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Eva Marcille
Eva Marcille
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Eva Marcille Sterling (née Pigford; born October 30, 1984) is an American actress, fashion model and television personality.[2] She rose to prominence after she won the third cycle of America's Next Top Model. Afterwards, she starred as Tracie Evans in Tyler Perry's House of Payne (2007–2012), and landed the role of Tyra Hamilton on the CBS daytime soap opera The Young and the Restless (2008–2009). Marcille later returned to reality television as a cast member on the Bravo television series The Real Housewives of Atlanta (2018–2021).

Key Information

Early life

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Eva was born in Los Angeles, California as Eva Pigford. Her middle name, Marcille, is an amalgam of her grandmothers' names "Marjorie" and "Lucille". Her parents are both African American.[3] She attended Raymond Avenue Elementary School, Marina Del Rey Middle School, and Washington Preparatory High School (2002). She attended Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia; however, she left the school shortly after winning the third season of America's Next Top Model at the age of 19.[4]

Career

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Modeling

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In 2004, Marcille was the last finalist selected for the top fourteen to compete on the UPN reality television show America's Next Top Model Cycle 3. Over her stay, Marcille received two first call-outs and won two challenges. Marcille was crowned the winner of the third cycle of America's Next Top Model,[5] beating fellow contestant Yaya DaCosta. Her prizes included a CoverGirl cosmetics contract, a spread in Elle, and a modeling contract with Ford Models.

Marcille has appeared on the cover of Brides Noir, Women's Health and Fitness (May 2005), King (June 2005), IONA (November 2005), and Essence.[6] Her other modeling credits include CoverGirl, DKNY, Samsung, Red by Marc Ecko, Jewel, In Touch Weekly (June 2005), King (November 2005), WeTheUrban, IONA, UNleashed, Star Magazine, Elle, Elle Girl, Apple Bottoms, Lerner Catalog, Avon Campaign 4 and Rolling Out.

Marcille's runway shows include the Marc Bouwer Fall 2005, Elle Girl presents Dare to Be You: Wal-Mart Meets America's Next Top Model 2005, Gharani Strok Fall 2005, Deborah Lindquist Spring 2006, Naqada Spring 2006, 8th Annual 'Models of Perfection' Show 2006, and L.A. Fashion Week's Monarchy Collection Fall 2007.[7]

On November 15, 2006, Marcille left her managers Benny Medina and Tyra Banks. After leaving Banks and Medina for new management, she officially dropped "Pigford" from her name, now going by Eva Marcille (her middle name). She has stated she did this in order to not use her modeling fame to get into acting but earn her acting roles.[3]

Marcille is now signed to L.A. Models. She has been featured on America's Next Top Model: Exposed on the CW. She has also been featured as one of CoverGirl's Top Models in Action.[citation needed]

Television work

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Marcille has guest-starred on several series on UPN and The CW Network. Her guest-star credits include two episodes of Kevin Hill, one episode of Smallville, one episode of Everybody Hates Chris, and one episode of The Game as herself. Marcille has also appeared on Tyler Perry's House of Payne.

In addition, Marcille hosted BET J's reality show My Model Looks Better Than Your Model, as well as Rip the Runway on BET. Furthermore, she has appeared in several music videos, including "Baby" by Angie Stone (featuring Betty Wright), 50 Cent's "I Get Money" and Jamie Foxx's "DJ Play a Love Song".[8]

Marcille was cast as a regular on a FOX show called The Wedding Album in 2006, but FOX canceled it before it aired.

In 2005, Marcille appeared in a first-season episode of the MTV improv show Nick Cannon Presents Wild 'N Out.[9] In December 2007, Marcille played a featured role in an episode of Smallville.

In 2008, she joined the cast of The Young and the Restless as a young mother named Tyra Hamilton.[10] After a few months, her character, who was planned to be temporary was made permanent. In 2009, Marcille was nominated for two NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series for her Y&R role.

In film, her credits include The Walk, Crossover, and I Think I Love My Wife.

She appeared in a June 2009 episode of the BET prank show Played by Fame, where contestants have nightmarish dates with celebrities.[11]

She hosted the first season of the Oxygen reality series Hair Battle Spectacular in 2010.

In August 2013, Marcille appeared in the video clip "J'accélère (I accelerate)" by French rapper Rohff.

On August 5, 2015, Marcille was in the main cast as the role of Tara in the TV One series Born Again Virgin. In February 2016, she was in a reality series titled About the Business.

In August 2017, Marcille competed in the first season of VH1's Scared Famous, which premiered on October 23, 2017.[12] She joined the tenth season of The Real Housewives of Atlanta as a friend of NeNe Leakes and was promoted to a full-time cast member in 2018 for the eleventh season. She departed the series after two seasons in 2020.

In June 2021, BET+ began streaming All The Queen's Men, starring Marcille as Marilyn "Madam" DeVille.[13] The series is executive produced by Tyler Perry and Christian Keyes.[14]

Personal life

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In July 2006, Marcille began dating actor Lance Gross. The couple became engaged on December 24, 2008 and split up in March 2010.[15] She dated rapper Flo Rida from 2010 to 2012.[16] Marcille has a daughter from her previous relationship with singer Kevin McCall.[17] She and McCall split in spring 2014,[18] with Marcille stating she has custody of their daughter.[19] In August 2019, she revealed that her daughter's last name has been legally changed from McCall to Sterling.[20][21]

Eva became engaged to Atlanta-based attorney Michael Sterling in December 2017.[22] They married on October 7, 2018.[23] They have two sons, born in April 2018[24] and September 2019.[25] In 2019, she also founded cEVAd,[26] a CBD oil company. The company launched during the birth of her son Maverick.[27] In March 2023, Eva filed for divorce from Sterling. On August 3, 2023, their divorce was finalized.[28] They began reconnecting publicly in July 2025 and have since confirmed their reconciliation with posts about being "Forever Sterlings" [29]

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes
2005 The Walk Sydney Lee Video
2006 Premium Farrah
Crossover Vanessa
The Wedding Album Gretchen TV movie
2007 I Think I Love My Wife Hope
2009 Super Capers News Reporter
2011 The Boys and Girls Guide to Getting Down Jasmine TV movie
2012 If You Really Love Me
Note to Self Karen Wells
2013 24 Hour Love Leah
2014 The Fright Night Files Marla Peters TV movie
For the Love of Lockwood
2015 For the Love of Lockwood Too
Sister Code Sheila
2017 The Cheaters Club Olive
Miss Me This Christmas Trish McDonald
2021 Adventures in Christmasing VH1 original movie
2022 Hello Alicia Gregory TV movie
A Christmas Fumble Nicole Barnes BET Plus movie
A New Diva’s Christmas Carol Zero VH1 original movie
2024 Buried Alive & Survived Alicia TV movie
2025 Noah's Arc: The Movie Marley

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
2004 America's Next Top Model Herself/Contestant Main cast: Season 3
2005 Best Week Ever Herself Episode: "Michael Jackson trial, the OC and More"
Wild 'n Out Herself 2 episodes
Kevin Hill Sandra Clark 2 episodes
2007 The Hills Herself Episode: "When You Least Expect It"
The Game Herself Episode: "Out of Bounds"
Smallville Tyler Crenshaw Episode: "Fierce"
Everybody Hates Chris Ms. Crabtree Episode: "Everybody Hates Minimum Wage"
2007–12 Tyler Perry's House of Payne Tracie Evans Recurring cast: Seasons 1–2, 5–7 & 10
2008–09 The Young and the Restless Tyra Hamilton Regular role
2009 The Assistants Alicia James Episode: "The Break Up"
2011 Let's Stay Together Raynelle Episode: "Your Arm's Too Short to Box with Grandparents"
2012 Girlfriend Confidential: LA Herself Main cast
2013–15 Real Husbands of Hollywood Herself 4 episodes
2015–16 Born Again Virgin Tara Main cast
2017 Scared Famous Herself/Contestant Main cast
2018–21 The Real Housewives of Atlanta Herself Recurring cast: Season 10; Main cast: Seasons 11-12; Guest: Season 13
2021–present All the Queen's Men Marilyn 'Madam' DeVille Lead role
2022–24 The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Herself Main cast: Seasons 2 & 5[30][31]

Music Videos

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Year Song Artist Notes
2006 "DJ Play a Love Song" Jamie Foxx
2012 "Best of Me" Tyrese
2013 "Live It Up" Jennifer Lopez
"J'accélère" Rohff

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Eva Marcille (born Eva D. Pigford; October 30, 1984) is an American model, actress, and television personality best known for winning the third cycle of in 2005, which propelled her into a successful modeling career featuring campaigns for brands like and appearances in fashion media. She has since transitioned into acting, with notable roles including a recurring part as Tyra Hamilton on the The Young and the Restless from 2008 to 2009 and the lead character Marilyn "Madam" Deville in the BET+ series starting in 2021. Born in , , Marcille attended , where she majored in speech communications with an emphasis in theater and minored in . Her television presence expanded with reality formats, including a stint as a main cast member on Bravo's The Real Housewives of Atlanta from seasons 11 to 12 (2018–2020), after debuting as a friend in season 10. More recently, she has starred in Lifetime's Buried Alive and Survived (2024) alongside and Peacock's travel series Eat, Slay, Love (2024), while participating briefly in Fox's : World's Toughest Test season 4 in 2025 before being medically discharged on day 2. In her personal life, Marcille is a mother of three: daughter Marley Rae (born 2014) from her relationship with rapper , and sons Michael Todd Sterling Jr. (born April 13, 2018) and Maverick (born September 27, 2019) from her marriage to attorney Michael Sterling, whom she wed in 2018 before their divorce was finalized in 2023, though the couple reconciled in 2025.

Early years

Family background

Eva Marcille was born Eva Marcille Pigford on October 30, 1984, in , . She is the daughter of Michelle Yvette Pigford and Evan Anthony Pigford, and grew up in an inner-city environment in South Central alongside her three brothers: Evan Pigford Jr., Malcolm Pigford, and Andre Pigford. Of African-American heritage, Marcille has spoken about embracing her identity as a Black woman shaped by her family's roots, with her mother being a native and her father raised in , . As a young girl in , she earned the nickname "Eva the ," hinting at her early passion for , , and , nurtured within her local community.

Education

Eva Marcille attended Raymond Avenue Elementary School and Marina Del Rey Middle School before attending Washington Preparatory High School in , , graduating in 2002. Following her high school graduation, she enrolled at in , Georgia, where she pursued a degree in speech communications with an emphasis in and a minor in . Her studies at the historically Black university provided foundational training in performance and communication, aligning with her emerging interests in entertainment and . Marcille did not complete her degree, leaving shortly after being selected for and winning the third cycle of America's Next Top Model in 2004, forgoing early admission to Vanderbilt Law School to pursue modeling. This transition marked the beginning of her self-directed learning in the industry, where she honed skills in modeling and through practical experience rather than formal higher education.

Career

Modeling breakthrough

Eva Marcille, then known as Eva Pigford, gained prominence in the modeling world through her participation in the third cycle of (ANTM), which premiered in September 2004 and concluded in May 2005. At the age of 20, she auditioned and competed fiercely, earning two first-call-outs and winning two challenges during the season, ultimately being crowned the winner on May 18, 2005, as the first Black contestant to claim the title. Her ANTM victory granted her a modeling contract with cosmetics, representation by the prestigious agency, and a featured spread in Elle magazine, marking the immediate launch of her professional career. Shortly after, Marcille signed exclusively with and secured several high-profile magazine covers that solidified her breakthrough status. These included Women's Health and Fitness in May 2005, King in June 2005, in July 2005, IONA in November 2005, and Brides Noir in September 2006, along with appearances in Metro Pop. Marcille debuted on the runway at for the Fall 2005 season, walking shows for designers including and Marc Bouwer, despite standing at 5 feet 6 inches—shorter than the typical height standard for high-fashion runways. She also starred in major advertising campaigns for brands such as , , Avon, , and Red by , expanding her presence in print and commercial work. Her rapid rise during the peak years of 2005 to 2008 highlighted her ability to navigate industry challenges, including biases against shorter statures and limited diversity for Black models, contributing to greater representation in fashion.

Acting and television roles

Eva Marcille transitioned to acting shortly after winning the third cycle of America's Next Top Model in 2005, adopting the professional name Eva Pigford initially to avoid leveraging her modeling fame for roles. Her early scripted work included a guest appearance as Sandra Clark in the legal drama Kevin Hill. She made her film debut in The Walk (2005), portraying Sydney Lee in the short drama about faith and community, followed by supporting roles in Premium (2006) as Farrah, a romantic interest, and Crossover (2006), playing Vanessa in the sports drama centered on basketball and friendship, and I Think I Love My Wife (2007), where she appeared as Hope, a tempting colleague in Chris Rock's romantic comedy exploring marital fidelity. These roles established her in independent films, often highlighting themes of relationships and self-discovery. On television, Marcille guest-starred as Ms. Crabtree in an episode of Everybody Hates Chris (2007) and as the cryokinetic thief Tyler Crenshaw in Smallville's season 7 episode "Fierce" (2007). She then took a recurring role as Tracie Evans on Tyler Perry's House of Payne from 2007 to 2012, appearing in 16 episodes as the on-again, off-again girlfriend of C.J. Payne, bringing comedic energy to family dynamics. In 2008, she joined the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless as Tyra Hamilton, a single mother and aunt to Devon Winters, in a recurring capacity from June 2008 to August 2009; her portrayal of the protective, ambitious character earned NAACP Image Award nominations and contributed to storylines involving family custody battles. Marcille continued acting in the 2010s and , with guest appearances on shows like Let's Stay Together (2012) and (2013). She starred as Marilyn "Madam" Deville in the BET+ series starting in 2021, playing the lead role of a owner in a about power and intrigue. In 2024, she led the Lifetime thriller Buried Alive and Survived as Alicia, a fighting for survival after a mudslide.

Hosting and reality television

Eva Marcille joined The Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA) as a friend of the housewives during Season 10, which aired from 2017 to 2018. She was elevated to a full-time housewife status for Seasons 11 and 12, spanning 2018 to 2020, where her storylines often centered on her family life, relationships, and entrepreneurial pursuits. In June 2020, Marcille announced her departure from the series after three seasons, citing the demands of raising her three young children as her primary reason, stating that her six-year-old daughter and two sons in diapers required her full attention and energy for family and community focus. In 2023, Marcille participated in the filming of : World's Toughest Test Season 4, an series that challenges celebrities with grueling physical and mental tasks modeled after . Filmed in in January 2023, her involvement pushed her limits through intense challenges like underwater tests and endurance exercises, which she later described as a therapeutic experience that fostered personal growth and resilience amid physical exhaustion. The season premiered on in 2025, showcasing Marcille alongside other stars as they navigated high-stakes scenarios designed to test and emotional fortitude. Marcille expanded into hosting with the 2024 ESSENCE Fashion House event during , where she emceed the sixth annual gathering celebrating creativity and excellence in under the theme "Luxury Undefined." The event featured panel discussions on industry innovation, with Marcille facilitating conversations alongside figures like and Dapper Dan, emphasizing empowerment and cultural impact in . She returned for the 2025 edition, attending as a prominent guest and participating in panel discussions that highlighted ongoing themes of excellence and professional development in the world. Beyond these high-profile appearances, Marcille has engaged in various unscripted television ventures, including a role in the 2016 TV One reality series About the Business, which followed entrepreneurs navigating personal and professional challenges. In 2024, she featured in the unscripted docuseries Eat Slay Love, a three-part production by Media that documented a celebrity focused on bonding and self-discovery. As of 2025, Marcille has diversified her business interests with the launch of Sunflower by Eva, a brand unveiled at the National Cannabis Festival, marking her entry into wellness and lifestyle products while maintaining ties to her fashion advocacy through events like Beyond the Runway at NYFW, which blend style with financial empowerment discussions.

Personal life

Relationships

Eva Marcille began dating rapper and singer in 2013. The relationship was tumultuous, featuring public reports of ups and downs, including allegations that McCall began abusing Marcille while she was pregnant with their . The couple split in spring 2014, shortly after their daughter's birth, with Marcille later stating they had no ongoing relationship and that she held full custody. In 2017, Marcille met attorney Michael Sterling, and the pair became engaged that December. They married on October 7, 2018, in a private ceremony in , Georgia. The marriage lasted nearly five years until Marcille filed for divorce on March 23, 2023, citing and stating the union was "irretrievably broken." Following the filing, Marcille and Sterling maintained an amicable co-parenting arrangement, publicly celebrating family milestones together in 2024, such as their son's kindergarten graduation and birthday. By July 2025, the couple had reconciled, with Marcille sharing videos of their reunion at the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans, describing it as a "" of their rekindled romance. As of November 2025, they continue to make joint public appearances, appearing stronger in their partnership.

Family and children

Eva Marcille is a mother of three children. Her daughter, Marley Rae Sterling, was born on January 31, 2014, to her former partner . In 2019, Marcille legally changed her daughter's surname from McCall to Sterling to symbolize unity with her then-husband Michael Sterling, who became a to Marley. Marcille and Sterling welcomed their first son, Michael Todd Sterling Jr., on April 13, 2018. Their second son, Maverick Leonard Sterling, arrived on September 27, 2019. During her tenure on The Real Housewives of Atlanta from 2018 to 2021, Marcille openly discussed parenting challenges, including a strained co-parenting dynamic with McCall marked by allegations of abuse during her pregnancy with Marley and subsequent custody disputes. Marcille was granted full custody of Marley in 2014, following allegations of abuse and instability on McCall's part that limited his involvement. The couple's 2023 divorce filing added further strain, with Marcille describing emotional difficulties that impacted family routines, but their reconciliation in mid-2025 has fostered a more stable blended family environment. By late 2025, Marcille has emphasized positive co-parenting evolution, with Sterling actively involved in raising all three children. She frequently shares family milestones on , such as Marley's 11th birthday in February 2025, Maverick's sixth birthday celebration in September 2025, the children's first day of school in August 2025, and holiday gatherings in October 2025, highlighting their growth and unity.

Filmography

Film

Eva Marcille began her film career with supporting roles in early 2000s independent and urban dramas.
  • The Walk (2005): Marcille portrayed Sydney Lee in this faith-based drama, taking the lead role of a young rediscovering her amid personal struggles.
  • Premium (2006): She played Farrah, a supporting character in the coming-of-age about a high school outsider navigating love and social dynamics.
  • Crossover (2006): Marcille appeared as Vanessa, a supporting role in the sports drama following players chasing professional dreams and romance.
  • Super Capers (2009): She portrayed a News Reporter in this .
  • I Think I Love My Wife (2007): In this directed by and starring , she had a supporting role as , the tempting ex-girlfriend of the .
  • The Boys and Girls Guide to Getting Down (2011): Marcille took on the role of in this exploring the party scene and fleeting relationships.
  • If You Really Love Me (2012): She appeared in this family drama centered on domestic abuse and redemption.
  • Note to Self (2012): She portrayed Karen Wells, a key character in the drama about a confronting past traumas through journaling.
  • 24 Hour Love (2013): Marcille starred as Leah in this independent drama centered on a couple's intense one-day reconnection amid relational challenges.
  • The Fright Night Files (2014): She played Marla Peters in this horror anthology TV movie.
  • Sister Code (2015): She played Sheila, a supporting role in the family about three sisters reuniting after their mother's death.
  • Adventures in Christmasing (2021): Marcille starred in this .
  • Bid for Love (2022): She portrayed Linda in this romantic drama involving auctions and relationships.
  • A Christmas Fumble (2022): Marcille led as Nicole Barnes in this film about a crisis manager finding love.
  • Hello (2022): She portrayed Alicia Gregory in the drama examining themes of grief and reconciliation among friends.
  • A New Diva's Christmas Carol (2022): Marcille appeared as Zero in this modern adaptation inspired by , focusing on redemption and family.
  • Buried Alive & Survived (2024): In this thriller, she played the lead role of Alicia, a fighting for survival after being buried alive by an obsessive stalker.
  • Bid for Love 2 (2025): Marcille reprised her role as Linda in this sequel to the romantic drama, exploring further twists in relationships and auctions.

Television

Eva Marcille's television career spans guest appearances, recurring roles in sitcoms and soap operas, and participation in reality programming. She debuted on screen with minor roles in legal and dramas before securing more prominent parts in and family comedies. Her work in reality TV, particularly as a cast member on a long-running franchise, further expanded her visibility. Later credits include competitive reality challenges and hosting specials tied to fashion events.

Key Television Roles

Marcille's scripted roles often highlighted her versatility in portraying strong, multifaceted women, from supporting characters in ensemble casts to leads in dramatic narratives.
  • In (2007), she guest-starred as Tyler Crenshaw, a villainous beauty queen with ice manipulation abilities, in the episode "Fierce."
  • From 2007 to 2012, she had a recurring role as Tracie Evans in the TBS sitcom , appearing across multiple seasons as a family friend.
  • Marcille portrayed Tyra Hamilton, a single mother entangled in family drama, on the from 2008 to 2010; the role earned her an Image Award nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series.
  • From 2021 to present, she stars as Marilyn "Madam" Deville in the BET+ series , a lead role in the drama about a nightlife empire.
Her foray into began with competitive and ensemble formats, where she appeared as herself.
Year(s)TitleRoleNotes
2018–2020HerselfFriend of the housewives (season 10); main cast member (seasons 11–12), approximately 47 episodes total before departing.
2024Eat, Slay, LoveHerselfHost and star in Peacock travel series exploring food and culture.
2025: World's Toughest TestHerself (Recruit No. 1)Competitor in season 4 (10 episodes); withdrew after a during an underwater challenge.
In addition to acting, Marcille has hosted fashion-focused specials. She served as host for the 2024 ESSENCE Fashion House event, a live production celebrating Black creativity in fashion during New York Fashion Week.

Music videos

Eva Marcille has appeared in several music videos, often portraying romantic interests or featured models, leveraging her background as a winner of America's Next Top Model. These roles highlighted her on-screen chemistry and visual appeal in R&B and hip-hop productions during the mid-2000s and early 2010s. Her earliest notable appearance was in Jamie Foxx's "DJ Play a Love Song" featuring Twista, released in 2005 from the album Unpredictable, where she played Foxx's love interest in a club setting. In 2007, Marcille made a cameo in 50 Cent's "I Get Money," a high-energy video directed by Chris Robinson that emphasized luxury and bravado, aligning with her rising modeling profile. That same year, she featured as a movie starlet in Angie Stone's "Baby" featuring , a narrative-driven clip directed by that included comedic elements with . Marcille starred as the leading lady in Tyrese's romantic ballad "Best of Me" from the album Open Invitation, directed by , where their portrayal of a committed couple contributed to the video's intimate, heartfelt tone. Her final major music video role came in 2013 with Jennifer Lopez's "Live It Up" featuring Pitbull, filmed in and directed by , where she appeared among a group of models in vibrant, dance-oriented scenes promoting summer .

References

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