Kim Coles Drops Bombshell About Queen Latifah and *Living Single

When *Living Single* premiered in 1993, it was a groundbreaking sitcom showcasing Black female friendship, love, and career struggles in Brooklyn. Queen Latifah starred as Kadijah James, an ambitious magazine publisher, while Kim Coles played Sinclair James, her bubbly cousin with dreams of acting.

The show became a cultural phenomenon, praised for its positive representation of successful Black professionals. However, behind the scenes, tensions brewed between the two stars that fans were unaware of until Kim Coles recently revealed shocking details.

At the start of *Living Single*, Queen Latifah and Kim Coles were positioned as equal leads. Latifah, primarily known as a rapper at the time, was transitioning into acting, while Coles brought credibility from her time on *In Living Color*.

Fox initially titled the show *My Girls* and bet on both actresses to carry the series. However, the dynamics shifted as Queen Latifah’s star power grew.

Coles revealed that the show’s original concept was built on shared development deals, but Latifah quickly became the dominant force. Her character Kadijah received the best storylines, while Sinclair was relegated to comic relief.

Coles admitted that her role often felt secondary, designed to make Latifah’s character appear smarter and more sophisticated by comparison. Despite their on-screen sisterhood, the power imbalance behind the scenes created tension.

As *Living Single* gained popularity, Latifah began asserting control over the show’s direction. She not only starred in the series but also became a behind-the-scenes power player, influencing decisions and positioning herself as the show’s centerpiece.

Coles described how she tried to support Latifah during difficult times, including her grief over her brother’s death, but this dynamic further solidified Latifah’s role as the leader. Coles even decorated their shared dressing room and provided facials to Latifah, framing it as sisterly bonding, though it ultimately underscored the hierarchy between them.

The opening credits reflected this tension, alternating between “starring Queen Latifah” and “starring Kim Coles.” While this arrangement seemed fair to viewers, it highlighted the ongoing power struggle.

Over time, Latifah’s name appeared first more frequently, signaling her rising dominance. Coles, meanwhile, felt stuck in the Sinclair box, unable to showcase her full range as an actress.

By the fifth season, the show’s chemistry had noticeably shifted. The creative partnership that had fueled *Living Single* began unraveling, replaced by professional obligations and unresolved frustrations. Fox abruptly canceled the series after its fifth season, marking the end of an era.

Latifah’s career skyrocketed post-*Living Single*. She transitioned into film roles, launched a successful music career, and built a multimedia empire. Meanwhile, Coles found herself typecast, struggling to escape the shadow of Sinclair.

While Latifah moved forward, rarely engaging with *Living Single* nostalgia, Coles embraced the show’s legacy, even launching a podcast to revisit its episodes.

Coles’ revelations highlight the challenges of navigating Hollywood as a Black actress. Her experience underscores the industry’s inequities, where talent alone isn’t enough to secure lasting success. Latifah’s strategic positioning allowed her to thrive, but it came at the cost of leaving others behind.

What do you think of Kim Coles’ revelations about *Living Single*? Share your thoughts below.