In 2015, “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star NeNe Leakes opened up about her difficult life, emotionally recounting how her parents neglected her and she’d been lied to, cheated on, and abused in her relationships. Leakes has come a long way, and here’s more on her rise to stardom.

NeNe became a breakout star on “RHOA,” and showed her bold personality during her audition. Leakes said that she got buzzed to calm her nerves before meeting with her casting director: “I was drinking and when she rang the doorbell and I opened it, I said ‘Helloooo and welcome, honey.’”

From a difficult childhood, to becoming a dancer and single mom, to achieving reality TV stardom, NeNe has come a long way. She fulfilled her childhood dream, and she’s now worth an estimated $14 million.