Hello Charisse. Happy new year. It’s a pleasure to sit down and chat with you. I hope you had a great holiday season.
So many of us know, you were the reason rhop was created initially. We are 6 seasons in. Did you think Potomac would make it through 6 seasons?
Charisse: Initially, we didn’t know what we were filming. We were just a female ensemble. After filming the first season, we were put into the housewives franchise, which we were all very ecstatic about. Personally, I was going through my own stuff. My mental state was a little jacked up, when I was a part of the cast during that time. So, I didn’t really think about how far the show would go. I was living day to day, trying to get through one day after the other. But, I did think it was a great cast that can stand with the rest of the other franchises. And to date, I still feel the same way. It’s my favorite housewife show and I still think it has some longevity left. A lot of longevity actually.
I know during your time on rhop, we saw the journey of your marriage and filing for divorce. Are you and your ex amicable?
Charisse: We are cordial now (laughs). Our circles never cross at all. He lives in Charlotte and I live in Maryland. So our paths never cross. The only time now, as of late, where we’ve had to encounter one another for occasions that are related to our children. There will be future occasions where we’ll have to coexist and we’re very cordial. I thought we could be besties after divorce, but that didn’t happen, lol. But we’re cool and I wish nothing but the best for him. I want great things to happen in his life, despite everything I went through. I believe everything happens for a reason and I like to focus on the great things that transpired in our union together. Who knows down the road, maybe, well I don’t know if we’ll be besties, but maybe we can communicate a little more.
Speaking of relationships, are you dating now, since your divorce? Is there anyone special in your life?
Charisse: Of course I’m dating. I still have a pulse (laughs). I’ve dated 2 people since divorce. At the moment, I’m 0 for 2 in the dating pool. In terms of anyone special in my life, I recently ended my most recent situation. It’s really difficult for me (I think) because of my standards. They are very high and I refuse to lower them and I’m not compromising. So, it’s not easy for me to find someone that I’m actually even attracted to. My friends think I’m a little too picky. But, I’m open to love and I’m not a spring chicken anymore. So, at my age, you know what you want. So, I don’t have to waste my time trying to figure out if this person is for me. You already know if this person is gonna work or not. So right now, I’m back on the market. So if you know anyone, holla 🙂
Would you get married again?
Charisse: If you would’ve asked me that question 2 years ago, I probably would’ve said absolutely not! But, now that I’m healed, absolutely. I am wifey material. I love being married and I loved the concept of marriage. I’m looking forward to being married again. So, I welcome the opportunity to fall in love again and ride off in the sunset with my prince charming and live happily ever after.
We’ve seen many changes in the Potomac group dynamics. Season 1 was about etiquette, Jack and Jill. Then it went to fighting and cyber bullying, etc. What are your thoughts on the changes throughout the franchise?
Charisse: In my heart, I wished the concept of a group of classy women, who went through trials and tribulations together, that fought with their words, was still the primary focus of the show. It’s unfortunate that it went in the direction of people feeling the need to fight. Just as a black woman and looking at the various shows on television, in terms of reality, there aren’t shows that depict black women (I feel) in a favorable light, that’s positive. Unfortunately, it doesn’t reflect how we actually live. So, that’s a little disappointing. Sadly some people think that toxic behavior is what people want to see and that’s where the ratings are. So the thought of prominent black women handling issues with class, style and dignity gets overshadowed. But who knows, hopefully they can somehow incorporate what the initial concept was and find a way to give you drama, but still have class and dignity in the end.
Which of the rhop ladies are you still in contact with?
Charisse: I am still in contact with Gizelle, Robyn, Ashley and Candiace. I’m cool with Wendy. I never met Mia, but she seems like she would be a lot of fun.
With season 7 filming around the corner, could we expect to see you in a scene or 2?
Charisse: To date, there has been no conversation about me remotely being involved with season 7. My motto is always “never say never”, but to date, there has been no conversations at all about me coming in, appearing or doing anything. So to date, the answer is simply no.
Would you like to go back to the show? Many of us miss you on the show ❤
Charisse: So, I’m a woman of truth and I’m going to be very honest with you. But I have to preface it by saying: I worked very hard to get the ensemble together for rhop and I still consider it my baby. It wasn’t an easy task and It was something I took a lot of pride in. Also when I was on the show, I was just going through too much mentally and emotionally during that time. I just wasn’t Charisse. Now that I’ve healed significantly and the burden has been released off my back, I’m kind of curious if I were to do it again in this life. I always think to myself had the show come to me now as opposed to when it did, what would the outcome have been. How would it be different for me. I personally would like to think it would have been more favorable because I would not have been concerned about my kids going through divorce, etc. That stayed at the top of my head, you know worrying about my children. Now, I’m just free of so much and lighter. So to answer your question, I would have to honestly say yes. If the opportunity arises, I would consider going back.
Are there any special projects you’re working on currently, or for the future?
Charisse: Well, I dibbled a little bit into comedy, then the pandemic happened. Though I don’t consider myself a comedian, I do enjoy being on a stage. I love the stage. I did a show in New York at the great comedy club Carolines and it was great. I also had a bad situation happen, but I have some growth to do in that department. Because of Covid, the tour that I was supposed to do was canceled. Then it got put back on, but I don’t feel comfortable going in and out of these places yet. So, I haven’t ventured out to do more comedy. Also during the pandemic, I completed a real estate class. I still have to take the test, but I think I’ll be a great realtor. It’s gonna be my side hustle. Other than that, my heart has been wide open to opening my own lounge. I’ve been in conversations with several different property owners, exploring the different elements and protocols of opening my own lounge. So, we’ll see. Cross your fingers for me and say some special prayers. Hopefully, I’ll be able to do it by this spring, if it’s meant to be.