Andrea Kelly, also known as Drea, is a talented American choreographer, dancer and actress who gained 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 the role of lead dancer in the music video for Kelly’s first solo single, “Gender to me.” This opportunity marked the beginning of her professional relationship with Kelly, which later developed into a tumultuous marriage.
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- Full name: Andrea Danyell Kelly Lee
- Nickname: Drea
- Date of birth: January 28, 1974
- Age: 50 years old
- Gender: Female
- Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois
- Nationality: American
- Profession: Choreographer, dancer, actor
- Height: Not applicable
- Parents: Not applicable
- Siblings: Not applicable
- Spouse: Brian McKee (2014; divorced after 2 months)
- Children: Joann Kelly, Jaah Kelly, Robert Kelly Jr.
- Relationship status: Divorced
- Religion: Not applicable
- Ethnicity: African American
- Net worth: 4 million USD
Early life and education
Andrea Kelly, now 50 years old, 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 well documented; however, she mentioned that her mother often faced financial challenges when supporting her dancing aspirations.
Andrea attended local schools in Chicago, but specific details about her education are limited. She pursued a career in dancing without officially attending college in this major. Her ethnicity is African American and she identifies with the Christian faith.
Personal life
Andrea Kelly’s personal life was marked by important events and challenges. She married R. Kelly in 1996 after meeting him while working as a backup dancer for his shows. Their relationship turned 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 difficult; Andrea filed for divorce in 2006 due to accusations of abuse and infidelity by R. Kelly. The divorce was finalized in 2009, with Andrea securing custody of their children and an undisclosed amount of alimony.
In 2014, she was briefly married to Brian McKee but ended the marriage after just two months amid allegations of his infidelity.
Career
Andrea Kelly’s career began as a dancer and choreographer for R. Kelly’s music videos and live performances. She played a key role in shaping the visual aspects of his music during the peak of his career in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
In addition to her work with R. Kelly, Andrea is also better known for her participation in reality television. She starred in all three seasons Hollywood Exes, where she shares insights into life after 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 TV star. In addition, she also ventured into entrepreneurship through many dance-related projects.
Argumentative
Andrea Kelly’s life was overshadowed by controversy, mainly related to her marriage to R. Kelly. Throughout their relationship, Andrea alleged that she was emotionally and physically abused by R. Kelly. In interviews after their divorce, she detailed harrowing experiences that included instances of violence and threats that left lasting psychological scars.
In September 2005, Andrea filed a restraining order against R. Kelly following an incident in which he allegedly assaulted her when she expressed a desire to leave him. The legal battles continued throughout their marriage as both parties sought mutual protection amid rising tensions.
In recent years, Andrea has publicly spoken out about the abuse she endured during their marriage on platforms such as View mode and in documentaries such as Survives R. Kelly. Her revelations sparked discussions about domestic violence in celebrity relationships and contributed to the broader #MeToo movement.
Andrea’s decision to share her story was not without backlash; some critics questioned why she maintained the relationship for so long or why she chose to speak out so many years later. However, Andrea maintains that sharing her experiences aims to empower other victims of domestic abuse to find their voice.
Social Media
- Instagram: @andreakelly
- Twitter: @DreaKelly
Cinema
- 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 sheets with Drea Kelly (2015)
- Xscape: Still excited! (2017)
- Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta (2019)
- Survives R. Kelly (2019)
Book
- Life under the red carpet: My life as R. Kelly’s wife
