Andrea Kelly, also known as Drea, is an accomplished American choreographer, dancer, and actress who gained significant recognition as the ex-wife of R&B singer R. Kelly. Born Andrea Danyell Lee in Chicago, Illinois, she initially rose to fame through her work as a principal dancer and choreographer for R. Kelly’s music videos and tours.
Her breakthrough came in 1993 when she auditioned for and secured a role as the lead dancer in the music video for Kelly’s first solo single, “Sex Me.” This opportunity marked the beginning of her professional relationship with Kelly, which would later evolve into a tumultuous marriage.
Profile
- Full name: Andrea Danyell Kelly Lee
- Nickname: Drea
- Date of birth: January 28, 1974
- Age: 50 years old
- Gender: Female
- Place of birth: Chicago, Illinois
- Nationality: American
- Profession: Choreographer, dancer, actress
- Height: N/A
- Parents: N/A
- Siblings: N/A
- Spouse: Brian McKee (2014; divorced after 2 months)
- Children: Joann Kelly, Jaah Kelly, Robert Kelly Jr.
- Relationship status: Divorced
- Religion: N/A
- Ethnicity: African American
- Net worth: $4 million
Early Life and Education
Andrea Kelly, now at the age of 50, was born on January 28, 1974, in Chicago, Illinois. Growing up on the south side of Chicago, she was influenced by her surroundings and began dancing at an early age. Andrea’s family background is not extensively documented; however, she has mentioned that her mother often faced financial challenges while supporting her dance aspirations.
Andrea attended local schools in Chicago, but specific details about her education remain limited. She pursued a career in dance without formally attending college for this discipline. Her ethnicity is African American, and she identifies with Christian beliefs.
Personal Life
Andrea Kelly‘s personal life has been marked by significant events and challenges. She married R. Kelly in 1996 after meeting him while working as a backup dancer for his performances. Their relationship transitioned from professional to personal over time, leading to their marriage.
Together, they have three children: Joann (born 1998), Jaah (born 2000), and Robert Jr. (born 2002). However, their marriage was fraught with difficulties; Andrea filed for divorce in 2006 due to allegations of abuse and infidelity by R. Kelly. The divorce was finalized in 2009, during which Andrea secured custody of their children and an undisclosed amount for alimony.
In 2014, she briefly married Brian McKee but ended the marriage after just two months amid allegations of his infidelity.
Career
Andrea Kelly‘s career began with her role as a dancer and choreographer for R. Kelly’s music videos and live performances. She played a significant role in shaping the visual aspects of his music during the peak of his career in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Beyond her work with R. Kelly, Andrea gained further visibility through her participation in reality television. She starred in all three seasons of Hollywood Exes, where she shared insights into her life post-marriage and her efforts to rebuild her career as a choreographer and entrepreneur.
Net Worth
Andrea Kelly‘s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. Her wealth stems from her work as a choreographer, dancer, actress, and reality television star. Additionally, she has ventured into entrepreneurship through various dance-related projects.
Controversy
Andrea Kelly‘s life has been overshadowed by controversies, primarily related to her marriage with R. Kelly. Throughout their relationship, Andrea alleged that she suffered emotional and physical abuse at the hands of R. Kelly. In interviews following their divorce, she detailed harrowing experiences that included instances of violence and intimidation that left lasting psychological scars.
In September 2005, Andrea filed a restraining order against R. Kelly after an incident where he allegedly assaulted her when she expressed her desire to leave him. The legal battles continued throughout their marriage as both parties sought protection from each other amid rising tensions.
In recent years, Andrea has publicly spoken out about the abuse she endured during their marriage on platforms such as The View and in documentaries like Surviving R. Kelly. Her revelations have sparked discussions about domestic violence within celebrity relationships and have contributed to the broader #MeToo movement.
Andrea’s decision to share her story was not without backlash; some critics questioned why she stayed in the relationship for so long or why she chose to speak out years later. Nevertheless, Andrea has maintained that sharing her experiences aims to empower other victims of domestic abuse to find their voices.
Social Media
- Instagram: @andreakelly
- Twitter: @DreaKelly
Filmography
- The Big Dirty List Show: 50 Years of Sex and Music (2013)
- Before “I Do” (2015)
- Chocolate City (2015)
- Big Morning Buzz Live with Carrie Keagan (2012)
- Hollywood Exes (2012–2014)
- Bethenny (2013–2014)
- Between The Sheet With Drea Kelly (2015)
- Xscape: Still Kickin It! (2017)
- Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta (2019)
- Surviving R. Kelly (2019)
Books
- Life Under the Red Carpet: My Life as R. Kelly’s Wife
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