In the realm of reality television, few figures captured the hearts of viewers quite like Gregg Leakes. As a key cast member on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” Gregg’s warm and supportive nature endeared him to audiences worldwide.

Yet, Gregg’s impact extended far beyond the small screen. Through his unwavering resilience and battle against colon cancer, Gregg inspired countless individuals, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who followed his journey.

Tragically, on September 1, 2021, we bid farewell to this remarkable man. In this article, we pay tribute to Gregg Leakes, reflecting upon his life, his role in RHOA, and the legacy he leaves behind. From his unwavering love for his family to his unwavering strength in the face of adversity, Gregg’s story is one that will continue to resonate with us all.

Early Life: Age, Siblings, Family, Education

Gregg Leakes was born on August 18, 1954, in Brooklyn, New York. Unfortunately, specific details about his early life, including his family background, siblings, and education, are not widely available in the public domain.

Prior to his appearance on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” and his subsequent rise to fame, Gregg maintained a relatively private life. Therefore, there is limited information regarding his upbringing and educational background.

However, it is worth noting that he was a successful businessman and entrepreneur, showcasing his business acumen throughout his time on the show.

The Unconventional Relationship of NeNe and Gregg Leakes

In the glimmering world of entertainment, love stories often unfold in unexpected ways, and the tale of NeNe and Gregg Leakes is no exception. Back in 1996, a chance encounter brought NeNe, a talented dancer in an Atlanta club, face-to-face with Gregg, setting the stage for their extraordinary connection. Initially hesitant, NeNe couldn’t resist the charm of Gregg’s heartfelt voicemail, where he boldly proclaimed their destined union.

Nene and Gregg Leakes on their first wedding.
Nene and Gregg Leakes on their first wedding. Source: Pinterest

Within a year of meeting, NeNe and Gregg got married. The footage from their original wedding ceremony aired on Bravo in 2013, with Gregg expressing his happiness and love for NeNe.

Fast forward to 2008 when the cameras started rolling for the hit reality series “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” NeNe and Gregg’s relationship, put under the public microscope, faced both adulation and scrutiny as viewers witnessed the highs and lows that came with their journey.

In 2010, after fourteen years together, NeNe made a surprising move by filing for divorce. Likewise, their divorce was finalized in 2011.

A Second Chance at Forever: NeNe and Gregg Leakes’ Rekindled Love

In the tumultuous world of relationships, sometimes the universe has a way of bringing two souls back together. In 2013, NeNe Leakes, who had previously claimed to be single and uninterested in love, found herself reconnecting with her former flame, Gregg Leakes.

Their love story took yet another unexpected turn as they embarked on a journey of reconciliation and recommitment.

Less than half a year after their reunion, NeNe and Gregg found themselves exchanging vows once again in a heartfelt ceremony held in Atlanta. The significance of their re-marriage was captured on camera, delighting fans with a special Bravo TV presentation titled “I Dream of NeNe: The Wedding,” which aired in September 2013.

As their love story continued to unfold, NeNe’s tenure on the popular Bravo series “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” took an intermission. After seven eventful years on the show, NeNe announced her departure before season 8.

The Shared A Son Together

In February 1999, NeNe and Gregg Leakes welcomed their son, King Brentt, into their growing family. This joyous addition brought further love and happiness into their lives.

The late star Gregg Leakes had a son with Nene Leakes.
The late star Gregg Leakes had a son with Nene Leakes. Source: Instagram/@greggleakes

NeNe also has a son named Bryson Bryant from a previous relationship, while Gregg has five other children: Denton, Daryl, Damian, Dexter, and Katrina.

The Leakes family expanded with the arrival of Brentt, solidifying their bond and creating a loving environment for their children to thrive.

Gregg Leakes’ Financial Journey

Behind every successful person, there are often untold stories of support and collaboration, and Gregg Leakes’ career trajectory is no exception. While Gregg faced challenges in his own professional endeavors, his wife, NeNe Leakes, played a pivotal role in his journey to success. With her support and combined efforts, Gregg was able to establish multiple income sources that eventually contributed to his net worth.

Over the years, Gregg built a diverse portfolio of income streams, leveraging his presence on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” and his entrepreneurial ventures. While specific details about his financial endeavors remain undisclosed, it is evident that Gregg’s earnings were the result of his hard work and determination.

Tragically, on September 1, 2021, Gregg passed away, leaving behind a net worth estimated at $4 million.

Leakes’ Career Path

Gregg Leakes’ career experienced its fair share of ups and downs throughout his life. Starting with humble beginnings, he faced challenges and struggled to find success in his early business ventures.

Similarly, when Gregg married NeNe Leakes in 1997, both of them were grappling with career setbacks, leaving many curious about how they managed their financial situation during that period.

It wasn’t until 2003 that NeNe’s career began to take flight, and her breakthrough came when she signed on for “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” in 2008 alongside other cast members Sheree Whitfield and Eva Marcille.

Nene Leakes with her late husband.
Nene Leakes with her late husband. Source: Instagram/@greggleakes

As NeNe rose to prominence as one of the top reality TV stars in America, Gregg’s career also saw an upswing. He began making appearances on various shows as NeNe Leakes’ husband, leveraging their combined popularity and benefiting from her growing success.

A significant turning point came when Bravo TV covered the re-marriage of NeNe and Gregg, providing a platform for their renewed journey as a couple. This exposure revitalized Gregg’s career as a reality star, offering him opportunities to showcase his personality and engage with audiences.

In 2017, Leakes participated in the MasterChef Celebrity Showdown and even took part in the Tag Team challenge, further solidifying his presence in the entertainment industry.

Throughout their intertwined careers, NeNe’s rise to fame undoubtedly had a positive impact on Gregg’s career trajectory. Their partnership allowed him to explore new avenues and gain recognition in the world of reality television.

Gregg Leakes’ Battle with Cancer

In June 2018, NeNe and Gregg Leakes shared heartbreaking news with their followers on social media. Gregg had been diagnosed with stage III colon cancer, sending shockwaves through their lives. Throughout his health battle, the couple remained open about their experiences, offering a glimpse into their journey of strength and resilience.

Gregg had been diagnosed with stage III colon cancer
Gregg had been diagnosed with stage III colon cancer. Source: Instagram/@greggleakes

NeNe expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support they received from loved ones and fans, highlighting the importance of their unwavering love during such a challenging time. As the couple faced the uncertainty that comes with a cancer diagnosis, they remained united, drawing strength from their bond and the outpouring of support they received.

In May 2019, the Leakes family received a glimmer of hope. NeNe joyfully shared the news that Gregg’s PET scan results showed no signs of cancer. It was a moment of celebration and a testament to Gregg’s determination and the effectiveness of his treatment.

Relapsed and Death

However, their battle was far from over. In August 2021, NeNe revealed that Gregg’s health had taken a turn for the worse. With heavy hearts, she disclosed that her husband was transitioning and fighting a difficult battle. Tragically, just two months after announcing the return of Gregg’s cancer, NeNe shared the devastating news of his passing on September 1, 2021.

The Leakes family, in a statement released by their publicist, requested privacy during this incredibly difficult time. They asked for prayers, strength, and peace as they mourned the loss of their beloved husband, father, and cherished family member.

The Leakers Family Representative Released a Statement Saying,

“After a long battle with cancer, Gregg Leakes has passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by all of his children, very close loved ones and wife Nene Leakes. We ask that you pray for peace and strength over their family & allow them to mourn in private during this very very difficult time.”

Gregg’s Last Word To Nene

The couple faced numerous challenges, particularly when Gregg was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2018. NeNe took on the role of caretaker during this time, supporting Gregg through his battle with cancer and again when it returned in 2021 after two years of remission.

In the midst of her overwhelming sense of loss, NeNe Leakes found comfort in some of Gregg’s last words to her:

“I’m not going to leave you. God is going to bless you.”

Reflecting on their journey, NeNe spoke about the difficulties of navigating certain aspects of their life without Gregg, who had taken care of many things. She recalled having to ask him simple questions, such as the identity of their lawn guy.

However, she discovered that Gregg had prepared for this scenario. He had left an envelope taped to the wall in his office with instructions for NeNe and their 22-year-old son, Brentt, regarding financial matters and whom to contact for accounting purposes. NeNe found strength in the thoughtfulness and foresight Gregg displayed in leaving these instructions behind.

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