Garcelle Beauvais on Being the First Black RHOBH Cast Member: "It's About Time"

When Garcelle Beauvais makes her debut on Season 10 of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, she will actually be making history: Garcelle will become the first black cast member on the franchise. She spoke about the groundbreaking casting in an interview with E!'s Justin Sylvester at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards Luncheon, 

"It's about time," Garcelle said. "I mean, we're in every zip code, are we not? So, hello!"

Garcelle previously spoke about being the first black cast member on RHOBH, telling The Daily Dish: “I am excited and proud to be joining the cast of such a wildly popular and beloved show like The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. As a working actor who has been in the industry for some time, it’s exhilarating to have the opportunity to delve into a new chapter in the entertainment spectrum. As the first African American Housewife in the Beverly Hills franchise, I am honored and humbled by this awesome opportunity to exemplify the fact that Black Girl Magic lives and thrives in every zip code!”

And in fact, she's been a fan of RHOBH for ages. "I've always watched the show, but to be in it and see all the crazy all around me? So fun. So fun," she said in her E! interview — though she says she reserves the right to change her mind after filming the reunion. 

Although appearing on screen is nothing new for the actress, reality TV is definitely a whole different ballgame. 

"I think the world is ready to see me in a different light," she said. "As an actor, you're always putting on a character. But this is me, it's my boys, it's my ex, it's my new boo, it's everything." (Garcelle just confirmed on Instagram that she and her boyfriend, Michael Elliot, have called it quits.)

Garcelle won't be the only new face on Season 10: Sutton Stracke has signed on for the new season as well.