Phaedra Parks first rose to prominence on the reality television show "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," which ran for seven seasons from 2010 to 2017. But today, she is known more as a traitor.
The former housewife has certainly become the breakout star of Peacock's Renegade, whose second season made it the most-watched unscripted series across all streamers. Hosted by Alan Cumming, the show features a cast of 22 reality TV stars from Big Brother to The Bachelor , who will compete in a murder mystery challenge at a castle in Scotland.
"I had no idea what I was getting myself into," Parks told Buster. "I thought I was going to be walking down the stairs instead of playing sports or fighting with people. It turned into 'Dynasty' meets 'Survivor .'"
After being cast as the traitor in the first episode, Parks immediately brought her personality to bear, unleashing her Southern charm on her co-stars and the audience and creating one of the show's biggest viral moments. ( SPOILER! ) Her dramatic reaction to traitor Parvati Shallow "murdering" Love Island alum Ekin-Su Cülcüloglu with a poisoned chalice left fans stunned They recreated the moment on TikTok.
“I guess I just have the gift of gab,” Parks said. As of the time of this article's publication, Parks is the only Renegade left after Dan Quisling and Parvati were eliminated.
Between her new role on Renegades, Married to Medicine , and her critically acclaimed performance on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip , fans are experiencing a Phaedra-esque love affair. There's even some talk of a possible RHOA return, especially after former co-star Porsha Guobadia (Frack on Frack) announced she was returning for Season 16.
"Porsha and I were just talking," she said. "We've obviously been the dynamic duo of this franchise over the years, so we'll just have to see what happens. But I'm super happy for her. I think she's going to turn around the ratings for Titanic .”
Below, Parks opens up about her viral traitor moment, Dan's betrayal, and her possible return to RHOA .
Do you want to be a traitor?
I do not care. I am very excited. It was so different and way outside of my comfort zone. My mom said, "Phaedra, if you shut up and cut your nails, you might win." I didn't understand why she wanted me to cut my nails. Now I know, but I didn't even break a fingernail or lose jewelry. My manicurist deserves a round of applause.
What was going through your head when Dan threw you under the bus in episode five?
I'm very disappointed and shocked. Looking back, I had no idea that he and Parvati had been plotting against me. I thought they were good people, but clearly, they did not possess good Christian character. I think he's a little weird. "I drive a van with no windows," he said. "When someone shows you they're weird, you better believe them."
What are you going to say to him at the party?
Oh dear. I have some choice words. I may have to repent later.
How did Ekin Show react to your viral “God, not Ekin Show” line?
We were able to come together and recreate that moment - I got to put that video on my TikTok. I would never kill the lovely Ikinsu. She is not a bloodhound. I will keep her with me forever.
How did you come up with “Bergalicious” (Bergie’s nickname)?
We took the same flight to Scotland. He sat next to me, traveling alone. He said, "I'm going to a castle." I said, "Castle? Are you going to be on the show with me?" He said, "I don't know." I said, "Okay, you're going to be on the show with me. Honey Yes, you can help me with my luggage." When he said his name was Burgy, I thought, "What kind of name is that? I'm going to call you Belgaris."
Which other housewives do you think are good at renegades ?
Coming from Atlanta , I thought Marlo [Hampton] would be great. Sonya Morgan is going to be great out of New York . Teresa (Judice, New Jersey ) will be an interesting player. Vicki Gunvalson from Orange County would be great at it. She would be a lot of fun in the castle.
Your RHOA co-star Shereé Whitfield had a big moment where she saved you from elimination.
It's a full-on moment because we've been there for each other's births, marriages, divorces, everything. Our relationship lasted a lifetime. Having her with me in this picturesque castle a million miles from home is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.
What would RHOA be like if you returned to the show?
Like a winning actor. When I was on the show, it was the best season and you always want to capture that chemistry. [Me coming back] is definitely not the worst idea they've ever come up with. I'd love to see it go back to its heyday, when we were having so much fun. Gorgeous, sprinkled with a bit of drama.
What are you most proud of as a Brave?
Definitely Renegade because that show gave people the opportunity to really see my personality in a pure, unedited way. I can really enjoy myself. Housewives shows that, honey, that was a training ground for World War III.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
