'Real Housewives of Atlanta' Star Kim Fields: 'I've Lost Myself'
You may remember her as "Tootie" from the hit '80s sitcom "The Facts of Life" or "Regine" from the '90s show about single life in the fast lane, "Living Single." But since then, aside from behind the scenes work as a television show director and some occasional bit parts and being in the "Vagina Monologues," Kim Fields has largely remained out of the spotlight. Until now.
The actress has joined the season 8 cast of Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Atlanta." In an episode that airs Sunday, Fields gets personal with the sobering admission "I've lost myself." Audiences might admit that, without the actress resurfacing to appear on the show, they had pretty much lost her too.
Fields' confession just might explain why an actress of her background and pedigree, known for her clean, no-drama image, would involve herself with a franchise celebrated for its gossiping, cat fighting, and back-stabbing personalities. Fields seems to be the antithesis of what "Housewives" is all about.
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The seemingly wholesome character of the Christian actress, whose attire appears conservative compared to that of many of her co-stars, is expected to clash against the secular and over-the-top nature of the show and its cast, which might prove to be a source of conflict and ratings. Fields once told People " … I was never into the hard life. I hold onto the Scripture that says, 'Be anxious for nothing, but in all things give thanks.' … I try not to be stressed. I manage my anxiety through prayer." A season on "Housewives" just might keep Fields on her knees.
But there's more to the actress' upcoming admission. "For me, I don't have, you know, the hangout girlfriends," she divulges during a clip from the show that airs Sunday. Fields goes on to tell fellow cast member Phaedra Parks that she doesn't treat herself or get her hair done or nails manicured. "I don't have a Kim happy place ...," she says. "Other than my work, my kids, my husband."
When Parks inquires about Fields' overall happiness, the actress says, "I've lost myself and I didn't know it until you just said that."
There is some speculation that Fields is under financial strain due to a federal tax debt and a recent home foreclosure, and that she joined the cast to help alleviate money woes.
Future episodes will determine if "Housewives" will be the social and emotional outlet the actress seeks in her effort to find herself once again.
