10 Questions for Daphne Wayans

Keenen Ivory Wayans' ex-wife is the latest to join the cast of "Hollywood Exes"

Daphne Wayans has remained relatively out of the spotlight, despite being the ex-wife of one of black Hollywood’s biggest power players—Keenen Ivory Wayans. That will all change as Wayans will be thrust into the spotlight as the newest cast member of VH1’s "Hollywood Exes." Loop 21 recently caught up with Wayans, and she shared her excitement about joining the show, her thoughts on fame, and shares why she still loves Keenen.

Loop 21: What made you want to do the show? Why now?

Daphne Wayans: I’ve been asked a number of times to do a reality show, but this time I was interested because of who the group of cast members are. Some of them are my life long friends. That was the initial thought and then I realized there would be an opportunity to make impact for others with how I’ve transitioned in my life.

Loop 21: Are you nervous at all?

D.W.: No, it’s just about being me. I’m not nervous or embarrassed about who I am. However, it’s easy for me to say that now, but we start filming this month so ask me again when the show airs.

Loop 21: Which of the cast members are you actually friends with?

D.W.: Nicole [Murphy] is my oldest friend, we both have the same amount of kids, she was in my wedding, we have a long history together. She’s like a sister to me. Sheree is a good friend of mine. I met her through Will and Jada. I’ve been friends with her for a few decades, Mayte’s a good friend. I don’t get to see Drea as much because she’s in Chicago, and Jessica’s a good friend too. I don’t mind going places with them and hanging out with them and doing things friends do.

Loop 21: Shows like this shine a sometimes negative spotlight, for instance, Nicole Murphy recently had to deal with rumors that she split from her fiancée. Are you ready for that?

D.W.: The common denominator was that we were all very young when we married these men. So the limelight is something that’s not completely foreign to us. It’s all about what you put your attention on and what you want to focus on. If you focus on the negative you’ll dwell on that. I think I’m prepared for it because it’s not new to me.