By RODNEY HO/ rho@ajc.com, originally filed Thursday, January 28, 2016
Porsha Williams is joining the cast of the Donald Trump-less "Celebrity Apprentice" led now by Arnold Schwarzenegger. When it will air has not been announced.
NBCUniversal loves to cross-promote its Bravo "Real Housewives" franchise via "Celebrity Apprentice." Both NeNe Leakes and Kenya Moore have been on the show already, making Williams the third "Real Housewives of Atlanta" cast member to make it on the program, which features celebrities in various business-oriented challenges raising money for charity.
This will be the eighth celebrity edition. Trump originally focused on regular business folks but switched to celebrities in 2008 when ratings flagged.
Williams has been part of the syndicated show "Dish Nation" the past 18 months, increasing her visibility and viability for a show like "Celebrity Apprentice." Plus, she has been working on brand including a line of hair products and lingerie.
Kyle Richards of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" is also on the cast.
Others who made the cut:
Laila Ali, retired boxing world champion and daughter of Muhammad Ali (a "Dancing With the Stars" alum)
Brooke Burke-Charvet, actress, TV host and CEO of ModernMom.com (also a "DWTS" alum)
Eric Dickerson, pro football hall of fame running back (he played for one season near the end of his career with the Atlanta Falcons in 1993)
Boy George, Grammy-winning singer
Matt Iseman, America Ninja Warrior host
Carrie Keagan, actress, writer and former host of VH1's Big Morning Buzz Live with Carrie Keagan
Carson Kressley, Emmy-winning reality TV fixture and celebrity stylist (also a "DWTS" alum)
Lisa Leslie, four-time Olympic gold medalist and WNBA champion
Jon Lovitz, comedian and former Saturday Night Live star
Vince Neil , lead vocalist of Mötley Crüe (He was on "The Surreal Life" on the WB back in 2002 and ABC's "Skating With the Stars" in 2010)
Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, former star of Jersey Shore (also a DWTS alum)
Chael Sonnen, former UFC fighter and mixed martial artist
Ricky Williams, Heisman Trophy winner for the University of Texas and ESPN sports analyst
Carnie Wilson, singer and member of Wilson Phillips (she has done several reality shows such as "Gone Country," "Celebrity Wife Swap," and "Rachael v. Guy: Celebrity Cook Off")
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