Tia Mowry Shares The Why Behind Her Decision To Leave 'The Game' When She Did
You know, there is something so refreshing about seeing this new, independent Tia Mowry. She is out here living her best, unapologetic, post-divorce, free, and fulfilled life. And honestly, we are here for it.
In fact, although her divorce was news to us, it absolutely was not the case for her, as the Sister, Sister alum recently shared with Today that she actually knew the exact moment she wanted to end her 14-year marriage with ex-husband Cory Hardrict.
“I knew when I really started to focus on my happiness. I feel like women, we tend to focus on everybody else’s happiness, making sure that everybody else is okay — meaning our children, our friends, our family — but at the end of the day, it’s about self-love.”
Now, you can find her serving as resident content queen across our timelines, from hilarious Reels on Instagram to dinner recipes on YouTube. She's also taking more chances at owning her happiness and allowing us a genuine glimpse into who she is as a woman -- not the mom, the wife, or the actress -- even opening up on subjects that she never discussed publicly in the past.
Recently, she visited The TERRELL Show on YouTube so the duo could indulge in a few libations and chat about life like old friends do (which, if you don't watch him regularly, definitely add his channel to your subscription list). They played games and discussed intriguing topics such as her divorce, how she's navigating the single life, The Game, and whether or not she's dating.
Highlights are below:
On acting not being her first passion:
As Terrell was giving Tia her flowers, coining her a triple threat, Tia revealed that she is actually a dancer at heart.
"I love to dance," she started. "And a lot of people don't know this, I actually was a dancer. The first jobs I got were being a dancer, so I danced with MC Hammer." She went on to reveal that she can in fact, "touch that" and that she didn't really have aspirations to be an actress at first.
"I would model, I would dance, there would be some singing. Honestly, my brother Taj was the bonafide actor."
On starring in 'Sister, Sister':
Mowry tells the story of how Sister, Sister came about after visiting the Full House set with Taj frequently at 14 years old. "Sister, Sister was actually created for us, so we didn't have to audition at all. My sister and I just kinda went into this room, and it was at Paramount Studios, and we just talked [about it]."
On Marques Houston being her actual real first kiss:
"You know I grew up on that show and you know I'm a teenager...my first real kiss was in the parking lot at Paramount Studio with Marques Houston. I wasn't allowed to date until I was 18, so this is probably the first time [my parents] are hearing this. Marques and I, we were really good friends, and we are still really good friends. So, hi, mom. Hi, dad. Sorry, Marques."
Terrell goes on to ask her how she and her twin sister, Tamera, didn't succumb to the horror stories of being child stars, to which she assuredly quipped, "because we had a mother that whooped our ass."
On the chokehold 'Seventeen Again' had on the culture:
"I feel like it still resonates. A lot of people really, really loved that movie, and it's a classic, especially around that time you didn't see a lot of representation playing in movies like that."
On why she accepted the role of Melanie in 'The Game':
"I graduated from college in 2003. I knew I wanted--because I graduated with a psych degree in growth and child development--I knew I didn't want to go in that direction, so I said you know what, I have my degree, but I still want to act, and I was like you know what, this character is so me. [Melanie] was a girlfriend that was there for her boyfriend at the time, supporting his career...that's kind of where I felt I was in my life."
On why she (really) left 'The Game':
By this time, the shots had settled in, and Tia opened up about some of the politics that go on behind-the-scenes that make actors choose their own happiness over beloved characters.
"'The Game' was canceled from the CW, so there was a timelapse. Pooch (Derwin) ended up booking a show, and he was a regular on the show, which made him reoccurring on 'The Game.' So they said, 'well, you could come back but only as recurring.' And I valued myself, you know, and I said I feel like I'm more than a recurring. I am a regular. And I said 'no.'"
We stan a Black woman who knows her worth. #deuces
The interview closes out with Tia revealing that she's deaf in one ear, her struggles with breaking out as a solo actress without Tamera, and our girl even confirms that she may have been outside to see what the dating pool is all about.
Watch the full interview below:
TIA MOWRY Gets Drunk, Sings Brandy, Spills Marques Houston Tea, and Talks Dating After Divorce
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Charmin Michelle is a southern native and creative spirit who works as a content marketer and events manager in Chicago. She enjoys traveling, #SummertimeChi, and the journey of mastering womanhood. Connect with her on Instagram @charminmichelle.
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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Black girl joy is a powerful force, lighting up the world in unforgettable moments of triumph, love, and celebration. Throughout the decades, we have witnessed countless moments from Black women in entertainment, sports, and more. These moments, filled with grace, resilience, and unfiltered happiness, continue to uplift and inspire generations. Below are 10 remarkable Black girl joy moments from the last couple of decades.
Whitney Houston singing "Star Spangled Banner (National Anthem)" (1991)
Whitney Houston's rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner" has gone down in history as one of the best performances of the National Anthem.
Lauryn Hill winning 5 Grammys for ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ (1999)
Lauryn Hill became the first Black woman to win five Grammys in one night.
Brandy becoming the FIRST Black Cinderella (1997)
This was the moment little Black girls everywhere saw themselves in a fairy tale for the first time. Not to mention,Brandy’s iconic Cinderella performance with Whitney Houston as her Fairy Godmother? PURE MAGIC.
Halle Berry becoming the FIRST Black woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress (2002)
Halle Berry’s emotional, joyful acceptance speech was herstoric: “This moment is for every nameless, faceless woman of color,” she said.
Serena Williams winning her first Grand Slam (1999)
A young, beaded-braid-wearing Serena Williams winning her first U.S. Open in 1999 was only the beginning of her GOAT status!
Oprah giving everyone a car (2004)
“You get a car! You get a car! Everybody gets a car!” Did Oprah know her joy and excitement would still be so memeworthy decades later?
Michelle Obama’s carpool karaoke with Missy Elliott (2016)
Michelle Obama rapping “Get Ur Freak On” with Missy Elliott on James Corden’s show? Just one of the reasons she will always be our FLOTUS!
Issa Rae’s ‘I’m rooting for everybody Black’ moment (2017)
Issa Rae’s unapologetic joy at the Emmys went VIRAL. The energy? The truth? The confidence? Chef’s kiss. Her viral became an anthem.
Mary J. Blige performing at the Super Bowl (2022)
Mary J. Blige SERVEDDD at the Super Bowl halftime show. With her iconic thigh high boots, fur coat, and legendary vocals, she showed us why she's the queen.
Beyoncé & Blue Ivy performing together at the Renaissance World Tour (2023)
Beyoncé bringing Blue Ivy out to perform with her during the Renaissance tour was such a sweet moment. Watching Blue Ivy carry on her mother’s legacy while living her best life was the definition of pure Black girl joy.
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Feature image by Michael Zagaris/Getty Images