Claudia Jordan Gets Candid: Real Housewives of Atlanta, Black Women in Media, Ozempic, New Stage Play ‘Games Women Play,’ and More

Claudia Jordan is a passionate TV and radio personality, reality TV star, and actress. Most people know her from Season 7 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, but she’s been a force in the industry for years, taking on different roles across media. Now, she’s diving into something completely new. Currently, you can catch the outspoken talent on tour with the popular stage play Games Women Play. The emotionally charged comedy explores the complexities of modern relationships and the games we play to win at love, starring Jill Marie Jones, Carl Payne, Brian White, and more. In this exclusive conversation with Bleu Magazine, Claudia opened up about her unique experience in the industry, her passion for politics, her thoughts on a Real Housewives of Atlanta revamp, and what audiences can expect from Games Women Play.

BLEU: You’ve done so much that when I was putting these interview questions together, I had to go back and forth with myself about what I wanted to focus on. So, I’m just going to start with something random and tell you—I really liked you on The Breakfast Club!

Claudia: Thank you. That’s a job I really wanted. Like Charlamagne says, I love the balance between the righteous and the ratchet, and I think I have that—I can play on both sides. I really care about keeping our people informed about what’s going on in politics. Now more than ever, we need that, especially with so much liberal media being taken away—like Joy Reid’s show being canceled and others. We need people who are well-versed in politics and in those spaces.

BLEU: Now, in addition to journalism, you’ve done reality TV and theatre. What’s your favorite medium to work in and why?

Claudia: Honestly, the one I like the most is the thing I got paid the least for, but it gave me the most freedom. I did a satellite radio show with Jamie Foxx and company. This was before The Breakfast Club and before Joe Budden’s podcast. We were way ahead of our time and had amazing conversations with all types of people—even legends like Babyface. And we weren’t tethered; we didn’t have to listen to some network executive telling us what to say or do. It was very liberating. We’d talk trash and clown each other, but we also went to the Democratic Convention and covered that. I loved that job.

BLEU: Interesting—I actually thought you were going to say reality or acting. How do you feel like those have individually affected your brand?

Claudia: Reality TV can make you super famous—it’ll elevate you. But there are pros and cons that come with it, especially when it comes to the fan bases. And because it’s reality, people think it’s not a skill. So sometimes they come at you a little more greasy and disrespectful compared to how they treat actors. I feel like you get more respect as an actor; it’s more about your work and less about you.

BLEU: Would you ever go back to reality?

Claudia: I would. I mean, I’m in this business to make money and to have a better lifestyle. Honestly, some people want to give it a deeper meaning—and sometimes, there is deeper meaning. But I feel like the deeper meaning is in my advocacy and how I make people politically aware. But I’m gonna keep it a buck, the acting and reality stuff—I do it for a check, hoping it’s not gonna make me look bad. But you can’t control what’s actually going to end up on television.

I really feel like there needs to be a Housewives of Atlanta reboot based in Dallas, featuring Black women. I have a fantastic group of friends here. My friend circle has it going on. They’re businesswomen, they’re self-made—and no shade to the Housewives—but these women got it on their own. I’ve been in talks with Carlos King. He likes it. And other networks have shown interest in my circle out here in Dallas. I feel like it’s next up. We need a show that really shows Black women in their full glory—not just someone’s baby mama, girlfriend, or partner, but women who are thriving because of their own hard work and perseverance.

Right now, we’re under attack—like Joy Reid getting her show canceled when she did absolutely nothing wrong but try to save America and give a good message. Look at how Kamala Harris was disrespected in the last election cycle. I just need some feel-good television when it comes to Black women. I need Black women to get their flowers. We’re getting it from all angles and from all demographics, including our own.

BLEU: So real. Okay, let’s move to the theatre. Tell me about Games Women Play and your character. What’s the experience been like?

Claudia: It’s a little intimidating, honestly, because, unlike film, if you mess up your line or forget a cue, there’s no do-over. You’re in front of a live audience. They may not know you made a mistake, but your cast members do. So there’s way more pressure to get it right because your line is the cue to your scene partners. But I’m with really seasoned people—they’ve done this many times. Plus, I feel like it’s making me a better actress overall. I’m not gonna lie, though. I was a little scared at first. Theatre is definitely a different animal.

I’m playing a talk show host, so it’s not a huge stretch. But she’s way over the top to sell her show. She takes herself really seriously, and everything’s about going live and boosting her following. I kind of take advantage of the drama happening between the couple on stage and exploit it for my own selfish needs to get my numbers up on the podcast.

BLEU: I mean, when I saw the title Games Women Play, I knew there had to be some tea. Did the storyline have any dating themes that actually felt relatable?

Claudia: I think what I took away from the story is that it’s about thinking the grass is greener on the other side. Which—sometimes it is, but many times it’s not. A lot of people think they can do better than what they have, so they might sacrifice a really good situation for what they think is better. Then it’s too late to get that original person back. And that’s not just a woman thing—please, men play the most games. I need a Games Men Play. And I could help write it because I can speak from experience.

BLEU: Okay, I agree completely! Now, you mentioned the cast—there are so many seasoned actors involved. What was the chemistry like? Was it fun? Did everyone get along?

Claudia: Our producers say we’re one of the most loving casts they’ve ever had. We really get along. Honestly, we became like a little family. There are no divas in our group. We’re all in a group chat and check on each other. We eat together, we work out together. I was pleasantly surprised at how great we all clicked. And it shows onstage that we actually like each other.

BLEU: Speaking of working out, can we have a girl moment? You look great. Can you share a fashion, beauty, or fitness tip for our bombshells?

Claudia: Girl, they always trash me for how I dress. I do not spend a lot of money on my clothes. I’m in Fashion Nova and Shein right now. Sometimes, I’ll throw on an Hermes belt or a Gucci jacket. But at this age, I’m all about comfort and stretchy things. After the pandemic, I didn’t want to put on tight jeans ever again.

As for health and beauty, I just want to encourage the girls out there—I know plastic surgery is very common right now, but I really encourage you to put that time in at the gym. I’ve always been a runner, but as you get older, you gotta lift weights. You start to lose muscle mass, and that’s when you can get that old woman’s body. And if you do Ozempic—which I’ve done before—you lose muscle mass, too. Lately, I’ve been approaching things differently: drinking more water, making time for the gym. I’ve been lucky with my skin, but I always moisturize after washing my face. I use Dove soap, Neutrogena wipes, MAC moisturizer, and Mary Kay.

BLEU: I’ve been hearing a lot about Ozempic. Did you have a good experience?

Claudia: I did. I did it like three times; I only had one pen. I didn’t do it for months. I did it because I snack too much—almonds, chocolate, you name it. I gained like 20 pounds during the pandemic. It was something I wanted to try, but I didn’t go crazy with it. I wouldn’t use it long term, though. Just enough to get me back on track; then I got disciplined and went back to the gym.

BLEU: I love the real review! Finally, what piece of advice would you give to someone who wants to be in your position professionally and lifestyle-wise?

Claudia: I think sometimes when we see other people doing well, we think, I have to be like that person. But no, the thing that’s different about you is what makes you special. That’s your lane. I mean, I’m not the best speaker. I have a little slight lisp. I talk fast, and I do all the things that are wrong in broadcasting, but I’m also very opinionated. I stand on what I say, and I mean what I say—even if I’m wrong. I’m willing to stand me versus 1,000 people for the things I believe in.

So lean into who you are. I’d ask your friends, “What do you like about me?” Like my friends tell me, you get a bad rep. People think you’re mean, or whatever, but anyone who knows you knows you’re just passionate, defend other women, fight other people’s battles, and you don’t care if others don’t agree with you. So, whatever you’re passionate about—lean in. I’m never going to be Tamron Hall or Oprah Winfrey, but I can be Claudia Jordan. Also, use social media and be consistent. Finally, be fearless. Don’t be afraid to stand on what you believe. People will start to trust you. Those would be my main tips.