ford, who worked in a sewing factory, sold hotdogs and hamburgers, cleaned houses, and volunteered to care for an elderly woman. She described Ford as "the first female black entrepreneur in [her] life".
Bailey enrolled in freshman-level courses at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and competed in local beauty pageants.{{cite web|url=https://www.al.com/living/2012/01/real_housewife_cynthia_bailey.html|title='Real Housewife' Cynthia Bailey brings model search to Birmingham|last=Temple|first=Chanda|date=January 15, 2012|publisher=AL.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425210302/https://www.al.com/living/2012/01/real_housewife_cynthia_bailey.html|archive-date=April 25, 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://cynthiabailey.com/?page_id=3178|title=Bio|publisher=CynthiaBailey.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824023831/http://cynthiabailey.com/?page_id=3178|archive-date=August 24, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} She was the first African American homecoming queen at Deshler High School.{{cite web|url=http://www.millenniummagazine.com/cover-stories/cynthia-bailey-cyn-in-the-city/|date=September 7, 2015|work=Millennium Magazine|title=Cynthia Bailey: Cyn in the City|archive-date=October 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013014721/https://millenniummagazine.com/cover-stories/cynthia-bailey-cyn-in-the-city/|url-status=live}} After winning the event, she participated in a homecoming queen pageant. Even though she did not win, she was contacted by a Wilhelmina Models talent scout.{{cite web|url=https://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-atlanta/blogs/how-losing-a-beauty-pageant-helped-cynthia-bailey-become-a|title=How Losing a Beauty Pageant Helped Cynthia Bailey Become a Model|last=Berg|first=Jenny|date=October 23, 2017|publisher=Bravo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026093758/http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-atlanta/blogs/how-losing-a-beauty-pageant-helped-cynthia-bailey-become-a|archive-date=October 26, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} At age 18, she moved to New York City and signed a five-year contract with the modeling agency.{{cite web|url=https://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-atlanta/lookbook/cynthia-bailey-signs-major-modeling-contract|title=She's Back! Cynthia Bailey Signed a New Modeling Contract with a Major Agency|last=Palmer|first=Tamara|date=May 31, 2018|publisher=Bravo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805141945/http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-atlanta/lookbook/cynthia-bailey-signs-major-modeling-contract|archive-date=August 5, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=https://www.essence.com/photos/cynthia-bailey-through-years/|title=Cynthia Bailey Through The Years|last=Palmer|first=Tamara|date=June 27, 2012|work=Essence|archive-date=October 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013014720/https://www.essence.com/photos/cynthia-bailey-through-years/|url-status=live}} She raised the money for the move through part-time work at a mall.
Career
= 1985–2009: Early modeling career =
Bailey appeared in the 1985 low-budget film The Dark Power and the 1989 music video for New Order's "Round & Round".{{cite web|url=http://www.wetpaint.com/cynthia-baileys-1985-film-the-dark-power-trailer-496863/|title=Cynthia Bailey's 1985 Film "The Dark Power" Trailer|last=Tatum|date=September 24, 2010|publisher=Wetpaint|access-date=April 21, 2019|archive-date=April 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421040714/http://www.wetpaint.com/cynthia-baileys-1985-film-the-dark-power-trailer-496863/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1tjQqWqqAA|title=New Order - Round and Round (Official Music Video)|date=October 18, 2013|publisher=neworder|via=YouTube|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807153242/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1tjQqWqqAA|archive-date=August 7, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} In 1990, she played Roxanne in the film Without You I'm Nothing, and remained friends with its star Sandra Bernhard.{{cite web|url=https://www.bustle.com/articles/75873-can-cynthia-act-the-real-housewives-of-atlanta-model-does-have-some-prior-on-camera-experience|title=Can Cynthia Act? The 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' Model Does Have Some Prior On Camera Experience|last=Hawkins|first=Kayla|date=April 12, 2015|work=Bustle|access-date=April 22, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/cynthia_bailey_2|title=Cynthia Bailey|publisher=Rotten Tomatoes|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101053920/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/cynthia_bailey_2|archive-date=January 1, 2021|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Naomi Campbell was considered for the role. Bailey appeared in a 1990 episode of the sitcom The Cosby Show.{{cite tweet|user=CynthiaBailey10|number=284856951538606080|date=December 28, 2012|title=Me as Shaniqua Watkins on THE COSBY SHOW! #cynthiabaileyflashback http://lockerz.com/s/272777238}} Her audition for a role in the 1991 film The Five Heartbeats was featured in the 2018 documentary The Making of the Five Heartbeats.{{cite web|url=https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/cynthia-bailey-on-ex-leon-robinson-noelle-dad|title=Cynthia Bailey Reveals a Detail About Her Former Romance with Leon That Proves Fate Is Real|last=Vena|first=Jocelyn|date=December 6, 2018|publisher=Bravo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408190241/https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/cynthia-bailey-on-ex-leon-robinson-noelle-dad|archive-date=April 8, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} In 1993, she played a model in the film For Love or Money, and the following year, she appeared in the music video for Heavy D's single "Nuttin But Love" from the album of the same name.{{cite web|url=https://www.essence.com/articles/black-music-month-models-music-videos/#372316|title=Black Music Month: Models in Music Videos|date=June 29, 2011|work=Essence|archive-date=October 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013014721/https://www.essence.com/articles/black-music-month-models-music-videos/#372316|url-status=live}} She played a masseuse in a 1995 episode of New York Undercover.
After working as a runway model in Paris and Milan for a year, Bailey returned to New York City and modeled for Maybelline, Oil of Olay, and Target and in magazines including Vogue, Glamour, Elle, and Vanity Fair. She appeared on two Essence magazine covers in June 1995{{snd}}her first job as a model{{snd}}and 1997.{{cite web|url=https://www.bravotv.com/people/cynthia-bailey|title=Cynthia Bailey|date=June 25, 2012 |publisher=Bravo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408190255/https://www.bravotv.com/people/cynthia-bailey|archive-date=April 8, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} The magazine's then editor-in-chief Susan L. Taylor described Bailey as one of her favorite models. Bailey's favorite modeling job was a Vanity Cover shot by Annie Leibovitz and featuring Iman, Beverly Johnson, Naomi Campbell, and Tyra Banks; Iman had invited Bailey to participate in the shoot.{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/08/24/red.chair.cynthia.bailey/index.html|title=Cynthia Bailey: From runways to 'Real Housewives'|last=Bailey|first=Cynthia|date=August 24, 2011|publisher=CNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150304061657/http://www.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/08/24/red.chair.cynthia.bailey/index.html|archive-date=March 4, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}
= 2010–2016: ''The Real Housewives of Atlanta'' and other work =
In 2010, Bailey joined the Bravo reality television show The Real Housewives of Atlanta, which featured her relationship with club owner Peter Thomas and her friendship with NeNe Leakes. She was introduced in the show's third season along with Phaedra Parks.{{cite web|url=http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-atlanta/season-3|title=The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 3 Cast Info|publisher=Bravo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226172615/http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-atlanta/season-3|archive-date=February 26, 2014|url-status=dead}} Bailey was initially uncertain about joining the show, describing it as "too dramatic", but changed her mind after viewing it as a business opportunity. She was contacted by Bravo shortly after moving to Atlanta with Thomas; the network said that they "wanted to bring more class to the cast, and feature more women that already had successful careers before the show".
In 2011, Bailey opened her modeling school, Bailey Agency School of Fashion in Atlanta;{{cite web|url=https://www.al.com/living/2012/01/real_housewives_of_atlanta_sta.html|title='Real Housewives of Atlanta' star Cynthia Bailey kicks off model search today in Birmingham (updated)|last=Temple|first=Chanda|date=January 21, 2012|publisher=AL.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411020623/https://www.al.com/living/2012/01/real_housewives_of_atlanta_sta.html|archive-date=April 11, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} the following year, she held a model search in several cites in the Southern United States as part of a contest to win representation by a New York modeling agency. Bailey appeared in a trilogy of music videos ("Age Ain't a Factor", "Baby x3", and "Chase Forever") for Jaheim's 2013 album Appreciation Day.{{cite web|url=https://www.essence.com/celebrity/exclusive-lisaraye-vivica-fox-and-cynthia-bailey-dish-starring-jaheims-age-aint-factor/|title=LisaRaye, Vivica A. Fox and Cynthia Bailey Dish on Starring in Jaheim's 'Age Ain't a Factor' Video|last=Sangweni|first=Yolanda|date=August 8, 2013|work=Essence|archive-date=October 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013014803/https://www.essence.com/celebrity/exclusive-lisaraye-vivica-fox-and-cynthia-bailey-dish-starring-jaheims-age-aint-factor/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2013/9/6/go-behind-the-scenes-of-jaheims-baby-3x-video.html|title=Go Behind the Scenes of Jaheim's 'Baby 3x' Video|date=September 6, 2013|work=ABC News|access-date=April 22, 2019|archive-date=April 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423011634/http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2013/9/6/go-behind-the-scenes-of-jaheims-baby-3x-video.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/2013/10/vixen-exclusive-new-video-jaheim-chase-forever-video|title=Vixen Exclusive: New Video Jaheim 'Chase Forever' [Video]|last=Daniels|first=Sharifa|date=October 24, 2013|work=Vibe|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302055848/http://www.vibe.com/2013/10/vixen-exclusive-new-video-jaheim-chase-forever-video/|archive-date=March 2, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} In the "Age Ain't a Factor" video, she was shown in a fictional Essence article on "Ageless Beauty", alongside LisaRaye McCoy and Vivica A. Fox. The "Baby x3" video focuses on infidelity with Bailey and Thomas portraying "secret lovers".
Bailey appeared in the 2015 documentary series Black Friday, which is about how little consumer spending is retained within black communities.{{cite web|url=https://blavity.com/black-friday-filmaker-ric-mathis-examines-african-american-spending-in-new-documentary|title='Black Friday': Filmaker [sic] Ric Mathis' Examines African American Spending in New Documentary|date=2017|publisher=Blavity|archive-date=October 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013014757/https://blavity.com/black-friday-filmaker-ric-mathis-examines-african-american-spending-in-new-documentary|url-status=live}} The same year, she acted in Kenya Moore's television pilot, Life Twirls On.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F99SQZOG0bc|title=Life Twirls On: TV Pilot|date=May 8, 2015|publisher=OfficialKenyaMoore|via=YouTube|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517135202/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F99SQZOG0bc|archive-date=May 17, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/cynthia-bailey-acting-career-sharknado-4-details|title=Sharknado 4 Is Just the Beginning of Cynthia Bailey's Acting Career|last=Rosenfeld|first=Laura|date=June 3, 2016|publisher=Bravo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160607005810/http://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/cynthia-bailey-acting-career-sharknado-4-details|archive-date=June 7, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} For the character, she used a Jamaican accent. In 2016, she had a minor role in the film Sharknado: The 4th Awakens, and guest starred on The Next :15 alongside former The Real Housewives of Atlanta costar Claudia Jordan.{{cite web|url=https://www.vh1.com/news/db6al2/next-15-trailer-tiffany-new-york-benzino-laura-govan|title=Jennifer Williams Is Recording a Song with Benzino, Cynthia Bailey's Giving Laura Govan Advice, + New York's Putting Hands on Carl Butler in {{sic|nolink=y|reason=error in source|theThe}} Next :15 Trailer|last1=Bellino|first1=Damian|date=January 22, 2016|website=VH1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817112649/http://www.vh1.com/news/238538/next-15-trailer-tiffany-new-york-benzino-laura-govan/|archive-date=August 17, 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} She was featured on a celebrity edition of Cupcake Wars with Nene Leakes.{{cite web|url=http://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/nene-leakes-and-cynthia-bailey-just-proved-their-friendship-is-going-strong|title=NeNe Leakes and Cynthia Bailey Just Proved Their Friendship Is Going Strong|last1=Rosenfeld|first1=Laura|publisher=Bravo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160721213431/http://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/nene-leakes-and-cynthia-bailey-just-proved-their-friendship-is-going-strong|date=July 19, 2016|archive-date=July 21, 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}
= 2017–present: Professional expansion =
Bailey was a guest judge for the preliminary and finals competition of the 65th Miss Universe competition.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/04/fashion/miss-universe-judge-mickey-boardman.html|title=My Time as a Miss Universe Judge|last=Boardman|first=Mickey|date=February 4, 2017|work=The New York Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126151000/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/04/fashion/miss-universe-judge-mickey-boardman.html|archive-date=January 26, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} {{subscription required}} In 2018, Bailey signed a contract with the New York-based agency Major Models; her daughter is also signed with the company. In April 2018, Bailey underwent surgery to remove a lipoma tumor from her left shoulder blade. The procedure was successful without any reported complications.{{cite web|url=https://people.com/health/cynthia-bailey-surgery-remove-lymphoma-tumor/|title=Cynthia Bailey Underwent Surgery to Remove a Lipoma Tumor: 'I Was Scared'|last1=Mazziotta|first1=Julie|last2=Quinn|first2=Dave|date=April 4, 2018|work=People|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423030346/https://people.com/health/cynthia-bailey-surgery-remove-lymphoma-tumor/|archive-date=April 23, 2019|df=mdy-all}} In 2019, Bailey guest starred in an episode of Last Call,{{cite web|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/last-call-to-premiere-on-bounce-mon-jan-14-with-two-episodes-back-to-back-at-9pm-and-930pm-et-300776566.html|title=Last Call to Premiere on Bounce Mon. Jan. 14 With Two Episodes Back-to-Back at 9pm and 9:30pm ET|date=January 10, 2019|publisher=PR Newswire|archive-date=October 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013014753/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/last-call-to-premiere-on-bounce-mon-jan-14-with-two-episodes-back-to-back-at-9pm-and-930pm-et-300776566.html|url-status=live}} and acted in How High 2, the sequel to the 2001 film How High. She started a line of bags, named CB VIOR,{{cite web|url=https://www.cbvior.com/about|title=About CB VIOR|publisher=Cbvior.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421040137/https://cbvior.com/about|archive-date=April 21, 2019|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} as well as a line of candles, leather goods, and eyewear.
Bailey opened a wine bar, The Bailey Wine Cellar, and an event space, The Bailey Room, in Grant Park, Atlanta in July 2019.{{cite web|date=December 20, 2018|title=Cynthia Bailey Is Opening a Wine Bar in 2019 — Here's Everything We Know|url=https://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-atlanta/the-feast/cynthia-bailey-is-opening-the-bailey-wine-cellar|publisher=Bravo|archive-date=October 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013014753/https://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-atlanta/the-feast/cynthia-bailey-is-opening-the-bailey-wine-cellar|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Berg|first=Jenny|date=March 18, 2019|title=Get Your First Look Inside Cynthia Bailey's New Wine Tasting Venue|url=https://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-atlanta/the-feast/cynthia-bailey-wine-cellar-photos|publisher=Bravo|archive-date=October 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013014753/https://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-atlanta/the-feast/cynthia-bailey-wine-cellar-photos|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://people.com/tv/cynthia-bailey-mike-hill-engaged-rhoa/|title=She Said Yes! Real Housewives of Atlanta Star Cynthia Bailey Engaged to Sportscaster Mike Hill|author=Quinn, Dave|date=July 26, 2019|work=People|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801233847/https://people.com/tv/cynthia-bailey-mike-hill-engaged-rhoa/|archive-date=August 1, 2019|url-status=live}} The same year, she had a partnership with Seagram, creating a signature drink, a Bellini cocktail.{{cite web|url=https://hollywoodlife.com/2019/03/29/cynthia-bailey-over-nene-leakes-disses-feud-friendship-interview-rhoa/|title=RHOA'S Cynthia Bailey Has Had Enough Of NeNe Leakes Slamming Her Ahead Of Finale: 'Get Over It'|last=Lemoncelli|first=Jenna|date=March 29, 2019|publisher=Hollywood Life|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401013759/https://hollywoodlife.com/2019/03/29/cynthia-bailey-over-nene-leakes-disses-feud-friendship-interview-rhoa/|archive-date=April 1, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} It was sold in April 2019. The launch party was shown on an eleventh season episode of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. In it, Leakes is angry that Bailey had invited Kenya Moore to the event without her knowledge. The incident was discussed during the season's reunion episodes,{{cite web|url=https://themuse.jezebel.com/cynthia-bailey-is-not-here-for-the-drama-1834167537|title=Cynthia Bailey Is Not Here For the Drama|last=Hope|first=Clover|date=April 2, 2019|work=Jezebel|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421095216/https://themuse.jezebel.com/cynthia-bailey-is-not-here-for-the-drama-1834167537|archive-date=April 21, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} and Leakes and Bailey publicly ended their friendship.{{cite web|url=https://thegrio.com/2019/04/22/cynthia-bailey-and-nene-leakes-real-housewives-reunion/|title=Cynthia Bailey and NeNe Leakes end nine-year friendship during RHOA reunion|last1=Telusma|first1=Blue|date=April 22, 2019|publisher=The Grio|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422210352/https://thegrio.com/2019/04/22/cynthia-bailey-and-nene-leakes-real-housewives-reunion/|archive-date=April 22, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Bailey is a brand ambassador for Seagram since 2018.{{cite web|last=Uwumagorie|first=Victoria|date=December 20, 2021|title=Cynthia Bailey Is Pursuing Peace After Reality TV: 'I Wanted To Take A Break Before I Got To My Breaking Point'|url=https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/cynthia-bailey-reality-tv/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221200831/https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/cynthia-bailey-reality-tv/|archive-date=December 21, 2021|work=Essence}} In 2019, she guest-starred on Star and Tales.
Bailey chose to leave The Real Housewives of Atlanta in 2021, after being a part of the series for eleven seasons.{{cite web|last=Curto|first=Justin|date=September 27, 2021|title=Cynthia Bailey Is Leaving The Real Housewives of Atlanta After 11 Seasons|url=https://www.vulture.com/2021/09/cynthia-bailey-not-returning-real-housewives-of-atlanta.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927194206/https://www.vulture.com/2021/09/cynthia-bailey-not-returning-real-housewives-of-atlanta.html|archive-date=September 27, 2021|work=Vulture|df=mdy-all}} She starred in the first season of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip, a spin-off featuring various women from The Real Housewives franchise, which premiered on Peacock in 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/peacocks-ultimate-girls-trip-series-real-housewives-cast-photo|title=We Can't Get Over the Official Cast Photo for Peacock's Ultimate Girls Trip Series
|website=Bravo|first=Jocelyn|last=Vena|date=September 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904223411/https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/peacocks-ultimate-girls-trip-series-real-housewives-cast-photo|archive-date=September 4, 2021|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://thefutoncritic.com/showatch/real-housewives-ultimate-girls-trip/listings/|title=Showatch
|website=The Futon Critic|access-date=November 22, 2021}} In an Essence interview conducted in the same year, she said she was shifting her focus from reality television to acting. Bailey had a recurring role in the second season of Games People Play as documentarian Ndasia.
In 2022, Bailey competed as a HouseGuest the third season of Celebrity Big Brother, placing third in the competition.{{Cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/tv/celebrity-big-brother-cynthia-bailey-finale-interview/|last=Ross|first=Dalton|title=Cynthia Bailey 'in shock' over Celebrity Big Brother jury reaction to Todrick Hall|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225002102/https://ew.com/tv/celebrity-big-brother-cynthia-bailey-finale-interview/|archive-date=February 25, 2022}} The same year, she appeared in the 2022 Lifetime movie Cruel Instruction. The following year, Bailey returned to The Real Housewives of Atlanta as a guest for its fifteenth season.{{Cite web |date=March 30, 2023 |title='Real Housewives of Atlanta' Season 15 Trailer Is Here -- and Kim Zolciak Is Back |url=https://www.etonline.com/real-housewives-of-atlanta-season-15-trailer-is-here-and-kim-zolciak-is-back-201880 |access-date=March 31, 2023 |website=Entertainment Tonight |language=en-US}}
In 2024, it was announced that Bailey would be returning to The Real Housewives of Atlanta in a "friend of" capacity for its sixteenth season.{{cite web|url=https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/real-housewives-of-atlanta-season-16-cast|title=Another Alum Is Returning for RHOA Season 16 — See the Complete Cast List |website=Bravo)|first=Shannon|last=Raphael|date=May 14, 2024|access-date=May 14, 2024}} As of October 2024, Bailey is set to co-host the Humble Brag with Crystal and Cynthia podcast alongside Crystal Kung Minkoff, focusing on topics related to pop culture, reality television and celebrities.{{Cite web |last=Tinoco |first=Armando |date=2024-10-15 |title=‘Real Housewives’ Stars Crystal Kung Minkoff & Cynthia Bailey Set To Co-Host ‘Humble Brag’ Podcast For Envy Media |url=https://deadline.com/2024/10/real-housewives-crystal-kung-minkoff-cynthia-bailey-humble-brag-podcast-envy-media-1236115543/ |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=Deadline |language=}}
Personal life
Bailey dated Jayson Williams in 1996,{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8431391/nba-jayson-williams-interview|title=Jayson Williams speaking freely|last=Wong|first=Matt|date=September 29, 2012|publisher=ESPN|access-date=April 20, 2019}} and he proposed to her during a New Jersey Nets halftime show.{{cite web|url=http://www.wetpaint.com/cynthia-bailey-dishes-about-the-long-list-of-men-she-turned-down-633047/|title=Cynthia Bailey Dishes About the Long List of Men She Turned Down|last=Valiente|first=Maria|date=May 12, 2011|publisher=Wetpaint|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512103713/http://www.wetpaint.com/cynthia-bailey-dishes-about-the-long-list-of-men-she-turned-down-633047/|archive-date=May 12, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} She rejected the proposal and returned the engagement ring to him.{{cite web|url=https://www.essence.com/celebrity/rhoa-peter-thomas-on-cynthia-bailey-and-phaedra-real-housewives/|title='RHoA': Peter Thomas on Cynthia and 'Housewives'|date=November 19, 2010|work=Essence|archive-date=October 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013014753/https://www.essence.com/celebrity/rhoa-peter-thomas-on-cynthia-bailey-and-phaedra-real-housewives/|url-status=live}} She also turned down a marriage proposal from Russell Simmons. Bailey had a romantic relationship with Leon Robinson, and on November 9, 1999, she gave birth to their daughter, Noelle.{{cite web|url=https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/cynthia-bailey-daughter-turns-17|title=Cynthia Bailey Posts a Trippy Birthday Tribute to Her "Babydoll" of a Daughter|last=Vena|first=Jocelyn|date=November 9, 2016|publisher=Bravo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824200523/http://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/cynthia-bailey-daughter-turns-17|archive-date=August 24, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} During her pregnancy, Bailey learned she had a uterine fibroid, which she described as "the size of a grape"; she chose to treat this with uterine fibroid embolization rather than a hysterectomy since she wanted the option of having more children in the future. She partnered with USA Fibroids Centers to raise awareness about fibroids and treatment options.{{cite web|url=https://www.bet.com/article/yg1mpw/cynthia-bailey-reveals-the-physical-and-mental-struggles-of-having-fibroids-for-14-years#:~:text=Cynthia%20Bailey%20is%20opening%20up,other%20women%20about%20their%20options.|title=Cynthia Bailey Reveals The Physical And Mental Struggles Of Having Fibroids For 14-Years: 'I Was In A Dark Place'|last=Elitou|first=Tweety|date=March 9, 2022|publisher=BET|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329044301/https://www.bet.com/article/yg1mpw/cynthia-bailey-reveals-the-physical-and-mental-struggles-of-having-fibroids-for-14-years|archive-date=March 29, 2022|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}
Bailey married Peter Thomas on July 24, 2010, at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History;{{cite web|url=https://www.essence.com/love/weddings/bridal-bliss-rhoas-cynthia-bailey-and-peter-thomas/#273922|title=Bridal Bliss: 'RHOA's' Cynthia Bailey and Peter Thomas|date=February 11, 2011|work=Essence|archive-date=October 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013014754/https://www.essence.com/love/weddings/bridal-bliss-rhoas-cynthia-bailey-and-peter-thomas/#273922|url-status=live}} the wedding was shown on a season three episode of The Real Housewives of Atlanta.{{cite web|url=https://www.brides.com/story/real-housewives-atlanta-cynthia-bailey-wedding-dress-style-bridal-gown-budget|title=Real Housewives of Atlanta's Cynthia Bailey talks wedding details (and shares the story behind her platinum wedding dress)|last=Wolfert|first=Cari|date=January 28, 2011|work=Brides|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616182829/https://www.brides.com/story/real-housewives-atlanta-cynthia-bailey-wedding-dress-style-bridal-gown-budget|archive-date=June 16, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} In 2013, Bailey and Thomas published a book about their relationship entitled Carry-On Baggage: Our Nonstop Flight.{{cite web|date=June 14, 2013|title=Cynthia Bailey & Peter Thomas Pen Memoir Carry-on Baggage: Our Nonstop Flight|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/cynthia-bailey-peter-thomas-memoir-carry-on-baggage-our-nonstop-flight_n_3442363|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101055727/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/cynthia-bailey-peter-thomas-memoir-carry-on-baggage-our-nonstop-flight_n_3442363|archive-date=January 1, 2021|work=HuffPost|df=dmy-all}} They publicly announced their separation in 2016, and their divorce was finalized in March 2017.
{{cite news|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/cynthia-bailey-confirms-divorce-i-will-never-marry-again-w447680|title=Real Housewives of Atlanta's Cynthia Bailey Confirms She's Divorcing Peter Thomas: 'I Will Never Marry Again'|author=Drew|date=November 2, 2016|work=Us Weekly|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202024203/http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/cynthia-bailey-confirms-divorce-i-will-never-marry-again-w447680|archive-date=February 2, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}
{{cite news|url=http://people.com/tv/rhoa-season-7-premiere-recap/|title=Cynthia Bailey Begins Divorce Proceedings From Peter Thomas in RHOA Premiere|author=Quinn, Dave|date=November 6, 2016|work=People|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127112953/http://people.com/tv/rhoa-season-7-premiere-recap/|archive-date=January 27, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/cynthia-bailey-peter-thomas-divorce-final-details|title=Cynthia Bailey and Peter Thomas Are Officially Divorced|last=Rosenfeld|first=Laura|date=March 13, 2017|publisher=Bravo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208101942/http://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/cynthia-bailey-peter-thomas-divorce-final-details|archive-date=February 8, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Bailey moved with her daughter to a house that she calls "Lake Bailey". She initially wanted an apartment, saying that she wanted "the New York City sort of lifestyle", but producers from The Real Housewives of Atlanta convinced her to purchase a house instead.{{cite web|url=https://people.com/home/cynthia-bailey-lake-bailey-home-details-exclusive/|title=Cynthia Bailey Would Never Have Found Her Dream Home if It Weren't for RHOA Producers|last1=Quinn|first1=Dave|date=November 17, 2017|work=People|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423030353/https://people.com/home/cynthia-bailey-lake-bailey-home-details-exclusive/|archive-date=April 23, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}
Bailey publicly announced her relationship with Fox Sports correspondent Mike Hill in August 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/cynthia-bailey-compares-mike-hill-peter-thomas-leon-robinson|title=Cynthia Bailey Reveals How Boyfriend Mike Hill Differs from Exes Peter Thomas and Leon Robinson|last=Rosenfeld|first=Laura|date=February 19, 2019|publisher=Bravo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220021053/https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/cynthia-bailey-compares-mike-hill-peter-thomas-leon-robinson|archive-date=February 20, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Hill and Bailey became engaged in July 2019,{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/27/entertainment/cynthia-bailey-mike-hill-engaged/index.html|title=Cynthia Bailey of 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' is engaged to Mike Hill|last=Frances|first=Lisa Respers|date=July 27, 2019|publisher=CNN|archive-date=December 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203133838/https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/27/entertainment/cynthia-bailey-mike-hill-engaged/index.html|url-status=live}} and were married on October 10, 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/cynthia-bailey-wedding-to-mike-hill-real-housewives-who-attended|title=Here Are All the Atlanta Housewives and Bravolebs at Cynthia Bailey's Wedding|last=Vena|first=Jocelyn|date=October 12, 2020|publisher=Bravo|access-date=October 12, 2020}} Bailey said that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, strict rules were implemented for the wedding, such as mandatory social distancing and face masks or face shields, to protect the 250 guests and a deep cleaning of the Acworth, Georgia venue.{{cite web|url=https://theglowup.theroot.com/veiled-but-not-mandatorily-masked-despite-strict-prot-1845346876|title=Veiled, but Not Mandatorily Masked? Despite Strict Protocol Plans, Cynthia Bailey's Weekend Wedding Raised Concerns|last=Kai|first=Maiysha|date=October 12, 2020|work=The Root|archive-date=October 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013014755/https://theglowup.theroot.com/veiled-but-not-mandatorily-masked-despite-strict-prot-1845346876|url-status=live}} However, Bailey received criticism on social media following the release of pictures and videos that showed guests not wearing masks.{{cite web|url=https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/real-housewives-atlanta-cynthia-bailey-coronavirus-wedding-022942533.html|title=Reality TV bride slammed over 'irresponsible' Covid wedding|last=Wolski|first=Gillian|date=October 12, 2020|publisher=Yahoo!|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111070519/https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/real-housewives-atlanta-cynthia-bailey-coronavirus-wedding-022942533.html|url-status=live}} She announced in October 2022 that she filed for divorce from Hill,{{cite web|url=https://people.com/tv/cynthia-bailey-mike-hill-divorcing-after-2-years-of-marriage-exclusive-statements/|title=Cynthia Bailey on Filing for Divorce from Mike Hill After 2 Years of Marriage: 'I Gave It My All'|last1=Patterson|first1=Charmaine|last2=Quinn|first2=Dave|date=October 12, 2022|work=People|archive-date=October 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012153754/https://people.com/tv/cynthia-bailey-mike-hill-divorcing-after-2-years-of-marriage-exclusive-statements/|url-status=live}} which was finalized the same year.{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/cynthia-bailey-mike-hill-finalize-163305538.html|title=Cynthia Bailey And Mike Hill Finalize Divorce, But Legal Documents Mistakenly Accuse Him Of Cheating|last1=S|first1=Justin|date=December 6, 2022|publisher=Yahoo! Entertainment|archive-date=December 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208002342/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/cynthia-bailey-mike-hill-finalize-163305538.html|url-status=live}}
Filmography
=Films=
=Television=
2025
Got To Get Out
First To Get Out
=Music video appearances=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |
| Year
! Artist ! Song ! Ref. |
|---|
| 1989
| "Round & Round" |
| 1994
| "Nuttin' but Love" | |
| rowspan="3"| 2013
|rowspan="3"| Jaheim | "Age Ain't a Factor" |
| "Baby x3" |
| "Chase Forever" |
| 2019
| "Feelin' Jovani" | |
=Documentary=
References
{{reflist}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bailey, Cynthia}}
Category:21st-century African-American actresses
Category:21st-century American actresses
Category:Actresses from Alabama
Category:African-American female models
Category:20th-century African-American actresses
Category:Actresses from Atlanta
Category:People from Tuscumbia, Alabama
Category:Actresses from New York City
Category:Participants in American reality television series
Category:People from Decatur, Alabama
Category:Actors from Colbert County, Alabama