Garcelle Beauvais: Looking Back, Moving Forward and Her Next Chapter

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Let's Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa"

Episode: Garcelle Beauvais — Looking Back, Moving Forward and Her Next Chapter

Date: May 6, 2026

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Main Theme & Purpose

In this candid and energetic episode, Kelly Ripa sits down with actress, author, and former “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Garcelle Beauvais. The conversation centers on stepping into new life chapters, the importance of setting boundaries and protecting personal peace, navigating friendship and motherhood, and Garcelle’s memoir, Protecting My Peace at All Costs. Expect humor, vulnerability, career stories, and real talk about relationships and growth.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Leaving “Real Housewives” & Choosing Herself (01:01, 15:36)

• Walking Away: Garcelle discussed her decision to leave The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills to refocus on her family, production company, and personal well-being.
  • Quote: “I felt good about walking out the door. When I looked at the chairs where we were sitting, I didn't have a friend.” (01:06, 15:58)
• On Being the First Black Cast Member:
  • Garcelle reflected on the weight of being both the "first" and standing firm in her true, multifaceted self: “I'm not just a black woman. I'm a Haitian woman. I'm also an immigrant woman. I'm also a single woman.” (17:34)
• Post-Election Perspective: The 2020 election shifted her outlook, leading Garcelle to reevaluate her environment and set firmer boundaries.
  • Quote: “My access wasn't any more available to everyone.” (16:55)

2. Motherhood, Empty Nesting, and Generational Change (05:49, 07:31)

• Kids Growing Up: Garcelle talked about her twin boys (Jax and Jade) becoming seniors and the emotional shift as they gain independence.
  • “We went to dinner last night, and they both pulled up in their own cars and graced me with their presence... When I got home, I burst into tears.” (07:36)
• Empty Nesting Tips from Kelly: Kelly counsels that the sadness is real but fleeting—kids inevitably return, especially for pantry raids!
  • Quote: “You're going to be sad for like, seven minutes...” (08:27)
• Grandparent Joy: Garcelle’s oldest son Oliver is doing well and loves being a dad. Garcelle shares the unique love she feels for her grandchildren; despite jokes about being called “Grandma” in public.
  • “You can't believe the love you have for these people... but also it's an extension of someone you already love.” (11:08)

3. Protecting Boundaries & Saying No (26:44, 27:06)

• Theme of the Memoir: Garcelle’s Audible memoir, Protecting My Peace at All Costs, focuses on setting boundaries, especially as a woman, without apology.
  • Quote (Garcelle): “No is a complete answer. And I don't have to explain why I can't go.” (27:24)
• Navigating Friendships: Both Kelly and Garcelle share stories about friendship break-ups, people pleasing, and learning to prioritize their own comfort.
  • Quote (Kelly): “Friendship breakups—we don't talk about them enough.” (27:56)
• Learning from the Next Generation: Their children are more direct in setting their own boundaries and comfort levels.
  • Quote (Kelly): “My daughter would say, 'It's not really my style, but thank you so much.' And she meant it!” (31:19)

4. Relationships on and off the Show (21:18)

• Friendship with Sutton: Garcelle addresses her on-camera friendship with Sutton and the awkwardness that followed her departure from RHOBH.
  • Quote: “I haven't spoken to her since I made the announcement... That was a chapter, a season.” (21:30)

5. Career Evolution — Then & Now (42:19, 43:45)

• Hollywood Changes: Garcelle reflects on her start in show business in the 1980s, and the transformation she’s witnessed regarding the opportunities for women of color.
  • “Now finally, we are seeing women of color lead shows, get movies greenlit... our storytelling is important.” (42:40)
• Aging in Hollywood: Both reminisce about how women over 40 were previously typecast, but now have vibrant careers.
  • Quote (Kelly): “If you were 40, then you were Jessica Tandy.” (44:11)
  • Quote (Garcelle): “I can be in my 50s and working more than ever.” (42:48)

6. Iconic “Coming to America” Memories (44:46)

• On the Set: Garcelle shares behind-the-scenes stories — memories of Paula Abdul’s choreography, being new to film, and the enduring legacy of the movie.
  • “Everybody who was gorgeous was in that film... We had no idea that what we were doing would stand the test of time.” (45:06)

7. Social Media, Toxicity & Modern Communication (33:59, 36:26)

• Dealing with Trolls: Garcelle refuses to let the opinions of strangers online define her.
  • “Someone's interpretation of me is like art. It's subjective... I know who I am.” (33:59)
• Staying Present: Both talk about how social media can rob real-life connections, especially noticing generational differences in communication styles.
  • “People used to talk to each other... Now... we're not connecting, although we're supposed to.” (36:44)

8. Dating, Deal Breakers, and Famous Encounters (49:09, 53:40)

• Dating Now vs. Then: Garcelle lists rudeness as a deal breaker now; in 1996, it was “not having a job.”
  • Quote: “If you’re rude to the waiter, that’s a turn off.” (49:56)
• Ideal Partner: She’s looking for someone who enhances her life, no drama, age 40+.
  • “I want someone who can enhance it, add to it. I don't want drama...” (50:20)
• Celebrity Dates: Lighthearted stories about dinner with Sean Penn, working and being asked out by Michael Jordan (“I had no idea who he was!”), and briefly dating Eddie Murphy.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "No is a complete answer. And I don’t have to explain why I can’t go." — Garcelle Beauvais (27:24)
• "We spend so much time worrying about a troll on social media who has no idea who we are." — Garcelle (33:59)
• "You can have a friend and be like, 'Now we're in different places, and I wish you well, but I'm not going to cross that bridge.’" — Garcelle (27:56)
• "I stayed true to me." — Garcelle, addressing pressure as the RHOBH’s first Black Housewife (18:25)
• "It’s not about becoming someone new, but remembering who you've always been." — Garcelle (41:34–42:13)
• “If you were 40, then you were Jessica Tandy.” — Kelly Ripa, on Hollywood ageism (44:11)
• "Everybody who was gorgeous was in that film [Coming to America]." — Garcelle (45:04)
• [On her son supporting her RHOBH exit] “He hugs me… and whispers in my ear, ‘It's enough, Mom. I think it’s enough.’” — Garcelle (20:51)
• “I want someone who can enhance [my life], add to it. I don’t want drama.” — Garcelle (50:20)
• [On Sean Penn dinner] “One of these things does not belong. No. Wow. What?” — Garcelle (53:58)
• “My kids would say you fumbled that, mom.” — Garcelle (55:55, on turning down Michael Jordan)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:01 – Garcelle discusses leaving RHOBH and “choosing herself”
• 07:31 – On her twins growing up and empty nesting
• 08:27 – Emotional adjustment to kids gaining independence
• 16:22 – Experience as the first Black RHOBH cast member
• 21:30 – How her friendship with Sutton has changed
• 26:44 – About her memoir and setting boundaries
• 27:06 – “No is a complete answer”
• 31:19 – Learning to say “no” from the younger generation
• 33:59 – Not letting trolls define you
• 36:26 – Social media and loss of direct connections
• 42:40 – How opportunities for women of color in Hollywood have changed
• 44:46 – “Coming to America” memories
• 49:09 – Dating: current deal breakers
• 53:40 – Garcelle on celebrity dates (Sean Penn, Michael Jordan)

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Tone & Style

• Conversational, playful, and candid
• Both hosts bring warmth and humor—even “punchy” moments
• Light teasing and real talk about relationships, fame, and family

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Final Highlights

• Garcelle’s memoir, Protecting My Peace at All Costs, is available on Audible (drops May 7th, 2026).
• The episode closes with laughter and a continued sense of mutual appreciation between Kelly and Garcelle.

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If you haven’t listened, this episode offers honest wisdom on self-care, reinvention, and thriving beyond your comfort zone, delivered with wit and warmth by two friends who know the power of a good boundary—and a good story.

Transcript

[Kelly Ripa]

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[Albert Bianchini]

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[Kelly Ripa]

Can you take me back? As you're walking out the door, are you making the decision to never return?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

I felt good about walking out the door. When I looked at the chairs where we were sitting, I didn't have a friend.

[Kelly Ripa]

Somebody gonna cue me or do I cue myself?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Cue yourself.

[Kelly Ripa]

Okay. Oh, Jan and Albert. Jan and Albert and everyone listening right now. Pull over. Pull over on the side of the road. Cause we are back live. Yes, I said it live again live for a record fourth week in a row with. Let's talk off camera. We're gonna get talking right now. Now I don't mind telling you I am very excited and I feel bad about myself. Cause I can see her.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Okay, looks good.

[Kelly Ripa]

I can see her with my eyeballs. And now I wanna punch myself. Punch myself in the face. Today's guest, you loved her in everything, including Jan. Get ready. Listen to the listen.

[Albert Bianchini]

There's a lot of papers.

[Kelly Ripa]

The Jamie Foxx show, NYPD Blue. Coming to America. Oh, coming to America. White House down. Yeah. But she's been doing the most radical thing lately. Jan. Did you know what she's doing? This is the most radical thing anyone in Hollywood can do. And any woman can do. Really, any person can do. But I'm gonna focus on the women. Cause you know, I'm like a, a more woman centric person. Sorry, Seth. Sorry, Albert.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Sorry.

[Kelly Ripa]

She's been choosing herself, Jan. Why hasn't this occurred to us? She's gonna teach us how to choose ourselves today. She recently walked away from the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills to focus on her family, her production company, and her piece.

[Albert Bianchini]

Love that.

[Kelly Ripa]

I know. I love it. But I also was very sad when she. I'm not gonna lie, I was very sad. Whether she's executive produc, like black girl missing, or starring in the upcoming season of Survival of the Thickest, she's amazing in everything she does. She's in what I like to call an elevator. Jan. She elevates everything she's in. She is here to talk about her brand new, delicious, audible original memoir, protecting My piece at all Costs. Yeah, I do. I love a dot. I also love a colon. I love a colon.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Do we meet a colon?

[Kelly Ripa]

Yes. We don't need a. No. You know what? She's so smart. She's like, this really doesn't call for a colon. I'm like, it doesn't stop me from using a. Yeah, listen, this drops May 7th. You're going to want to make sure you download Protecting my peace at all costs. It is raw. It is vulnerable. It is a guide we all need for setting boundaries without saying sorry because. Oh, God. It's what my. What did my therapist say?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

He told me.

[Kelly Ripa]

He told me. No. Is it no. And do not apologize. Just. No. But you don't have to. You don't. Guys, you don't have to spend a fortune in therapy. All you have to do is listen to Garcelle's book. She's going to teach you the same thing. Please welcome the positively stunning Garcelle Beauvais.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Oh, my God. Thank you so much. Is there any room to talk?

[Albert Bianchini]

We'll be right back after these.

[Kelly Ripa]

Garcelle, tell me everything I saw on Instagram that Jade is modeling.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yes.

[Kelly Ripa]

Okay. He is following in your footsteps.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

He is. I can't believe it. He can't believe it either.

[Kelly Ripa]

Well, I can believe it. I mean, has he seen a mirror?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

I mean, listen, he said to me last. Was it last summer? Two summers ago. He goes, you know, I want to make some money. And I looked at him and I go, you know how you can do that? And I go, take a look. And I showed him on my phone. Yeah. And it's really kind of cool. I mean, like, he's. He's into. I mean, when I say he's into it, like an 18 year old boy can be. You know what I mean? It's like, yeah, okay, I'll do it. But we went to New York for three weeks and he got to meet his agents, he got to take photos, and. And at one point, they were slicking back his hair and his hair if you know any, you know, boys, 18, it's everything to him. Right? It's his security blanket, everything. And so the hairdresser says to him, you know, Jade, they might make you cut off your hair. He looked at me and he goes, I wouldn't cut my hair for $1 million. And I said to him, I will hold.

[Kelly Ripa]

I will.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

I will hold you down.

[Kelly Ripa]

Yes. On behalf of the moms. Yes, I will help you. I'll take the legs, you take the upper half.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

I'm super excited for him.

[Kelly Ripa]

So, you know, I cannot believe. So the boys, the twins, Jax and Jade, are seniors this year.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yes, they're seniors. They're different graduations that we have to go through, too. I know, I know. We were talking about proms yesterday. Jax doesn't want to go. Jade wants to. He's got a couple of girls he could invite. And Jax was like, you know, you're not gonna go if you don't invite anyone.

[Kelly Ripa]

Right. Well, you know what he should do? He should really. He should. He should have, like, a school wide pool.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Oh, my God.

[Kelly Ripa]

Who wants to go to prom with Jade and just see? Like, just see. You know what I mean? He's so shy, and he can just reach. Of course he is. Of course he is. You know who's not shy? The boys who don't look like Jade. I got all the confidence in the world.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Right, Exactly. Those are the guys that asked me out. Yeah,

[Kelly Ripa]

Well, we're gonna get into that because I have, you know, we have. We have some requirements for any relationship. Anybody that wants to get with you, I have requirements.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

I love this.

[Kelly Ripa]

It starts. It's going to sound incredibly shallow. I don't care. It starts with a wallet that if I stand on it, I'll be as tall as Jade. That's what it starts with.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

And then here for that, Kelly. Huh? I am here for that. Yes.

[Kelly Ripa]

Thank you.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yes. Yes.

[Kelly Ripa]

So are you getting ready to be an empty nester? Like, has that occurred to you?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Has that occurred to me? We went to dinner last night, and they both pulled up in their own cars and graced me with their presence for dinner. And when I got home, I burst into tears.

[Kelly Ripa]

Oh, my gosh.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Because it just felt. They felt so grown up.

[Kelly Ripa]

Yeah.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

You know, with what they were talking about, how they were talking, how they were interacting, and it just. The house feels different already.

[Kelly Ripa]

It does.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

It feels different. You know, I went to, you know, cook dinner the other day, and I thought the portions are going to be smaller. Like, the house is quiet in a different way. Not like when, you know, they're with Mike and I know I'm getting them back. There's a. You know, I'm not finite because I know they'll come back and for holidays. But there's just something different about it, and it makes me really sad.

[Kelly Ripa]

The. The one thing I will tell you is that you're going to be sad for like, seven minutes. And the. And the portion today, the portion size thing is real. You will be cooking for an armada of people for, like, a while. Like. Yeah, you have to readjust, like, how much pasta is a serving of pasta. You know, it's really, like, you have to reframe your whole way of thinking when it comes to Exactly. Food.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

And, you know, it's not just them. They come over and there's like, you know, 20 of them with him. You know, it's so like. Yeah.

[Kelly Ripa]

But also what you should know is that you will, because I know you a little bit. I know your work ethic. I know you've been busting your rear end your entire life.

[Caller Deb]

Yes.

[Kelly Ripa]

Where you are busting.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yeah.

[Kelly Ripa]

Always a family woman. Never had a moment for yourself.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yeah.

[Kelly Ripa]

I think this is your time to sort of take back the. Not just the privacy, but just. Just allowing yourself space to breathe. Like, I did it. I did it. And also, don't forget, speaking from experience here, I read this great quote. I think it was from Carol Burnett. No, it was. I think it was Lucille Ball. It was either Carol Burnett or Lucille Ball.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

One of two legends.

[Kelly Ripa]

Yeah, two legends. And she said, you see your kids a lot more once they leave the house. And it is so true. Like, suddenly. Yes. It's like, oh, what are you doing back? You know, it's. You know, when. When Lola and Michael first moved out of the house, I would come home and find them in the house, and I would say, what are you doing here? And they would say, shopping. And they would be shopping from the refrigerator and the pantry. They would just do their shopping in the. Did not understand that there was like, a system.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Like a grocery store Trader Joe's. How about that? Yeah.

[Kelly Ripa]

Yeah. I have to ask you, how's Oliver doing?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Oliver is fantastic. And he even tells me. He goes, mom, enjoy. You're going to enjoy yourself. This is the first time that you can do that. He's great. He loves being a dad more than anything in the world.

[Kelly Ripa]

He has two kids, right?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

He's got 2. Yes. O.J. and Valley.

[Kelly Ripa]

Oh, my God.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Oh, my God. They're so cute. I love them so much.

[Kelly Ripa]

Is it. Is it different? Like, is it a different relationship? It is. Is it the relationship that everybody says it is?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Absolutely. Absolutely. You can't believe the love you have for these people. That. But also it's an extension of someone you already love. Like, it's hard to explain, but they are everything. And OJ just got an iPad. So in the mornings I get, good morning, Grandma. Or he sends me a little heart for fourth of July. I sent him the fireworks and he was like, how did you do that? I was like a rocket scientist.

[Kelly Ripa]

I love that he calls you Grandma. Like, it's so. It's wild to me that you are anyone's grandma.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

I love it. Until we're out in public and there's some good looking guys.

[Kelly Ripa]

Yeah.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

And Oliver will go, go to Grandma. And I'm like, shut up with the grandma.

[Kelly Ripa]

My name. My name is Mom. And saying that my children are so funny, they call me Grandma. Like a crazy nickname.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

What's wrong with them?

[Kelly Ripa]

So. So it's got to fill your heart when you see that your children are good parents.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

It does. It really, really does. And he does things that, like, I think he forgot. Like, he's. Now Oliver is putting, like, little notes in OJ's lunchbox. And I didn't even think he rem. Remembered, you know, like, you know, you say things but you don't know, or you do things, but they really pick up on it. I'm going to tell you this. So I just went to the Michael premiere. Oh, my gosh.

[Kelly Ripa]

How was it? How was it?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Oh, my God, it's everything. I loved that man so much growing up. He was everything. And so I'm talking to Jax on the phone, and he goes, what are you doing today, Mom? I said, I'm going to the Michael premiere. And he I goes, you know how much I loved him. He goes, yeah, mom, you always say you were gonna marry Michael Jackson, but you married Michael Nylon instead. Then you remember. He goes, you've only said it a hundred times.

[Kelly Ripa]

We gotta find you somebody with Michael Jackson's wallet.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Initials with his wallet.

[Kelly Ripa]

All right.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

I love your focus.

[Kelly Ripa]

Yes. I'm very focused. I'm focused because I want you to, like. I want you to just have, like, complete freedom.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Oh, I want that.

[Kelly Ripa]

And I know people. And before you call in and say, marrying somebody and being dependent on a man for his money is not freedom, you know what? I'm gonna roll the dice there.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yeah.

[Kelly Ripa]

Don't you think, Albert?

[Albert Bianchini]

Yes.

[Kelly Ripa]

Yes.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

You could love him and have money. You can do both.

[Kelly Ripa]

Yes. Jan does it Jan is in love with Bob either. And I think he's rich, Mary. He's married. But Jan, Jan is. She's playing the long game. She's playing the long game. She's sitting in the sidelines there, just waiting.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

That's hysterical. I used to model with Willow Bay, who's married to Bob Iger.

[Kelly Ripa]

Yes, of course. See? Or as Jan calls her.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

They're my neighbors.

[Kelly Ripa]

They're my neighbors. They live right. Yeah, they live right around. Well, I mean, in New York. They live right around.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Right, right, right. Oh, okay.

[Kelly Ripa]

So, okay, so we are airing on radio Andy right now.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yes. Which I listen to all the time.

[Kelly Ripa]

Okay, so this is not triggering for you at all.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Not at all.

[Kelly Ripa]

You have a great relationship with Andy.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

I have a great relationship with Andy. I love your show. I mean, there's so many shows, revelations, Jeff Lewis. There's so many.

[Kelly Ripa]

I, I, I, I told you this before when you, when you walked off the reunion, I could see it, it's funny, I could see it in your face that something was going on, but I wasn't sure what it was. And now I like now, of course, knowing what I know, it was like this stoic rage, and you didn't want to let it out publicly, so you got up and excused yourself, which was so admirable because I, on the other hand, Albert, can attest as an Italian woman.

[Albert Bianchini]

Oh, we live with, Live with rage.

[Kelly Ripa]

I would have. The coffee table would have been knocked over. There would have been crime scene tape.

[Albert Bianchini]

Oh, yeah.

[Kelly Ripa]

So, so can you, can you take me back? As you're walking out the door, are you making the decision to never return? Andy says the door is always open. Do you ever think about. What? Walking back through the door?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

I haven't thought about walking back through the door just yet.

[Kelly Ripa]

But you felt good about walking out the door.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

I felt good about walking out the door. And I did not honestly think that was it. You know, I, I had been feeling that way, and I think that was the icing on the cake. When I looked around, when I looked at the couches, the chairs where we were sitting, I didn't have a friend, I didn't have an ally.

[Kelly Ripa]

That's a bad feeling.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yeah. And, and it wasn't anything that I, you know, it just didn't feel good anymore. It didn't feel good anymore. It didn't feel fun anymore. And I have to say, and I say this in my book, that after the, the election, I, it changed me, you know, it made me look at my environment. Who's in It. What's important to me. And I don't know if I'm going to hang all of that on the election, but I just feel like it just my access wasn't any more available to everyone. Does that make sense?

[Kelly Ripa]

So you had. So you had the gate that suddenly went access denied. Yeah, yeah, I get that. Yeah, I totally get that. You were the first black cast member in the history of Beverly Hills. Was there pressure that came with that? Did you have to measure. Did you feel like you were judged on this weird paradigm where you had to couch everything you say? You had to say it in a way that was palatable? Did you have to measure your words in a different way?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

No, I don't think so. The pressure came from being the first. Whenever you're the first of anything, there's breath. Right, right. And then add the pressure of being the first black woman on a franchise that's well known, that's that people love. And so the pressure was not changing who I am. That was the pressure for me. The pressure was also, people are watching. How is she going to show up? Is she going to be, you know, the stereotypical of what we think a black woman is? That was pressure for me because, you know, I'm not just a black woman. I'm a Haitian woman. I'm also an immigrant woman. I'm also a single woman. You know, there's just so many different things. So for me, it wasn't about being measured, but I had to come in in a way that was comfortable for me, and I wasn't.

[Kelly Ripa]

You stayed true.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

I stayed true to me.

[Kelly Ripa]

Not worried about anything. You weren't. There was no pressure on you in a way to be more like. Like one of the gang. Like, I don't know. Like, I always think of you as my friend who is a working actress.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yes, yes.

[Kelly Ripa]

And so there's a different. Like, there's a different level of professionalism there. You show up, you hit your mark, you say your lines, and suddenly it's like, wait, what is this? The more chaotic I am, the more camera time I get.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yeah.

[Kelly Ripa]

The more there's a different. You understand what I'm saying?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

No, I totally understand what you're saying. And I felt that. I felt like because of what I did prior to being a reality star, I was an actress. And so, you know, like, the first time the cameras came into my house, I was waiting for somebody to yell, action.

[Kelly Ripa]

Right.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Because that's what I expect. And if the. If the producers tell me something, I take it as a direction. You know what I mean? That a director would give you. So that was different for me, but it was really about being me and showing up as me. But also, there's, like I said, there's a weight to me coming into a room, being a black woman. And I think some of the conversations we eventually had to have on the show was because there was never anyone that was different from all of them, even in their.

[Kelly Ripa]

You mean in their friend circles as well.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Maybe. I don't even. I don't know about that, but yeah, maybe, sure.

[Kelly Ripa]

But as certainly as a group on camera member.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yes, absolutely. Yeah, for sure. For sure.

[Kelly Ripa]

And so how did you, like, how do your sons feel with you being off the show? I would think that would give them relief.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yes. Much more relief. Much more relief. I talk about this in. In the book as the night that I came home from the reunion, I was deeply hurt and just in a really, you know, not in a great place, obviously. And Jade was home, and he came downstairs and he hugged me. And every time I went to let go, he. He held on tighter. I went to let go again. He. And then he whispered in my ear, it's enough, Mom. I think it's enough.

[Kelly Ripa]

Wow. But so. So what he did there was. He felt your energy, and. Yeah. You felt like you were. You were done needing a hug. He was like, you're not done needing this.

[Caller Deb]

Right.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

And. Right.

[Kelly Ripa]

I'm going to tell you something that you need to hear.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yes. I'm going to mother you. I'm going to be the. The parent.

[Kelly Ripa]

I'm gonna. I'm gonna show you what you've shown me all my life.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yeah.

[Kelly Ripa]

I'm gonna give you some good, solid advice.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yeah.

[Kelly Ripa]

But so can you just tell me? Because it seemed like you had a genuine friendship with Sutton.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yeah, I did.

[Kelly Ripa]

So where does your relationship stand now?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

I haven't spoken to her since I made the announcement on Instagram that I was leaving. I spoke to her that night, but I did go to a premiere of Song Sung Blue.

[Kelly Ripa]

Okay.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

And. And it's so funny, because my girlfriend, who was with me that night, we were talking in the car, and she's like, I can't believe you guys aren't. And I said, I know, it's. It's really weird, but, you know, that was a chapter, that was a season I'm a big believer in. You know, sometimes not everything lasts forever, and it's okay. You can still have fondness for that. And so we get to the red carpet, and it was on Hollywood Boulevard, and we're waiting for our turn. There's a line, you know, of, you know, actors and celebrities waiting to get on. And I'm looking at my friend and I hear, hello, Garcelle. And I turn to my right, and it's Sutton.

[Kelly Ripa]

Oh, my gosh. And what. And so what did you say to each other?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Hello, Sutton.

[Kelly Ripa]

And then what happened?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

And that was really it. And it was so strange because then I got on the carpet, and then she was on the carpet, but we were far apart.

[Caller Deb]

And.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

And I even wondered, is anybody going to. And eventually somebody did catch the fact that we were both on the red carpet at the same time, but we were so far apart. And, you know, before, we would be, like, you know, tied to the hip if we were together at an event. And it was just. It's just odd when things like that happen, you know?

[Kelly Ripa]

Yeah. Especially, you know, like, as. As we get older, it's like. It's more of. I think we're less tolerant of bullshit in our lives.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yes.

[Kelly Ripa]

It's. You know, it's. It's not. It's. It's not the end of the world if a friendship that's not working for us does, like, breaks apart. It's not where.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

It's not the end of the world.

[Kelly Ripa]

Exactly.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yeah.

[Kelly Ripa]

30 years ago. Okay, we're. Yes, I'm getting the. I'm getting the commercial break signal. We're gonna stick around. We're gonna come finally. We're gonna take a. Don't forget, we're taking your calls. We'll be right back with Garcelle Beauvais. Don't go anywhere, everybody. If you know anything about me, it's that I love to do laundry. It just gives me such satisfaction. But did you also know that skincare can start in the laundry room? The first step of a sensitive skincare routine is choosing the right laundry detergent. All Free Clear is the number one detergent brand recommended by dermatologists for sensitive skin. All free clear is 100% free of dyes and fragrance allergens. It provides an effective clean that's gentle on the skin while removing impurities like dirt and body oil that can irritate your skin. It's made with eight carefully selected ingredients to fight stains and be gentle on skin. How great is that? All Free Clear has been a game changer for me. It leaves my clothes feeling fresh and my skin feeling happy. I especially love that it doesn't give my laundry a strong artificial odor like some other brands. You know what I mean? For an effective skin friendly clean wash with all free clear this month on Acorn TV's murder mystery may you have to check out yout're Killing Me with the absolutely iconic Brooke Shields. Brooke stars as a mystery novelist who teams up with a young true crime podcaster played by Amalia Williamson to solve small town murders. The dynamic between them is so fun that you get this classic whodunit with a little edge and really witty banter. Watch. You're killing me premiering May 18th on Acorn TV. Learn more at Acorn TV. Change up your routine for the spring sunshine. A refresh can be as simple as amplifying your look with clean beauty from Thrive Cosmetics. Every product is 100% vegan, cruelty free and made with clean skin loving ingredients that work with your skin, not against it. Their Empower Matte Precision Lipstick Crayon delivers creamy, long lasting matte color in 18 buildable shades, defining and filling lips with fullness. I'm also loving their Empower Gloss Ultra Glossy Lip Serum. It makes my lips feel super hydrated and moisturized. And the best part? Unlike other lip glosses I've used, this one's glossiness lasts. And you know, I'm already a huge fan because for every product you purchase, Thrive donates products and funds to 550 plus nonprofits and uplift their communities. Now that's beauty with a purpose. Amplify your spring look with Thrive cosmetics. Go to thrivecosmetics.com camera for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order. That's Thrive Cosmetics. C A U S E M E t I c s.com off camera. Garcelle got a drink of water. She's, she's rehydrated. I shoot. She's, she's, her, she's given her ears a rest. And we are now talking your book. I love, first of all, I love an audible book. I just think they are.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

I do too.

[Kelly Ripa]

Yes. So great. And it's called Protecting my peace at all costs. So you talk about setting boundaries without apology. That is very tricky, I think, particularly for women. I think women have a hard time saying no without feeling guilty 1000%.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

I grew up where it was be nice, be nice. Be nice to a fault. That even when I be polite, make sure they're comfortable. You know, even if it means you're not comfortable. Right. So I grew up with that. And even when I started acting and I would go to like acting classes, it was hard for me to like be tough because it go, it went against everything that I was taught. So as I got older and Experienced a lot of things. I now can say no is a complete answer. And I don't have to explain why I can't go, which is really asking you for permission that I said no.

[Kelly Ripa]

What was the hard. What was the hardest no. That you.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Oh.

[Kelly Ripa]

Had to deliver this year?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Oh, this year.

[Kelly Ripa]

Yeah. Give me this.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

This year. Okay. The hardest. No, I mean, it would have to be like just different things that I won't tolerate anymore. You know, just whether it's work or a project or a friendship. You know, I think friendship breakups we don't talk enough about, you know, that if someone again going back kind of like into the Sutton of it all, that you can have a friend and be like, you know what? Now we're in different places and I wish you well, but I'm not going to cross that. That bridge. Like one of what a friend of mine. Like, I will tell everything too. And I always feel like she never really tells me anything.

[Kelly Ripa]

Right, right, right.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

And to me, that's like a little off. I want to know.

[Kelly Ripa]

So she's like on a mining mission. She's mining you for information.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Right, right, Exactly.

[Kelly Ripa]

So I've had a friend like that. I. We're no longer friends, but I had a friend like that that was always mining for information. And Mark and I, before, I would have to go to her house for dinner. We would always get into a fight. And I didn't realize we were fighting because I was carrying around anxiety about having to go to her house. Got it. And it was the most bizarre. And what was interesting is we broke up as friends. And I swear, Mark and I have never had a fight going to anyone's house for dinner since.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

How about that? How about that? That was like.

[Kelly Ripa]

There's like science behind it.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yes, right, right, right, right, right, right, right.

[Kelly Ripa]

So is there. Is there a decision you made to please people that you wish. And again, it's like Hindsight is always 2020, but give me like a decision that you wished you had said no to, but you said yes because you were people pleasing.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Oh, that would have to be a lot of my life, I think, saying yes to. I always say I'm slap happy because at the time I'm like, yes, I'll go. Of course I'll be there. And then when it comes time to it, I was like, why would I do that? And that's the thing that's really interesting with my son's generations. They're so okay with, you know, mom, why would you do that? You don't. You don't even like her. You know what I mean? Like, they will just say it right out where I'm like, no, but it wouldn't look good if I didn't go. And I'm really tired, but I'm going to go. I mean, I think that's most of my life.

[Kelly Ripa]

I went shopping with my daughter, and, you know, you're probably like me if the shop girl is like, oh, my God, this outfit is so you. And now I've got to try on the spark jumpsuit because Meredith thinks this outfit is so me. And I'm like, or you buy it, right? And then here I am. Now I'm trying it on. And then she's like, oh, my God. And we can do tailoring on it. I look like a clown, but I'm being polite. And my daughter, I took a page from her. I watched her as I shopped with her. And, you know, here comes the shop girl, and her fictitious name is Meredith. I'm just calling her that because that was the name that came to my mind. So any shop girls named Meredith. I'm not talking about you. It's just a name. And, you know, I watched the girl say, this is so. This would be so amazing on you. And my daughter would say, it's not really my style, but thank you so much.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

See?

[Kelly Ripa]

And she just. Yep, it's that generation.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

It's that generation. They can do it. I recently, too, went into Nordstrom, and the salesperson was like, oh, my God, you need this bomber jacket, by the way, which was hot pink.

[Kelly Ripa]

It was hot pink, yes.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

How many times am I going to wear it? $3,000 later. But you know what I did? I bought. Said, no, no. Gonna return that. No, I returned it. And I said, none of my friends liked it.

[Kelly Ripa]

Good girl. Blame your friends.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Exactly.

[Kelly Ripa]

None of my friends.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

I'm still a work in progress.

[Kelly Ripa]

You know, I have. I have a. I have a jacket. You know, we've been. We've been moving things around here because we still have, like, our kids don't live at home, but we've kept all of their bedrooms exactly like they were. This is my son. This is my oldest son's former bedroom. And now I've moved my window winter coats up to his closet because I don't have a place to put my winter coats, right? And I found a winter coat that I was meant to return I don't know how long ago. It's like, it's from Barney's. And guess what? That ship has sailed. But. But the tag is still on it because. And Mark makes fun of me because I still wear. I wear it now with this on it. I wear it with the tag on it. And he's like, oh, you're going to take that back someday. I'm like, yeah, maybe if they reopen Barney's ever. I still have the tag on it. And then I'll. I'll return it.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Oh, my God. I miss Barney's. I miss Barney.

[Albert Bianchini]

It happened to me at a cheese shop, by the way, with. I couldn't say no to a cheese they were offering.

[Kelly Ripa]

And then what happened?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Albert doesn't say no to any cheese. I can't.

[Albert Bianchini]

I was buying two cheeses and then the suck.

[Kelly Ripa]

They.

[Albert Bianchini]

She saw a sucker coming and she said, you know, we just got this new Swiss in. Do you want to try it?

[Kelly Ripa]

And then.

[Albert Bianchini]

And I tried thinking she was just being nice, and then she said, well, how much of it do you want?

[Kelly Ripa]

And you naturally, of course I bought it. So you're the only person I know who, who feels peer pressured into ordering food.

[Albert Bianchini]

You can't return the cheese, by the way.

[Kelly Ripa]

Yeah, but that's why you say, you know what? Let me think about it. I'm not sure you blame.

[Albert Bianchini]

I tasted it.

[Kelly Ripa]

You tasted it and you said, you know, it's not really my style.

[Albert Bianchini]

You needed Lola there.

[Kelly Ripa]

Yeah. You needed Lola.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

We all need Lola there. Yeah.

[Kelly Ripa]

So how do you. How do you, Garcelle, teach us how to navigate being unapologetic with not getting labeled difficult because women, particularly in the entertainment industry, speaking on behalf of myself, if you stand up for yourself, if you say no way, that doesn't work for me. You can and often are labeled as difficult.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

I have decided that someone's interpretation of me is like art, Right. It's subjective. They can have that opinion. I know who I am. The people who love me, the people who know me know who I am. That it's okay. It really is okay. I think we spend so much time worrying about a troll on social media who has no idea who we are. Affect us. You know, I try not to read comments. I don't read comments if it's like on my. On my things. But I think we put too much. We give too much credence to those people. They don't know us. It doesn't matter. I mean, if it's going to affect your paycheck, then you, you know, you got to sort of figure it out. Right. But if it's something. If it's just their opinion, let them have that opinion. It's okay. Yeah, it's okay.

[Kelly Ripa]

And it's oftentimes, I think they say when people. I don't know if you. We. Did we read this study here on this here podcast. Are we talking about it at. On the talk show? What's the study about? The dark triad personality. There's three traits in a dark triad personality, and those people are the most likely to leave negative comments on people's social media. It would never occur to me to leave a negative comment on somebody's.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Just scroll.

[Kelly Ripa]

Unless it's Albert, and I'm making fun of it. Yes, but that's what you Just scroll.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Just move through it. Move through it. I'll never forget, I was at BravoCon, the second BravoCon that I attended. It was in Vegas, and people were just screaming, garcelle. Garcelle. And this one woman who was like, garcelle. And her mom and her daughter. That was the mom yelling. And the daughter goes, you don't even like her mom.

[Kelly Ripa]

Right.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

And what was funny about that is that those same people who are writing things about you, if they saw you in person, they would never say it.

[Kelly Ripa]

Never.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

They would never say it. They would be happy to see you. And so I think you can't put. It's just too much. I mean, listen, we have just a little time on this earth, right? Let's stay positive. Let's let, you know, put out the noise. Let's just be kind. I mean, that's what I want.

[Kelly Ripa]

I am. Well, I'm with you. I find social media to be the most toxic. I try to use it very sparingly.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yeah.

[Kelly Ripa]

You know, I really do. I'm not a big fan. I think that it breaks down sort of our community because people used to talk to each other.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

People used to talk to each other. I used to love walking down the street and hearing a car beat, because they were like, oh, hi, cutie. Now, if you're at a stoplight, you're on your phone. If you're at the supermarket, you're on your phone. Like, we're not connecting, although we're supposed to connect us. You know, I think in a way, it's great for somebody in Dubai who's seen my work and say, hey, love. You know, I love this show that you were on or this project. But all the other stuff sometimes can be really toxic. And I'm just trying to keep toxicity out of my life.

[Kelly Ripa]

Yeah. And I. And I fear for, like, people who like your boys. Well, your boys are actually the part. They grew up with it.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yeah.

[Kelly Ripa]

They Came up with social media. So how do you force them to be conversationalists in a world where everybody's sort of like pre. Predepose. Predisposed to having conversations solely by text?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Well, it's interesting. Last night I said, like, I was having dinner with them, and Jay pulled out his phone to show something, and he goes, mom, I know we're not supposed to have the phone. Like, that is big for me. And a friend of mine, one of the boys friends he was going out with, he calls me temporary mom because we took him on vacation. So that's been my name since we went away. So he was having lunch with his mom, and his mom pulled out her phone, and he goes, Ms. Garcelle says you shouldn't have your phone at the table. And she's like, well, Ms. Garcelle's not here right now.

[Kelly Ripa]

We have it. We have a call. Can we take a call right now? Okay.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yeah.

[Kelly Ripa]

We've got Deb from Denver. Hey, Deb from Denver. You're on with Garcelle.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Hey, Deb.

[Caller Deb]

Hi, Garcelle.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Hi.

[Caller Deb]

You to know how much I admire you. We have so much in common. And I wondered, are you still doing your production work?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

I am doing our production work. Tell me two things that we have in common, Deb. I'd love to hear it.

[Caller Deb]

Well, I have an incredible, sordid, hard past that I always turn to a positive and have been extremely successful in the arenas I work in.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Beautiful.

[Caller Deb]

You are about to. Yeah, I mean, really rough like yourself. A lot on my own. Dealt with it all, overcame it all, and became successful at whatever I do.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yeah.

[Caller Deb]

Yeah. So I always have connected with you and just admire. I've actually been going to reach out to you. And that's actually a question I have. If you're still with your production company, how can I get a hold of you to see if there's a project I have you might be interested in? Can I DM you? Is there. How.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yes, DM me. Give me your. What's your. What's your handle? Can we do this on here? Is that okay?

[Albert Bianchini]

Of course.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Deb, what's your handle?

[Caller Deb]

Deb Savelle.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

How are you spelling? I'll figure it out. Okay. Awesome.

[Caller Deb]

Yeah.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yes. I'm still doing my. I still have my production company. It's been really fun to, you know, go into rooms and pitch ideas and pitch shows. And I have a couple of things that I can't announce right now, but really some really, really cool things coming. Coming soon.

[Caller Deb]

Well, I've been trying to figure out how to reach you for about two years. So I can't wait. I'm gonna DM you in a few minutes. If you. So it's recent. You can find me. And because we're live. Because Kelly's doing live. I love the live Kelly. Thank you.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

I know. I love that, too.

[Kelly Ripa]

Deb. I'm also on instagram if you want to dm me.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Hello.

[Albert Bianchini]

Let's stay positive.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Positive.

[Kelly Ripa]

I'm trying to stay positive, but, you know, Deb's over here. She's got a whole 8 picture deal with Garcelle.

[Albert Bianchini]

And, you know, be positive. Deb's on the line.

[Kelly Ripa]

Deb is on the line. But I used to work in this business, too, you know, Deb, thanks for calling.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

You know what I should have done? I should have had a cough cocktail with me. Right?

[Albert Bianchini]

I should have had a cocktail.

[Kelly Ripa]

So you mentioned in your memoir that it's not about becoming someone new, but remembering who you've always been.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yeah.

[Kelly Ripa]

Like, walk me through that distinction.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yes. I think there are things that we have taken on as we've gotten older, every. As we've gone through life. Right. That are not necessarily who we are. You know what I mean? And I think so for me, it's going back to who did you want to be? What was it about you back then that made you light? What were the things that made you, you know, have joy or just feel like you could conquer the world? Let's go back to that. As opposed to all the labels everybody else has put on you that are not necessarily yours. Mm.

[Kelly Ripa]

You understand?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

I think that's really important.

[Kelly Ripa]

Yeah.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yeah, I think that's really important.

[Kelly Ripa]

You know, you've been in this game a long time.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Oh, girl.

[Kelly Ripa]

Since the 80s. That's the 1980s for you. Gen Zers listening. The 1980s.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Right.

[Kelly Ripa]

What's the biggest change you've seen in how Hollywood treated meets Women of Color?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Oh, well, now. I mean, now finally, we are seeing women of color. Lead shows get movies greenlit like the Viola Davis's, you know, to Carry Washington. Even this movie that just came out. You, me in Tuscany and having Halle Bailey as the lead. I mean, now it's. It's different because they realize that our storytelling is important. You know, we consume just like everybody else, with our dollars, with our. With everything. So why not have our narratives out there? Why not have our point of views out there? So for me, I mean, listen, when I first started in this industry and I was a model, they didn't think I could walk and talk at the Same time, Right. And so now to see that I can have a production company, I can be in my 50s and working more than ever. I think that's the difference for women. And yet another caveat is for black women. You know, we have the Women's King, that movie with Viola. I mean, just so many things.

[Kelly Ripa]

It's so interesting because I remember when I got into show business in 1989, and for me, it was like. And this was, like. It was pretty universal. Like, if you were 40, then you were Jessica Tandy. Like, that was then. You were playing like an elderly woman before you were phased out of your career.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yes.

[Kelly Ripa]

And it's very different now. It's very different now. Super different.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

It's super different. And you see, like, the Nicole Kidmans, I mean, all these women. I think, one, we're taking care of ourselves. Two, our stories are important, and it's nice to see. It's. It's amazing to see. It's about time, and I want more and more of it, especially for black women or any minority that's been, you know, sort of considered less than.

[Kelly Ripa]

Can we talk about one of the greatest films in the history of time coming to America?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

So good. So good.

[Kelly Ripa]

What do you remember about being on that set? I remember specifically because, once again, I wanted to punch myself in the face. You were so gorgeous. I was like, holy cow.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Everybody who was gorgeous was in that film.

[Kelly Ripa]

That movie. Yes, I know.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

I mean, left and right. It was unbelievable. I remember, obviously, I remember Paul Abdul choreographing that big, huge dance scene. I remember, of course, Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall. That was his first movie. And in watching the movie, Michael, recently, John Landis was the director and he directed Thriller. So that brought memories back when I watched the movie. So it was like, you couldn't believe it. You couldn't believe it. And I was so new. I didn't know what. Standing on your mark. I didn't know what rolling meant. Like, it was all so new to me. And we had no idea that what we were doing would stand the test of time. That 30 years later, they redo it. It's just unbelievable.

[Kelly Ripa]

Yeah, it's so funny. If I want to instantly feel good, I just put on Coming to America.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yeah. It's so good.

[Kelly Ripa]

Okay, I'm getting the jokes, everything. Yeah, I'm getting the break signal again. I feel like we should do this episode commercial free. Okay, we'll be right back. More with Garcelle Beauvais. Spring is right around the corner, which means warmer weather and more time on the go. Vionic has the best essential styles for everyday wear to get you ready for the season. You've got the Uptown Sneaker, a stylish supportive option designed for smooth movement and everyday wear. The Eevee Knit Sandal, a comfortable slide with soft cushioning for easy all day wear. And don't miss the City Walk Sneaker. I'm super impressed with these. I just got them and they're awesome because they give me the comfort of a running around shoe without the bulkiness. I can spend a whole day doing errands without that aching foot feeling. And added bonus, they're super cute. Use code letstalk at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account one time use only Vionic shoes wearable well being for your feet. If you're trying to be more intentional about what you wear day to day, Quints can help with that. They've got pieces that feel easy, comfortable and still put together. Quince uses premium materials like 100% European linen, organic cotton and ultra soft denim. Their lightweight linen pants, dresses and tops start at $30 and are effortless, breathable and easy to wear on repeat. You know what I've been a little obsessed with lately Jan? Their second Skin Lace Bralettes. You know I love a bralette, no underwires and the second Skin name does not disappoint on this one. It has an incredible buttery soft comfort fit and you get two in a pack for $35. Come on, that's great. Everything at Quince is priced 50 to 80% less than similar brands because they work directly with ethical factories and cut out the middlemen. So you're paying for quality and craftsmanship, not brand markup. Refresh your everyday with luxury you'll actually use. Head to quince.comoffcamera for free shipping on your order and 365 day return. Now available in Canada too. That's Q U I-N-E.com off camera for free shipping and 365 day returns.

[Albert Bianchini]

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[Kelly Ripa]

We're back with Garcelle. Everybody, let's. I want to talk about dating right now.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yeah, let's talk about it.

[Kelly Ripa]

You are smart. You are gorgeous. You are accomplished. You look 30 years younger than you are. Are you dating right now?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Not right now.

[Kelly Ripa]

Okay. What is a first date deal breaker in this, the year 2026.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Oh, my God. How many. How many do you want?

[Kelly Ripa]

Just give me the top one.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

The top one. If dating and we're. We're at a restaurant.

[Kelly Ripa]

Yeah.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Being rude. Being late. Not. Not, you know, saying, hey, I'm running late. Just showing up late. Just being rude.

[Kelly Ripa]

It's not.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Okay. Being rude to somebody that's helping you.

[Kelly Ripa]

Right?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yeah.

[Kelly Ripa]

Being rude to the waiter, that's always a.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

That's a. That's a turn off. Yeah, that's a turn off.

[Kelly Ripa]

What would have been a deal breaker in 1996?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Not having a job.

[Kelly Ripa]

So what would a man have to do to get your attention? Give me, like, because Jan is our matchmaker here.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Oh, Jan. She's good at it sometimes. She's somebody who. You know what I mean? I have a good life. I want someone to. Who can enhance it, add to it. I don't want drama. If you have drama with your. Your. Your children's mom, I'm not interested in that. I want to. I want someone who's going to go on the rest of this journey with me.

[Kelly Ripa]

Do you have an age range? Is there an age range?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

I won't go below Oliver's day age. I think that's insane. I think 40 is probably the lowest I would go.

[Kelly Ripa]

40 is the lowest.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yeah. And that's even a little. I don't know.

[Kelly Ripa]

Here's what I want for you.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yeah.

[Kelly Ripa]

I want like a George Clooney. A benevolent. Well, yes, a George Clooney would be great.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yeah.

[Kelly Ripa]

A George. Yeah. No, but I want, like, I want a business titan of.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yes.

[Kelly Ripa]

No actors, right?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

You know, I used to say no actors if he's a successful actor. Depends.

[Kelly Ripa]

Okay. Some actors are really great people.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Okay. Yeah.

[Kelly Ripa]

Like, obviously. Yeah. No, I got Mark. No, I've got Mark. I'm just. Yeah, I wish, like, I always say, like, I wish Mark had an older brother. He does have an older brother, but his older brother is married. So it's like, you know.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

I know. He has an older brother. Huh?

[Kelly Ripa]

Yeah, he does.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Oh, I didn't know that.

[Kelly Ripa]

He's a doc. He's a doctor.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Oh, a doctor.

[Kelly Ripa]

Dr. Mike.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

I love that.

[Kelly Ripa]

Yeah, but he's. He's married, so. Garcello, sorry we can't be sister in laws. But that would be so fun.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Have fun with that. Be.

[Kelly Ripa]

But I. I just see you, I want you with like a well suited businessman. And I always say like I keep going tech entrepreneurs, but now like tech scares me. I feel like. Like I don't want a person that's not in full humanity.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yes, that's important to me. That's really important to me. Being able to give back and being fun. Being kind of just wants to have fun. Don't take things so seriously.

[Kelly Ripa]

Jan, tell Garcelle about your future ex husband.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Oh, what?

[Kelly Ripa]

He's got.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

He's got. He's got a huge like step on the wallet.

[Kelly Ripa]

Step on the wallet.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

One foot in the great.

[Kelly Ripa]

Like one foot in the grave. So one foot's in the wallet. One foot's in the grave. He has to have no heirs. No heirs. And we're just. Severe erectile dysfunction. This is Jan's second husband. Jan and I talk about her future second husband. And he's gotta be between the ages of 97 and 104. He's never been married. He's got no heirs, no siblings. And he's got a very large wallet. Billions with a B. And then his other foot is in the grave.

[Albert Bianchini]

Gay or cool? Doesn't matter.

[Kelly Ripa]

It doesn't matter. He has erectile dysfunction.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Right?

[Albert Bianchini]

It doesn't matter.

[Kelly Ripa]

Doesn't that sound like fun? Jan?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

She's dated some great people.

[Kelly Ripa]

I know. So you've dated?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

I was dumb then. I was young and dumb. Where are you dumb? I think it's cool.

[Kelly Ripa]

I don't know. I think it sounds pretty cool.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

It was cool.

[Kelly Ripa]

But then, you know Eddie Murphy. Eddie Murphy?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

What about him? What do you want to know?

[Kelly Ripa]

No. You dated him, did you not?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yes.

[Kelly Ripa]

I'm just gonna name. You dated Will Smith. You dated Sean Penn?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

I went to dinner with Sean Penn. It was overblown. It was overblown. It was overblown.

[Kelly Ripa]

Tell me what it was like.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Can I tell you the most amazing thing about that? Is that I was having dinner with Sean Penn and in the middle of dinner, Denzel Washington comes over and says hi to Sean and then realizes that it's me. And he goes, hi. And I go, go, hi, how are you? And I'm thinking, what the hell? One of these things does not belong. No. Wow. What?

[Kelly Ripa]

So you just. Scary? Yeah. Yeah. Did he scare you at all? Sean Penn?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Did he scare me? No, he didn't scare me because at this point, I was. First of all, I was fascinated by his career and love him as an actor. But he was doing so many good things for Haiti that it was a different kind of.

[Kelly Ripa]

Yeah, he's been really on the ground there.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

He's been really on the ground since day one, since the earthquake.

[Kelly Ripa]

So, yeah, what about Michael Jordan

[Garcelle Beauvais]

now? Talk about really young and dumb. So I go to a fitting for a magazine and they're like. And the way they said it, they were like, tomorrow you're working with Michael Jordan. And I didn't know who he was and I didn't want to act. Like I didn't know who he was. I was like, oh, my God, that's so great. So I had no idea who he was. So I call. I'm talking to my mom. I call my mom and I said, oh, I'm doing a shoot tomorrow. You know, I just really started modeling. And I said, and I'm working with someone named Michael Jordan. And my mom says, michael Jordan. And my brother ripped the phone from her. I'm sure he did. And so the next day, I got to do a whole day of shoot with him. He couldn't have been nicer. And then he asked me out and. And what? He asked me to go on vacation. And I was like, no, no, I

[Kelly Ripa]

play hard to get.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Yeah. I was like, no, I don't think so.

[Kelly Ripa]

Yeah, I love that. I play hard to get. I love it. But I.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

My kids would say you fumbled that, mom.

[Kelly Ripa]

But I heard that, like, his, like in his house, like everything is modified because of his size. Like I heard. Heard again. I heard. I heard, like on, you know, tmz. Like. Yeah, tick tock that, like his toilets higher. Yeah, like, stuff like that. Is that true? Can you confirm or deny?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

I can't confirm that, but I'd like to see that, though.

[Kelly Ripa]

Yeah, I know. Well, we're going to work on it, Jan. We are working on it, Jan.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Get on it, please. I'm on it.

[Kelly Ripa]

I want you to make sure, listeners, that you check out Garcelle's memoir, Protecting my peace at all costs. Albert, it's on audible this week. Come May 7th, right?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

May 7th.

[Kelly Ripa]

May 7th. Make sure you listen to it. Download it. Garcelle, thank you for talking off camera with us.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Thank you.

[Kelly Ripa]

Love you, babe.

[Garcelle Beauvais]

I enjoy you and I love your team.

[Kelly Ripa]

We'll talk off camera next week, everybody. Bye. Bye.

[Caller Deb]

Bye.

[Kelly Ripa]

Let's talk off camera with Kelly ripa is a production of malojo productions. From malojo, our team is Kelly ripa Mark Consuelos Albert Bianchini, Jan Chalet, Seth Bronquist, Roz Therian, Devin Schneider, Michael Halperin, Julia Desch and Team Radio Andy Lisa Mantineo Michael White Shakira Perez

[Albert Bianchini]

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[Garcelle Beauvais]

place why have I asked my H. Vac guy I found on Angie.com to change my grandpa's trachea to because I was so amazed by how quickly he replaced our air ducts, I knew I could trust him to change Pop Pop's tube while I was on vacation.

[Kelly Ripa]

Make it quick, young man. Aw, see?

[Garcelle Beauvais]

Pop up trusts you. I think we should call a doctor.

[Albert Bianchini]

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