Long before she became a beloved star on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and a powerful producer at Lifetime, Garcelle Beauvais made her debut in the film industry as one of the enchanting rose bearers in Eddie Murphy’s iconic comedy Coming to America. At the tender age of 19, this talented Haitian-American model-turned-actress graced the big screen by silently scattering petals in front of Prince Akeem, creating unforgettable moments in this classic film released in 1988.

Before her rise to fame, Garcelle Beauvais was a wide-eyed aspiring model who was just beginning to navigate the complex world of acting. Although she initially auditioned for the lead role of Lisa in Coming to America, Beauvais candidly shared that her inexperience left her oblivious to the intricacies of a movie set. “I didn’t know ‘Hit your mark, action, rolling,’ none of that. I didn’t know what it meant,” she reflected during an interview with Glitter.

Discover How Garcelle Beauvais’ Coming To America Debut Laid the Groundwork for Her Stellar Career

It seems that something about Garcelle truly captured the attention of the film’s director John Landis, who recognized her potential as an actress. He reached out to Beauvais’ agency to express that although he couldn’t offer her the leading role, there were other opportunities available. He noted, “If she’s serious about acting, this would be a great experience for her.“

This pivotal role became her first breakthrough in film, where she appeared as one of the stunning rose bearers in the royal court of Zamunda. Sometimes, the most significant beginnings come from seemingly small roles, as this bit part provided Beauvais with invaluable experiences that shaped her career. “I was just so happy to be learning and to be surrounded by so many talented Black faces working on a film. It was a remarkable experience, especially working with Eddie Murphy,” she reminisced.

Garcelle’s journey in the entertainment industry was only just beginning, and landing such an iconic role seemed to foreshadow the bright future that lay ahead of her. Following her big-screen debut in the 1988 classic, Beauvais transitioned to television, where she secured notable roles that highlighted both her beauty and her comedic talent. She portrayed the stylish and witty Francesca “Fancy” Monroe alongside Jamie Foxx on The Jamie Foxx Show—a defining show of the late ’90s—and also made her mark as Valerie Heywood on NYPD Blue, showcasing her versatility and ability to excel in a primetime drama.

In addition to her television success, Beauvais made appearances in various music videos for artists like R. Kelly and Luther Vandross, and took on roles in beloved series such as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Family Matters. She also made waves on the big screen with films like Wild Wild West and White House Down. Her extensive body of work reflects an unwavering commitment and relentless work ethic that has positioned Garcelle as a prominent figure in Hollywood, and her legacy continues to grow with each project she undertakes.

Explore Garcelle Beauvais’s Remarkable Transformation From Rose Bearer to Empowering Priestess

Three decades after her film debut, Beauvais reprised her beloved role in the 2021 sequel Coming 2 America, taking on the character of a priestess—a significant and empowering evolution in her character’s journey. This highly-anticipated sequel, which brought back much of the original cast, provided Beauvais with a platform to showcase her remarkable growth as an actress and her enduring connection to this iconic film franchise.

“Getting a role that makes an impact is always special. The film has become nostalgic and historic, and having a second chance at it is truly incredible,” she expressed during the sequel’s promotional events. “The atmosphere on set was filled with excitement because we couldn’t believe we were getting the chance to relive such a memorable experience.”

Garcelle Beauvais: From Reality TV Star to Influential Producer in the Entertainment Industry

While many fans were introduced—or reintroduced—to Garcelle Beauvais through her standout performance on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, her time on the show served more as a platform for visibility rather than a mere career reboot. Fearlessly authentic and unafraid to tackle difficult conversations, Beauvais brought a unique blend of grace, humor, and relatability to the cast. As the first Black Housewife in the franchise’s history, she quickly emerged as a fan favorite.

Even though her time on RHOBH has come to an end, Beauvais’ career continues to flourish. She currently stars as Natasha Karina, a ’90s supermodel determined to uphold her image, in the popular Netflix series Survival of the Thickest. In May, she announced an exciting partnership with Lifetime to executive produce and star in two new original films: Taken at a Truck Stop: A Black Girl Missing Movie and Terry McMillan Presents: Tempted 2 Love. This further solidifies Beauvais’ status as a powerhouse in both front-of-camera and behind-the-scenes roles. Nearly 40 years after her initial appearance in Coming to America, it is abundantly clear that Garcelle Beauvais has transcended her early role as a simple rose bearer. She is now cultivating her own flourishing garden in the entertainment industry.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is currently streaming on Peacock.