Garcelle Beauvais Talks Pockets Of Hope Campaign, Jamie Foxx, And the Upcoming Season Of 'RHOBH'
Garcelle Beauvais stole our hearts as Fancy on The Jamie Foxx Show, which lasted for five seasons on the now-defunct network The WB. The series served as a launching pad for Beauvais, helping her land roles on shows like NYPD Blue and films like Barbershop 2: Back To Business White House Down and hosting gigs like being a panelist on The Real.
The Haitian-American actress is now known for appearing on Bravo's Real Housewives Of Beverly, where you can watch the seasoned star throw some fun shade and build relationships with other affluent women. However, the reality star stays true to her Haitian roots and actively pushes to better her homeland.
In fact, Beauvais recently partnered with Pockets Of Hope, "a campaign of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) to build bright and equitable futures for Haitian children, families, and communities," according to the press release. "Through Pockets of Hope, WKKF is looking to connect more philanthropic funders and local organizations to work together to maximize outcomes for communities."
Here, we catch up with the actress as she discusses the initiative, deets on what's to come this season on RHOBH, and her enduring friendship with Jamie Foxx.
BET.com: Why does the Pockets Of Hope campaign resonate to you?
Beauvais: It's important to me because I am Haitian through and through, and my people need help – we don't want to forget about Haiti. When the Kellogg Foundation came to me, it made perfect sense in terms of what they've done in the past as they've been on the ground in Haiti, and I love that they're supporting the initiatives that are happening there. It's not about coming in and saving the day; it's about helping people do great work and shifting the narrative from the daily headlines to getting to the root of how we can support people who need our help.
BET.com: How and in what ways do you continue to support Haiti with your busy schedule?
Beauvais: It's about prioritizing, which is how I can accomplish anything. People come over to my house and say how organized I am, to which I respond, 'I have to be because I do so much.' Putting Haiti in the forefront is important because it's my roots. I have to prioritize it so the more we can bring awareness to [Pockets Of Hope] and what we're doing, the more I can give back to my people and my country.
BET.com: Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills is returning, and you're walking into your fourth season after an interesting season 12. What can you tell us about the dynamic of the ladies this season, and if there's anyone you're butting heads with that you're shocked about?
Beauvais: OK, so where do I begin? (laughs). I loved this season a lot more because some of the changes that were made helped friendships come about that weren't jiving before. I think people were much more open this season, and I feel like we have a lot more individual personal stories. There's a lot of shock and awe, so everybody will get what they need from Beverly Hills this season.
BET.com: We heard Denise Richards filmed a few episodes, which is a great ally for you to have, and you had Sheree Zampiano last season as an ally. Was it hard or easy for Denise to blend in with the group, and will Sheree return as a friend this season?
Beauvais: Denise was great to come in because she's already familiar with the ladies – she understands the dynamics and has some crosses to bear. She held on to a couple of things she wanted to get off her chest, which she did, and I'm proud of her for it. When it comes to Sheree, I think the experience wasn't what we had hoped, unfortunately. And Denise brings it, and it's really fun so you'll enjoy it.
BET.com: It's been 27 years since we've seen you play Fancy, and fans still talk about The Jamie Foxx Show as one of those pivotal sitcoms in television history. How has your dynamic with Jamie Foxx grown since working with each other back in the 90s?
Beauvais: That's my brother – I love that man so much. I am so happy he's doing well and is better than ever. We formed a friendship that will last forever, I've seen him go from player to dad, and he's a really great dad. His girls are amazing, I remember going to a dinner for [Corinne Foxx], and she ordered wine. I was like, 'What?' and she said she's 21 years old now, which blew me away. Everyone has grown up, even my oldest, Oliver, who grew up on the set of [The Jamie Foxx Show]. It's lovely, and I adore him.
This article has been edited and condensed for clarity.
