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Eva Marcille
Eva Marcille 2012.jpg
Marcille in 2012
Born
Eva Marcille Pigford

(1984-10-30) October 30, 1984 (age 40)
Occupation Actress, model, television personality
Years active 2004–present
Spouse(s)
Michael Sterling
(m. 2018; div. 2023)
Children 3
Modeling information
Height 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Hair color Black
Eye color Hazel/Green
Agency L.A. Models
Ford Models, Uber-Warning Models

Eva Marcille Pigford (born October 30, 1984) is an American actress, fashion model, and television personality. She became well-known after winning the third season of America's Next Top Model. After that, she acted in Tyler Perry's House of Payne from 2007 to 2012. She also played Tyra Hamilton on the CBS show The Young and the Restless from 2008 to 2009. Later, Marcille returned to reality television as a cast member on the Bravo series The Real Housewives of Atlanta from 2018 to 2021.

Early Life and Education

Eva was born in Los Angeles, California. Her middle name, Marcille, is a mix of her grandmothers' names, "Marjorie" and "Lucille." Her parents are both African American.

School Days

She went to Raymond Avenue Elementary School and Marina Del Rey Middle School. She also attended Washington Preparatory High School, graduating in 2002.

College and Big Break

Eva went to Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia. However, she left college soon after. This was because she won the third season of America's Next Top Model when she was 19 years old.

Career Highlights

Becoming a Top Model

In 2004, Eva Marcille was chosen as one of the top fourteen contestants. She competed on the UPN reality TV show America's Next Top Model Cycle 3. During the show, she performed very well, winning two challenges. Eva was crowned the winner of the season. She beat another contestant named Yaya DaCosta. Her prizes included a contract with CoverGirl cosmetics. She also got a feature in Elle magazine. Plus, she received a modeling contract with Ford Models.

Modeling Work and Name Change

Marcille has been on the cover of several magazines. These include Brides Noir, Women's Health and Fitness, King, IONA, and Essence. She has also modeled for brands like DKNY and Samsung. Her runway shows include events for Marc Bouwer and Elle Girl.

On November 15, 2006, Marcille decided to leave her managers. She then officially changed her name from Eva Pigford to Eva Marcille. She said she did this to show that she wanted to earn her acting roles on her own. She did not want to use her modeling fame to get into acting. Marcille is now signed with L.A. Models.

Television Appearances

Eva Marcille has appeared as a guest star on many TV shows. These include two episodes of Kevin Hill. She also appeared in one episode of Smallville. Other guest roles were on Everybody Hates Chris and The Game. She also had a role in Tyler Perry's House of Payne.

Hosting and Music Videos

Marcille hosted the reality show My Model Looks Better Than Your Model on BET J. She also hosted Rip the Runway on BET. She has been in several music videos too. These include "Baby" by Angie Stone and "I Get Money" by 50 Cent. She also appeared in Jamie Foxx's "DJ Play a Love Song" video.

Acting Roles

In 2008, she joined the cast of The Young and the Restless. She played a young mother named Tyra Hamilton. Her role was so popular that it became a permanent part of the show. In 2009, Marcille was nominated for two NAACP Image Awards for her role on The Young and the Restless.

In 2010, she hosted the first season of the Oxygen reality series Hair Battle Spectacular. In 2015, Marcille was a main cast member on the TV One series Born Again Virgin. In 2017, she competed on VH1's Scared Famous.

From 2018 to 2021, she was a cast member on The Real Housewives of Atlanta. In June 2021, she began starring in the BET+ series All the Queen's Men. She plays the lead role of Marilyn "Madam" DeVille.

Personal Life

In July 2006, Marcille started dating actor Lance Gross. They got engaged in December 2008 but broke up in March 2010. She also dated rapper Flo Rida from 2010 to 2012.

Family Life

Eva has a daughter from a previous relationship with singer Kevin McCall. She and McCall separated in 2014. In August 2019, she shared that her daughter's last name was legally changed to Sterling.

Eva became engaged to attorney Michael Sterling in December 2017. They got married on October 7, 2018. They have two sons, born in April 2018 and September 2019. In March 2023, Eva filed for divorce from Sterling. Their divorce was finalized on August 3, 2023.

Business Ventures

In 2019, Eva also started her own company called cEVAd. It is a CBD oil company. The company launched around the time her son Maverick was born.

Filmography

Movies

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 Shows

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

Music Videos

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

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Eva Marcille para niños

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