Leah Remini's turbulent last years: starting over at 50 and a brand new job

Leah Remini, once best known for her role as Carrie Heffernan in the sitcom King of Queens (1998–2007), has embarked on a new chapter in her life at age 56. After years marked by personal and professional upheaval, she is returning to the spotlight with a fresh career move. Recently, she signed on to join the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, the popular reality TV series, for its upcoming 16th season. The announcement was confirmed by industry publication Variety on August 26, 2026, marking a notable return for the actress who had previously left the show during its early seasons. Remini’s career path has been anything but straightforward since the end of King of Queens. Following the show's finale, she struggled to find consistent work in television and film. Between 2010 and 2011, she briefly hosted The Talk, a daytime talk show, before leaving after the first season due to a failed contract renewal with CBS. It wasn’t until 2017 that she found renewed success through a collaboration with Kevin James in the comedy series Kevin Can Wait. She later appeared alongside Jennifer Lopez in the romantic comedy Manhattan Queen in 2018. Despite these efforts, her public profile remained relatively low compared to her earlier fame. In recent years, Remini made a dramatic shift in both her personal and professional life. At over 50, she decided to pursue higher education, enrolling in a university program which she completed in the spring of 2024. During this time, she took a temporary break from acting and engaged in roles as a moderator and judge on casting shows. Her academic journey coincided with a period of personal transformation, including the dissolution of her marriage to Angelo Pagán, which ended after 21 years. Their split was announced in August 2024, bringing further attention to her life beyond the screen. Remini’s decision to leave the Church of Scientology came after decades of involvement. She became one of the organization’s most visible members before resigning in 2013. In 2015, she published Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology, a memoir detailing her experiences within the controversial group. In a candid post on Instagram following her graduation, she reflected on the challenges of completing her degree, describing it as “terrifying” and acknowledging the lingering effects of her time in the cult. She noted that despite escaping Scientology, the influence of its teachings still affected her ability to pursue education. Her academic achievement was not just a personal milestone but also a symbolic step toward reclaiming her independence. Earlier, she had told fans that she could only claim eight years of schooling because of her 35-year tenure in the sect. Now, having earned a bachelor’s degree, she appears to have taken control of her narrative, both professionally and personally. Now, with her newfound confidence and experience, Remini is stepping into a new genre of entertainment. Joining The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills represents a bold move into the world of reality television, a medium she had largely avoided since her early days in the industry. According to reports, she is among the most prominent stars to ever join the show, highlighting the significance of her participation. As the 16th season approaches, fans and critics alike will be watching to see how she navigates this new terrain.