You’ve probably seen her. Maybe she was the one standing her ground in a high-stakes political room, or perhaps she was the "crazy in love" character you couldn't help but root for despite her flaws. Kaye Singleton is one of those rare talents who didn't just stumble into Hollywood; she basically built her own door when the existing ones wouldn't budge.
Most people know her as Simone on Tyler Perry’s The Oval, but if you only look at her acting credits, you’re missing the biggest part of the story. Honestly, her transition from a marketing executive to a powerhouse showrunner is the kind of stuff they usually write scripts about. It’s not just about Kaye Singleton movies and tv shows—it’s about how she’s rewriting the rules for Black women in the industry.
The Roles That Made Us Pay Attention
Kaye’s journey started in a way that feels incredibly human. She was working a corporate job in marketing for luxury beverage brands. Ten years of that. She "dibbled and dabbled" in acting, as she puts it, until a tiny role in a student film exposed a hard truth: she had no idea what she was doing.
Instead of quitting, she went all in. She moved to LA, earned a scholarship at the Stella Adler Academy, and eventually moved back to Atlanta in 2016 to pursue the dream full-time.
Breaking Out in Saints & Sinners
Her first major splash was as Josie on Bounce TV’s hit Saints & Sinners. It was the network’s top show, and Josie was a gift of a role—long-suffering and loyal, yet deeply problematic. Kaye played her from 2016 all the way to the series finale in 2022. It was the perfect training ground for the high-intensity drama she’d eventually create herself.
Taking Over The Oval
If you follow the "Perry-verse," you know Simone Winter. As the wife of the Vice President on BET’s The Oval, Kaye brings a certain "cunning" energy to the screen. She’s smart, she’s beautiful, and she’s a formidable opponent for the First Lady. By Season 4, fans finally got to see what happens when you back Simone into a corner. It turns out, she doesn't just fold—she fights.
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The Pivot to Power: Writing and Showrunning
Around 2018, Kaye decided acting wasn't enough. She wanted to tell her own stories. She took writing classes and produced a short film called The Check List. Most people would stop there, but Kaye had bigger plans.
The story of how she landed her show Covenant is pretty wild. She had a meeting in New York that got canceled the night before. She was devastated. But instead of flying home to sulk, she rerouted to LA, made a few calls, and ended up pitching six different projects. The network chose Covenant.
Covenant: A New Kind of Anthology
This wasn't just another drama. Covenant, which premiered on AMC’s ALLBLK in 2021, took classic Bible stories and thrust them into modern-day, gritty circumstances. Kaye didn't just write it; she was the showrunner.
Being a first-time showrunner is basically a trial by fire. She’s been open about the "blood, sweat, and tears" it took to get Season 1 off the ground. She went in feeling like a "naive kid" and came out as an industry veteran.
Essential Kaye Singleton Movies and TV Shows to Watch
If you're looking to catch up on her work, here is the definitive list of where you've seen her (and where you should look next):
- The Oval (BET): As Simone, a series regular who defines the phrase "power couple politics."
- Saints & Sinners (Bounce TV): Her breakout role as Josie. You can see her evolution as an actress over 27 episodes.
- Covenant (ALLBLK): This is her baby. She created, wrote, and executive produced this anthology series.
- Don’t Waste Your Pretty (TV One): A 2021 film where she co-starred alongside Keri Hilson. It’s a great look at her range in romantic dramas.
- Sistas (BET): A recurring role as Renee that showed she could thrive in the Tyler Perry ecosystem.
- American Soul (BET): She appeared as Ava Bradley, further cementing her status in prestige Black television.
- Dumplin’ (Netflix): A small but memorable turn as Miss Burgundy in this popular Netflix original.
Why Her Success Matters Right Now
There is a lot of talk about "diversity" in Hollywood, but Kaye Singleton is actually doing the work. She moved back to Atlanta because she saw a lack of opportunities for the local acting community. She didn't just want a seat at the table; she built the table in Georgia.
She often cites Tyler Perry as an inspiration, not just for his style, but for his business model. By producing her own work, she ensures that the stories being told are "culturally authentic." She’s exploring the diverse experiences of Black women in a way that feels real, not like a caricature.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Her Career
People often assume she’s just another "Tyler Perry actress." That’s a mistake. While she clearly values that partnership, Kaye is an independent force. She’s a director, a writer, and a producer who handles the "business" side as much as the creative side.
She’s even mentioned having a dark political drama, a true crime thriller, and a romantic comedy feature in the works. She isn't staying in one lane. Honestly, she’s probably already five steps ahead of whatever we think she’s doing next.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans and Aspiring Creators
If you’re inspired by Kaye Singleton’s trajectory, here is how you can support her work and learn from her journey:
- Watch "Covenant" on ALLBLK: It’s the best way to see her creative vision without any filters. It’s raw, modern, and high-concept.
- Follow the "Atlanta Model": Kaye proved you don't have to stay in LA to make it. If you're a creator, look at the production hubs in Atlanta or New Orleans where you can actually afford to build something.
- Learn the Business: Kaye’s biggest advice to newcomers is to learn the business of production before you dive in. Education saves money and stress.
- Diversify Your Skills: Don't just be an actor. Learn to write or produce so you aren't always waiting for someone else to give you permission to work.
Kaye Singleton is a reminder that the "overnight success" usually takes a decade of marketing jobs and acting classes to achieve. She’s earned every bit of her growing empire.
Whatever she does next, whether it’s behind the camera or in front of it, you can bet it will be intentional. Keep an eye on her upcoming projects under her Road 106 Films banner—that's where the real magic is going to happen.