Leah Remini is heading to Beverly Hills.
The "King of Queens" star is joining "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" for its upcoming 16th season.
Remini, 56, confirmed the news on Aug. 26, sharing Variety’s report about her casting on Instagram, writing, "It’s true!!"
Variety reports that Remini will join the Bravo reality series as a full-time cast member and is expected to begin filming in Los Angeles later this week. Production on the new season began earlier this summer.
The actress is no stranger to reality television. Remini previously starred alongside her family in the TLC reality series "Leah Remini: It's All Relative," which ran from 2014 to 2015.
Who is Leah Remini, RHOBH's latest cast member?
She later
co-hosted and executive produced A&E’s "Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath," which premiered in November 2016 and explored the experiences of former members of the Church of Scientology. The series earned two Emmys during its three-season run, one in 2017 for Outstanding Informational Series or Special and another in 2020 for Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special.
Remini – who left Scientology in 2013 after roughly 35 years as a member and has since become an outspoken critic of the organization – is also known for playing Carrie Heffernan opposite Kevin James on the CBS sitcom "The King of Queens."
Fans may also recognize Remini from the 2016 sitcom “Kevin Can Wait” and for her co-hosting stint on “The Talk” from 2010 to 2011. She has also appeared on “Dancing with the Stars" as a contestant on Season 17, as a guest co-host on Seasons 19 and 21 and as a guest judge on Season 28. She has also appeared in films including “Old School” and “Second Act.”
Remini and longtime husband Angelo Pagán divorced in August 2024 after 21 years of marriage and 28 years together, with the former couple describing their split as amicable.
"This decision came after a lot of thought and care, and as hard as divorce is, we are approaching this with a positive outlook because we know it's what's best for us," they wrote on Instagram. "We are proud of how we have worked through this together."
Who is returning to RHOBH for Season 16?
Remini isn’t the only newcomer headed to Beverly Hills.
"Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles" alum Tracy Tutor announced Aug. 19 that she is also joining the Season 16 cast. Tutor confirmed the news via Instagram: "Well… the secret’s officially out. I’m joining the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and I could not be more excited for this next chapter."
Returning full-time cast members include Kyle Richards, Erika Jayne, Dorit Kemsley, Bozoma Saint John, Rachel Zoe and Sutton Stracke, according to Variety. Kathy Hilton and Jennifer Tilly are expected to return as “friends” of the cast.
Amanda Frances, who joined "RHOBH" for Season 15, announced earlier this month that she would not be returning.
A premiere date for Season 16 has not yet been announced.
Contributors: Jay Stahl, USA TODAY.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Leah Remini is making a surprising 'Real Housewives' debut
